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.
Sonya Ehcoh/Flickr
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.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
Two different hiking trails lead to the highest point of the ridge and provide stunning panoramic views.
John Verive/Flickr
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.
Frank Hamm/Flickr
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.
Melissa Emmons Photography/Flickr
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.
Heath Cajandig/Flickr
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.
Melissa Emmons Photography/Flickr
If you’re looking for a strenuous adventure on the island of Kauai and views that will make your jaw drop, Sleeping Giant is a must-visit.
Navin Rajagopalan/Flickr
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.
Sonya Ehcoh/Flickr
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
John Verive/Flickr
Frank Hamm/Flickr
Melissa Emmons Photography/Flickr
Heath Cajandig/Flickr
Navin Rajagopalan/Flickr
If you liked this, you might also be interested in “The Incredible Hawaii Hiking Trail That Takes You Past Ancient Lava Flow.”
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