Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Trail

A technical hike along an exposed ridge to a famous summit

Hiking Severe

Distance: 5.1 km
Ascent: 375 m
Descent: 375 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 40 m
High Point: 376 m
Gradient: 9˚

This famous walk begins at the end of Haleilio Road on the outskirts of Wailua, and there's plenty of parking. Once on foot the hiking is fabulous, with the extraordinary variety of Kauai's flora on show. Looking up from your immediate surroundings is equally impressive, with the mighty Pacific Ocean stretching out to the horizon.

Looking down on Wailua and out to the ocean on the way up Photo: Alexander Demyanenko

Description

The final section to the summit requires some easy scrambling so move carefully, partly for your own safety and partly to avoid waking the Sleeping Giant! Local legend holds that the giant fell asleep after eating too much at a party and he has never woken up, and when viewed from Kapa'a you can see the mountain's resemblance to a giant, and understand why the legend persists.

Enjoy the ocean views and the vistas over Mount Waialeale and Wailua River, then descend back to your car via the ascent route.

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.