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Nounou East Trail
Sleeping Giant Trail
Sleeping Giant Trail
East Kauai Hiking Trail
If you’re looking for a great Kauai hiking trail with fantastic views and a breathtaking lookout point from the mountain peak, we introduce you to the Sleeping Giant.
The Sleeping Giant Trail is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails. As you hike across the hulking guy’s chest, you’ll understand the origin of the trail’s name. The "giant's" profile is most easily seen from nearly anywhere in Kapaa – you’ll likely spot his chin first.
The Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) Trail is a gently ascending stroll through forested mountains with excellent views. The trail begins with several switchbacks through a shady forest of ironwood, guava, and silk oak- to name a few. Along your path you are treated to stunning views of Kapaa and Waipouli. You begin to gain elevation steadily past .75 miles. After a brief trek over a lava outcropping, you’ll start switchbacking again up the mountain as you enjoy views of Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Bay, and the Hoary Head Mountains.
Just before the top, there is a three-way junction surrounded by hala trees. Take the left fork. Nearly right after, you will find another fork; both paths lead to the picnic shelter, but the right one is easier. At this point you can eat lunch on the giant's chest! Kick back and enjoy the views of the Wailua river down below, the eastern coast of Kauai, and the interior of the island. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of Mt. Waialeale crater, even though most of the time it is enshrouded by clouds. The giant's head is the only thing that stands between you and a 360° view. If you are very sure footed, you can hike onward via a brief but very precarious trail onto the Sleeping Giant's face! Be careful not to slip if you try this.
The trail is extremely narrow in parts with hundred-foot drop offs at many points, so proceed with caution. To reach the trail, head north from Lihue on Hwy. 56. After 8 miles, turn west onto Haleilio Road at the traffic light. When the road begins to curve to the left, look on your right for telephone pole #38 with the trailhead marking. You can park across the road on the shoulder.
Trail day tools
Before you drive to the trailhead, check the trail and weather layer.
Hawaii hikes can change quickly with closures, rain, mud, heat, and daylight.
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Breezy trade winds are in place with windward and inland showers expected tonight and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday evening—avoid them if rough water concerns you. East-facing shores will see building swell Sunday as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves in with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas on the windward side. Forecasters are still narrowing down the exact track, so check updates this weekend. By Thursday normal trades return.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you stay clear of the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when the storm passes through.
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Trade winds are bringing showers to the windward side and inland areas, mostly at night and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday—avoid them if you're not comfortable in rough water.
Tropical Storm Fausto arrives Tuesday and brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on east-facing shores through Wednesday. The storm is moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot for days. Forecasters are still narrowing the track, so watch for updates this weekend. Impacts could shift depending on whether it passes north or south of the islands.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you avoid the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when Fausto moves through.
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Voice
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Right now you've got breezy trade winds with showers mainly at night and early morning on the windward and inland sides. Conditions stay stable through Monday with the same pattern—showers mostly after dark, trades during the day.
High surf is running through Saturday at 6 PM on south-facing beaches. Starting Sunday, east-facing shores will see advisory-level surf building as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches from the southeast. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves near the islands with heavy rain and gusty winds on the windward side. It's moving fast at 15 miles per hour, so rain won't sit in one spot for days, but forecasters are still refining the track—updates this weekend will clarify the exact impacts.
Stick with leeward beaches through Monday if you're comfortable in the current surf. For Tuesday and Wednesday, plan indoor activities or protected bays on the lee side while the heavy rain and wind move through.
0:000:48
Voice
Read the transcript
Breezy trade winds this morning with scattered showers on the windward side and inland—mostly at night and early morning. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday; skip them if rough water makes you nervous.
Tropical Storm Fausto moves near the islands Tuesday through Wednesday with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on the east-facing shores. The storm's moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot. The exact impacts depend on whether it tracks north or south—forecasters are still pinning down the track, so check updates this weekend.
Plan leeward beaches or protected bays through Monday. Once the trades return to normal Thursday onward, conditions settle back to typical.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
Local Mode reframes the script as if you’re standing at the spot — mauka / makai directions, immersive voice.
Created with AI from this HawaiiGuide page and read by a computer-generated voice. Double-check fees, hours, and reservations on the full page before you head out. Hawaiian pronunciation is tricky for synthesized speech and a few words may land slightly off; mahalo for your patience as we keep refining.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
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