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Nounou-East Trail / Sleeping Giant Trail
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 (808) 274-3433
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5290 Haleilio Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746
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Moderate to difficult hike up Sleeping Giant Mountain.
Features
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• General: Cost: Free
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• General: Photo Opportunity
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• Hiking: Dogs Allowed
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• Hiking: Hiking
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• Hiking: Length: 2-3 Miles
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• Hiking: Level: Difficult
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• Hiking: Level: Moderate
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• Hiking: Major Elevation Changes
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• Hiking: Out & Back Trail
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• Sightseeing: Great Views
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The Nounou-East Trail is a 2 mile long (each way), out and back style hiking trail in the Kapaa area of Kaua'i.
The trail is considered to be a moderately difficult hike with an overall elevation gain of 960 feet. Novice hikers will likely consider this hike to be difficult and if the trail is wet you'll want to skip this one entirely.
Getting here is easy, see our map / directions page which will take you to the parking area right off of Haleilio Road.
The trailhead is right next to this parking area. Note that this is a popular hike and so the lot can fill up.
A common name for this hike is Sleeping Giant Trail because the path works its way up Sleeping Giant - Nounou Mountain, where you'll get some amazing views of Kaua'i. So why is the mountain called Sleeping Giant Mountain? Because it looks sort of like a giant who is laying down.
As you ascend the mountain you'll work your way up several switchbacks and head through a forest with koa haole and Christmas berry trees. Eventually the trail will drop down a bit before climbing back up through more switchbacks and up the ridgeline.
Near the end of the trail (about 1.5 miles in) the path will intersect with the Nounou-West Trail which, if taken, will place you on the opposite side of the mountain. If you do that you'll need somebody to pick you up or plan to hike it all back. The Kuamo'o Nounou Trail also connects in this same area.
The end of the trail stops on the "chest" of the Sleeping Giant up in the Nonou Forest Reserve. There will be picnic tables at the end along with a sign marking the end of the trail.
Bring a camera and be ready to grab some amazing views of the island and ocean. Just don't forget to read Hiking Safety & Essentials before heading out.
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