We stayed in Unit #2 (2/2 oceanfront) and after reading other reviews of #2 on this site I was a bit wary since it appeared to have a roach and ant problem over the past few years. However, it must have improved since. There were a few of those tiny ants, but it wasn't close to being a problem (no infestation of food/luggage). Given the age of the building, it was well-maintained. It should be noted that the exterminators did a routine spraying of the rooms and property halfway through our stay, so it appears the staff has been increasing pest control since the time of those other reviews.

The rooms were small but functional and the three of us had enough space. Between using the fans and keeping the windows open for a cross-breeze, it stays cool enough to sleep comfortably. The sound of the surf usually drowns out the roosters unless one decides to spend the night next to your room. The Wifi is good (the nearest terminal is on the side of the unit just north of #2) but you have to get the password from the office.

As others have said, the beach isn't swimmable but you can usually see fish by the rocks. We also saw a monk seal stop by on the north end one day.

As for the surrounding area, traffic can be an issue sometimes but it's still better than what's considered bad traffic on the mainland. The Kapa'a Sands parking lot is tiny and somewhat hidden. If you buy your own food, Safeway and Foodland are next to each other and both offer introductory membership cards to save a little money. If you like to go for a walk in the morning, The Coffee Bean in the Foodland strip mall is a good destination.

Overall, a nice "mom-and-pop-style" place to stay. The location is extremely convenient. If you can get a discount, you can stay in an oceanfront unit for about the price of an oceanview unit. Great deal!

If you are thinking about staying at Kapaa Sands you need to realize that it is a very special place but NOT a hotel. Our family has stayed here for 7 years and we would move in if we could. We actually stayed for an entire month once and still did not want to leave. It's not that the condos are luxurious. The oceanfront location is AMAZING! It doesn't get any closer than Kapaa Sands and the beach is beautiful. The complex is quiet, you feel as though you have lots of privacy and the staff make you feel like family. The furnishings are very basic but clean and the units always seem freshly painted when we arrive. We have only stayed in the (2) oceanfront 2-bedroom units. We have the luxury in these units to have the ocean lull us to sleep and wake us up every morning. There is nothing like sunrise on the lanai. Which by the way you have one upstairs by the living room and one off the master bedroom. Again it is NOT a resort, the pool is small and there are no bellmen but if you want to experience ocean front living this is the place. We travel to all the islands and are always in search of a place like Kapaa Sands and have never found it. Maybe that is why we come back every year. Unfortunately, our units were booked for spring break by the owners this year so we had to stay elsewhere for the first time and were EXTREMELY disappointed.

My husband and I had a relaxing stay here in November for three nights. We booked unit 9. The pictures depict the room exactly. Perfect size for two, full kitchen behind screened doors, interesting shaped bathroom, anda a spacious lanai to watch the sunrise. We found this spot very quiet, the office staff was friendly and helpful. We had the pool to ourselves every evening for a lovely swim, the pool is even large enough for laps. We really enjoyed this location. Easy walking distance to shopping at the Coconut Marketplace and there is a Safeway and Foodland close by for groceries. From here we took the river boat tour up to the Fern Grotto. We hiked Kuilau Ridge at the Keahua Arboretum. Had a wonderful dinner at Hukilau Lanai and my husband's favorite lunch at Bubba Burgers. Wednesday afternoon was the Kapaa Sunshine Market with lots of fresh veggies, fruit and flowers.

My fiance and I (he proposed in Kauai!!) stayed at the Kapaa Sands for 7 days. I have to say first that we stayed in condo 9, we chose it ourselves based on the reviews here, and the great help provided by the staff at Kapaa Sands. We chose it as it was a king bed, upstairs, and on the beach.
First - the location: the condos are almost on the beach, it was amazing sleeping with the sound of the ocean! Everything is within walking distance: a (very) small protected beach to snorkel, great restaurants (try the Japanese and the Mexican), shops for souvenir, and kayaking. We chose to stay in that area to be able to drive everywhere easily (35mn to Pipu, 45mn to Hanalei), and considering all the road works and speed limits, that was a great choice.
Second - the condo: there is no a/c, but a clever system that allows to keep the windows open so the air goes through easily, it is very efficient and we slept well. The kitchen was very well appointed, although we were surprised not to find any basic staple (no coffee or oil, no sugar, salt or pepper for instance). The lanai is fab, with a 180 degree view, fabulous!!!!
Third - the service: the ladies at reception were incredibly helpful for restaurants' recommendations, follow their advice. They also provided us with coolers so we could make our own lunches, and beach towels, which was very helpful. Only small negative is that our bed was not redone as planned as we had left our clothes on the bed, first time I hear of this rule anywhere! but not big deal overall.
Overall, we were thrilled to have stayed there, we stayed in a great place, with an amazing view, and managed to save some money by making our own b'fast and lunches, but in a romantic way (nothing beats breakfast on that lanai!).
I'd definitely go back, if only I could!!