Hike· Kauai· Hawaii
Sleeping Giant (Nounou) East Trail
22° 3.7′ N · 159° 20.8′ W
The classic east-side ridge hike up the 'Sleeping Giant' above Wailua, ending at a picnic shelter on the giant's chest with views down the coast and inland to the Wailua River and Mount Waialeale.
Practical
Na Ala Hele (state trails program): Nounou-East Trail, 2.0 miles one way, moderate, about 960 ft of climb; starts at a parking area beside the Department of Water pump site on Haleilio Road in the Wailua Houselots; ends at the picnic shelter in the Nonou Forest Reserve. The steeper Nounou-West Trail (1.5 miles, difficult, starts at telephone pole #11 on Kamalu Road) joins near the 1.5-mile post; the Kuamoo-Nounou trail was listed CLOSED in October 2026. Trail listed open by Na Ala Hele in October 2026, but after the 2026 hurricanes many Kauai state parks were closed - check before going. Commercial use by permit only; stay on the marked trail. Coordinate is the Na Ala Hele trailhead position; summit (Nounou peak, 378 m in OSM) at about 22.0614N 159.3548W. Go early - the ridge is exposed and hot by midday, and slippery after rain.
Best for
Half-day hike with a sweeping view of the east coast