Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail
A ridge above Wailua that looks like a giant lying on his back.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Kauaʻi · Photo: The original uploader was Ulfl at German Wikipedia ., Public domain
Quick answer
Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail is a nature spot in Kapaʻa and Wailua, Kauaʻi. Allow 2–3 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Kapaʻa and Wailua
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, active, views and outdoors
- Best months
- February and April–May
Plan a trip to Kauaʻi
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail
A ridge above Wailua that looks like a giant lying on his back. The East Trail climbs about 2.7 km each way through forest to a summit with views over the East Side coast and the interior mountains.
Tip: Hike early in the morning, before heat and clouds, and wear shoes with grip; the trail is muddy after rain.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Kapaʻa and Wailua, east Side towns of the Coconut Coast, Wailua River and a coastal path.
Best time to visit Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail
Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-February the sun sets at about 18:35 local time (calculated for Kauaʻi).
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon State Park.
- No. 17 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Kauaʻi.
Near Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail
Also in Kapaʻa and Wailua, so you can walk between them:
- Wailua River kayak — half a day, mid-priced
If you like Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail
- Nā Pali Coast — North and West Shores, Half a day
- Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach — Hanalei, Half a day
- Kōkeʻe State Park and Kalalau Lookout — Kōkeʻe, 2–3 hours
- Hanalei Valley Lookout — Princeville, 15 minutes
Staying near Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail
Stay in Kapaʻa and Wailua ($$$) to walk here: east Side towns of the Coconut Coast, Wailua River and a coastal path. All areas to stay in Kauaʻi.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Wailua River kayak nearby, it fits a half-day in Kapaʻa and Wailua.
+Is Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Hike early in the morning, before heat and clouds, and wear shoes with grip; the trail is muddy after rain.
+Do I need to book Nounou (Sleeping Giant) Trail in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.