Nounou / Sleeping Giant
Kapaa, Hawaii
| Address: | ~5290 Haleilio Road, Kapaa, HI 96746, USA |
| GPS: |
22°3'40.9"N 159°20'48.3"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Hawaii |
Hike
The 2 mile Nounou Trail begins at the East side of the mountain and rises 1000 feet up to the peak. At the peak, you'll find a sheltered picnic area and some of the best views of Kaua'i
The Nounou Mountain Ridge is said to resemble a sleeping giant. There's plenty of Hawai'ian folklore to back that up. The hike takes you up across the chest and onto the forehead.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO STAY ON THE HUMAN PATHS. THE GROUND IS NOT ENTIRELY STABLE AND MAY GIVE WAY.
More Information
11 Epic Hikes in Kauai to Experience the Beauty of the Region
There are epic hikes throughout the Hawaiian islands, and Kauai is certainly no exception. Here, you’ll find dramatic cliffs, lush foliage, flowing waterfalls, and beautiful beaches that are nothing short of impressive. There are lots of trails to choose from, too, depending on what part of the island you plan to stay at, how long […]
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The Nounou East trail is lined with flowering low lined shrubs and great views of the entire East Side of Kauai with mountain and ocean panoramas.
https://www.kauai.com/nounou-eastBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Kapaa, Hawaii
- Head southeast on Kaapuni Rd (0.7 mi)
- Continue straight onto State Hwy 581/Olohena Rd (0.6 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto HI-5600/Kapaa Bypass (2.3 mi)
- Turn right onto HI-56 S (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Haleilio RdDestination will be on the right(1.1 mi)
Take Highway 56 north from the Wailua River to Kapa'a. The Chevron Station, on the right of the road, has a sign marking the viewing area for the Sleeping Giant.
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
Fantasy Island Wailua Falls
Kapaa, Hawaii
2.8 miles WA stunning 173-foot double-cascade waterfall on Kauai feeding into the Wailua River — two trails reach the base, but both are steep, muddy, and genuinely slippery.
Hike
Wailua Falls
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Hike
Hanakapiai
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19.0 miles NWA stunning beach on Kauai's Napali Coast reached via about 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail — not for novice hikers, but the reward includes a waterfall trail and access to the famous Kalalau route.
Hike, Swim
Hanapepe Valley
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19.2 miles SWA historic valley town on Kauai nestled along the Hanapepe River — once a wild plantation-era boomtown, still home to the famous swinging foot bridge rebuilt after Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
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Lydgate Beach Park
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1.6 miles SEThe most popular beach park on Kauai's east shore features a double-sectioned pool protected from ocean swells by a man-made rock barrier — ideal for safe, calm swimming.
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Poipu Beach Park
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14.8 miles SWA one-mile stretch of Kauai's southern coastline with swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving — considered among the safest beaches in Hawaii, with a lifeguard on duty daily.
Camp
Wainiha Beach Park
Kapaa, Hawaii
16.3 miles NWWainiha Beach's name means 'unfriendly water' in Hawaiian — no reef protects it from large ocean swells, making rip currents, powerful backwash, and strong shorebreak a constant danger. A scenic spot to visit from shore, not from the water.
Camp
