The Panoramic View From Atop This Hawaii Mountain Is Well Worth The Hike
By Megan Shute|Published April 13, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are not only home to magnificent beaches, but world-class hiking as well. With near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands, and while we love the hundreds of trails you’ll find crisscrossing the Hawaiian Islands, there’s little better than the panoramic view from the summit of Kauai’s Sleeping Giant. Ready for an adventure? Let’s go.
Located west of the towns of Wailua and Kapa’a in the Nounou Forest Reserve on the island of Kauai, Nounou Mountain — also known as Sleeping Giant — is a mountain ridge that has become a major landmark for tourists visiting Kauai.
The formation received its common English name from its resemblance to a reclining human figure, as well as a native Hawaiian legend about a giant who, after great labor or overeating, lay to rest and is yet to awaken.
Which trail you take is up to you, but no matter which path you choose, you’ll begin with a gentle ascent through a shady forest of Ironwood, guava, and silk oak trees. At the ¾-mile mark, you’ll begin to gain more elevation as you hike switchbacks up the mountain.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Bay, and the Hoary Head Mountains. Just before you reach the summit, you’ll encounter a three-way junction surrounded by hala trees. Take the left fork, and almost immediately, you’ll encounter another fork. Both trails lead to the picnic shelter, but we’ve heard the right one is easier.
Once you’ve arrived at the mythical giant’s chest, at approximately 1,200 feet in elevation, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Wailua River, Kauai’s eastern coast, and the lush interior of the island. Don't forget your camera! Your friends on the mainland won't believe this view without photographic evidence.
The 270-degree view from here is undoubtedly incredible, but if you’re up for a challenge, you can continue onto the Sleeping Giant’s face via a brief but precarious trail where you will find a 360-degree view of Kauai.
Have you ever hiked the Nounou Trail? Sound off in the comments below, then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to share your photographs of this trail and others across the Aloha State.
