Sleeping Giant Lookout — Attraction in Kauai

Worth the hike for an Unforgettable View!

Aloha!

I spent a few hours on this trail today. I was looking for a challenge so I climbed the East Trail head. This side boasts a strenuous 1.75 Mile hike in which you will climb 1,041ft to the summit of Nounou at 1241' (Locally called "The Sleeping Giant" due the silhouette of a person lying supine the mountain gives from a distance.)

Today was a sunny all day on the North East shore so it was perfect for pictures.The rock formation on which I took this photo is called the Sleeping Giant's Chin. After I got my shots in, I just spent a bit of time sitting there taking in the splendor of this unforgettable view and enjoying the nice cool trade winds

Be warned! There are three trail heads into this park two on the westside (both are considered moderate trails) and one on the east(strenuous). While it is possible for people of various fitness levels to make it to the summit, I would recommend that you read the following and decide if the Eastern trail is right for you.

The Eastern trails have some muddy spots that you must navigate through as well as a few brief rock walls you will need to climb. Additionally climbing onto the Giant's chin requires you to climb a rock face (pun intended!) with moderately narrow footing with with cliffs greeting you to either side.

Whichever trail you decide, you will find a bench or two along your way as well as a pavilion near the summit. Be sure to pick a Sunny day to go, but be sure to bring some trail snacks and plenty of water as well as sunscreen, clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and of course a change of clothes or a towel so you don't make the your car rental guy...

You can reach the top of The Sleeping Giant (Mount Nounou, on the island of Kaua'i) from any of the mountain's three official hiking trails, although most people seem to prefer Nounou East Trail via Haleilio Rd (which takes about an hour to reach the chin if you walk steadily without much resting). On the way to reach this spot, the terrain changes into a bumpy hard rock surface, with a fairly short rock climbing part just before the chin area. (Little to no upper body strength needed, as you just walk from one foothold to another while holding the trees or rock face for safety.)

At the chin area, you can hike onto the top of the chin for an exhilarating 360° view of east Kaua'i. You can also take the little side trail along the mauka (inland) side of the chin area to reach the chin tunnel/cave (which can be seen from the roads below), where the ocean breeze perfectly blows right through the tunnel to immediately cool you off on a hot day with the combination of shade and funneled wind. The tunnel/cave is big enough to stand in and comfortably fit several...

Incredible view; one of the best we had in all of kauai. 2 mile hike. I think it took us about an hour to get up. It had been dry for 30 hours or so before we hiked it so almost all the mud was dried up. Really a fun hike. There was rock climbing/scrambling in a very short section right at the end (but i expect that my 4 year old could have done it). The last 50 ft does have some slightly scary drop offs but it is worth it. after going to the upper lookout try the trail that goes around the north side of the lookout. there is a pretty cool little...