Guide
Magazine
Itinerary

Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant)

Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant)

Suitable for:
Everyone
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Well known, but not overcrowded
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
3 hours
Optimal arrival time:
08:30 o' clock
Cost:
Free
Suitable for:
Everyone
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Well known, but not overcrowded
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
3 hours
Optimal arrival time:
08:30 o' clock
Cost:
Free

Profile of the hike

Distance total:
5,02 Kilometer
Distance uphill
2,37 Kilometer
Distance downhill
2,3 Kilometer
Altitude meters uphill
345 Meter
Altitude meters downhill
- 337 Meter

Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant) - Description

The Sleeping Giant, also known as Nounou Mountain, is a ridge west of Wailua and Kapaʻa in the Nounou Forest Reserve on Kauai's east coast. If you observe the mountain range from the road, with a little imagination you can see the outline of a sleeping giant. According to Hawaiian legend, this giant was tricked by the villagers. When they served him large quantities of fish and poi, they hid stones in the food. After the meal, heavy fatigue overcame him and he lay down to sleep. The sleeping giant was never to wake up from this nap.
There are several marked trails on Nounou Mountain that take you up through a shady forest of hornbeam, guava and silver oak to Sleeping Giant.

The ascent of the Sleeping Giant via Nounou East Trail is a total of 5 km hiking trail. Since it's not a loop trail, it's only 2.5 km each way. The hike is not particularly steep! You only have to overcome 350 meters of altitude to stand on the summit. The start is in the village of Kapaa on Haleilio Road. There is also a large parking lot where you can park your car. At the top, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view over Kauai.

There are practically no markings on the hike because you can't get lost on this path. Over a small climb, you reach a picnic area where you can take a break.

After passing the picnic area, keep left and you are on the direct way to the Sleeping Giant.

At the end of the hike is a rocky outcrop that offers a unique panoramic view of the island of Kauai.

What we say

Florian
If you have accommodation in Kapaa or on the east coast, this short hike is a good way to start the day. If the sun is shining, it is recommended to start early because it can get very hot otherwise. A "sunrise hike" is also certainly recommended, in which case you should start between 4:30 and 5:30, depending on the time of year. The trail is nice, with a lovely picnic area in green nature. It is fun to stand on the chest of the "sleeping giant" but the hike is not necessarily one of the absolute highlights of a Hawaii vacation. However, it is still recommended for active vacationers who have enough time on Kauai. If you only spend 4 or 5 days on Kauai, I would rather recommend hiking at Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park.
Our checklist & tips:
  • Enough water (at least 2-3 litres)
  • Sturdy footwear (preferably proper mountain boots with a solid sole)
  • Possibly hiking sticks
  • Sunscreen
  • Early start is recommended

How did you like Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant)?

You have been there before? Did you like it?

Thank you

  • Hidden
  • Thank you for your review.

  • Dieses Feld dient zur Validierung und sollte nicht verändert werden.

Map and contact data

Haleilio Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Longitude: -159.34661374230558
Latitude: 22.061296140242998

Your questions answered by us

You still have questions?

We answer them for you!

Other interesting sights

Kekaha Beach Park

Kekaha Beach is a seemingly endless beach park with golden sand, high waves, usually strong winds and at...

Ho'opi'i Falls Trail

Hoʻopiʻi Falls are 2 waterfalls along Kapaʻa Creek near Kapaʻa on the east coast of Kauai. The water...

Kukui Trail

The Kukui Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Waimea Canyon. However, with 700 meters of elevation gain over 7 km, it is s...

Poipu Beach Park

Located on Kauai's sunny south shore, about a half-hour drive southwest of Lihue, is this once-restored...

Anahola Beach Park

Anahola Beach Park is a relatively long, but narrow beach that provides wonderful shade due to the abundance of trees b...

Wailua River & Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)

The Wailuā River is a river on the island of Kauai. It rises at Mount Waiʻaleʻale and is the only navigable fl...
Oahu
Maui
Big Island
Kauai
Molokai
lanai
All Hawaii Islands
Overview of all islands & background info