Hawaii, HI : Nounou Mountain Trail

Nounou Mountain Trail

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Kauai County

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Address East Trailhead: Halelilo Rd; West Trailhead: Kamalu Rd. Wailua, HI 96746	Hours Every day Never Closes

Directions
To access the east trailhead, turn up mauka onto Halelilio Road (turn right coming from the north, or left coming from the south between Wailua and Kapa’a) off of Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56). The parking area for the trailhead is paved and well marked. It is located on the east side (right side coming up mauka) of Halelilo Road. To access the west trailhead, go up mauka on Kuamoo Rd. turn right at the country store and the trail begins along Kamalu Road (Hwy 581) in the Wailua Homesteads on the east side of the road at telephone pole #11. It starts as a mowed grassy path in between two house lots.

Description:
The Nounou Mountian (Sleeping Giant) Trail is actually two trails, the east trail and the west trail. Both start in Wailua and provide a path for exploration within the Nounou Forest Reserve, leading hikers all the way up to the top of the "Sleeping Giant."

The Nounou Trail-East is a 1.75 mile hike (one way) that starts off of Halelilio Road in Wailua Houselots. This is a very clearly marked trail that climbs 1,000 feet above sea level and treats hikers to gorgeous views of the coastal areas of Kapa’a, Makahela Mountain, and Mt. Wai’ale’ale. The east trail is the most direct way to the top of Sleeping Giant. Trail-goers will take part in a moderately strenuous ascent through groves of guava trees, wild liliko’i (or passion fruit).vines, and brushy lantana. The trail can be muddy and steep as you traverse the volcanic rocks. The east trail meets up with the west 1.5 miles in. The Nounou Trail-West is a little shorter and climbs a bit faster than the eastern trail. This trail starts off of Kumalu Rd (see below for full directions). Trail-goers choosing this route will find themselves tucked in the forest for a majority of the hike, passing through a large grove of Norfolk Pines on their way to the top. Just as you enter the hovering Norfolks, you will come to a fork with the Kuamoo Trail. Here, veer left and continue your ascent. The view from the top is amazing and arguably the best place for a picnic on the whole island. I’m not sure how they get a mower up here, but a little well-kept grassy knoll is a perfect host to the sheltered picnic table for you to relax by and enjoy.

Written By: Rana Jackson

Features
Kid Friendly | Parking | Picnic Tables

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