Short Kauaʻi Trail Hike with Beautiful Mountain Views
Looking for a Kauaʻi hike that gives you a workout with picturesque views, but don’t have a lot of time? This hike is for you!
Nounou Mountain, aka “Sleeping Giant,” is located on the East Side of Kaua’i, looming above the Wailua River – just inland from where Ancient Kauaian Ali’i (Hawaiian royalty) first chose to settle. Myths and legends abound about this landmark mountain ridge that resembles a very large man sleeping on his back.
“Up” will be the order of the day, as the trail zig-zags its way past lush vegetation before finally arriving on the Giant’s chin, nose and forehead (a climb of nearly 1,000 feet)! From the summit, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of Mount Wai’ale’ale, the Wailua Homesteads, and the entire eastern coastline!
Waterfall Swim Add-On:
After all that climbing, reward yourself with a refreshing dip beneath a cascading waterfall. This option will add approximately four hours to the tour time. We will stop at one of several “ono” (tasty) local restaurants to refuel before continuing on to this final phase of our Kauaʻi adventure.
- Tour Highlights
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- Learn the legend(s) of “The Sleeping Giant”
- Sweeping views of Mount Wai’ale’ale, the Wailua Homesteads and the entire Eastside coastline
- 1,000-foot elevation gain, a great workout!
- View and photograph many species of native and introduced birds & plants
- What to Know Before You Go
You must be able to walk on unpaved, uneven, steep, and possibly muddy terrain.
The area has the potential to be hot & sunny and/or windy & raining, so you should wear layered clothing and closed-toe shoes.
This out and back hike is a workout – it involves a 1,000 ft vertical climb over two miles on the ascent!
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book.