Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
This east Kauai town is just north Lihue and home to about 10,000 people. Kapa'a is a very touristy area with plenty of hotels, condos, restaurants and shops to entertain. Above the tops of Kapaa's graceful coconut trees, sleeps the giant. "Sleeping Giant" is just another name for an interesting formation on the Nounou Mountain range which is visible from nearly all areas of Kapa'a. Kapa'a's beaches are less crowded than some others on the island but often make for dangerous swimming because of tricky currents. For those planning to stay in the area, be sure to check out the Waipouli Beach Resort.
Kapa'a suffers from heavy traffic flow during rush hour. Despite the construction of a bypass and established contra-flow hours, the area continues to be congested during those times.
