Kapaa, the most heavily populated town on Kauai, lies on the east coast, north of Lihue. In the center of the town is a large workers' housing estate, some hotels and restaurants. Tourists interested in Hawaiian church decoration should visit the Catholic St Catherine's Church in Kealia, 11/2 miles/2-3km to the north. The church's walls were
painted by Hawaiian artists.
Near to Kapaa is Nonou, the "Sleeping Giant", a mountain ridge which resembles the face of such a sleeping monster. Legend has it that the giant overate at a Luau banquet and fell into eternal sleep.