Nounou East Trail in Kauai: The Ultimate Guide
Another short hike in Kauai you can’t miss is the Nounou East Trail. Also known as the Sleeping Giant Trail, it is located on the eastern side of Kauai in the Nounou Forest Reserve. It’s a nice short trail that leads to a panoramic overlook of the ocean and the surrounding area. That being said, this one is a bit steep, but the view from the top is worth it.
As you make your way to the top of the trail, can you guess what you’ll find….chickens! Read on for more details, and be sure to check out our epic 7 day Kauai itinerary for more fun things to do on your Hawaiian vacation.
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🌺 Whenever you visit Kauai, please practice mālama by showing care and respect for others, supporting local businesses, and protecting the environment by refraining from littering. Keep Kauai pristine and pick up any trash you encounter. Take the time to learn about Hawaiian culture and spread kindness by paying it forward.
Things to Know
- Reservations are NOT required to hike on the Nounou East Trail, but parking might be a bit tricky, so it’s best to head here early in the morning if you plan to hike.
- This trail starts at a small parking lot in a residential neighborhood, so be sure to respect the area and park only where you are permitted. The lot here has enough space for about 15 cars.
- Restrooms: There are NO restrooms located at Nounou Trail East.
- Water: Bring plenty! Get our favorite water bladder here and ditch those plastic water bottles!
Nounou East Trail – 3.2 miles – moderate, out and back, 1,000 ft. gain
To reach the trailhead, head toward Lihue on the Kuhio Highway. Just north of Lihue, turn onto Haleilio Road and drive about 1 mile until you reach the trailhead parking area, which will be located on the right as you approach.
The first section of the trail consists of many switchbacks as you work your way up the mountain to the overlook. Most of this section of the trail is somewhat shaded and provides a little bit of relief from the sun. It’s lined with flowering plants, including the invasive strawberry guava plant. We recommend hiking this one in the cooler morning hours if you can.
🛎️ Book your stay at the amazing Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club near Poipu!
After about a half mile, the trail flattens out for a short time before you begin more switchbacks. As you hike, be sure to catch some of the views through the trees of the surrounding area and take plenty of breaks as needed.
At about 1.4 miles in, you’ll reach a trail junction with the Kuamo’o-Nounou Trail. Don’t take this trail, but continue on the one you are on, and eventually, you’ll reach a picnic spot. This is a great place to have lunch or take a quick break. Enjoy a view of the Wailua River below.
🌴 Check out another one of the best short hikes in Kauai near Poipu: The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike a little bit farther on the trail to reach the ridge where there are 360-degree views. Be sure to be careful on this section of the trail! In the past, authorities have had to rescue hikers from this area.
Lastly, be sure to say hello to some of the chickens at the top of the trail! They will probably be hanging around the picnic area begging for food. As always, please do not feed them! Once you have enjoyed your time here at the top of the trail, retrace your steps back to the parking lot. It’s all downhill from here!
🤿 Check out these fun helicopter tours and snorkeling excursions in Kauai!
What to Do After the Nounou East Trail
After your hike on the Nounou East Trail, it’s time to get some Hawaiian shaved ice! I mean, there is nothing better than a cold treat after a warm hike, right? So, there are plenty of shaved ice locations in Kauai to choose from, but we recommend heading to Waikomo Shave Ice.
Waikomo Shave Ice is made with no artificial ingredients, and they use only fresh fruit in their products. Each treat comes with a choice of fresh fruit, house-made coconut cream, and a drizzle of local honey. It is SOOOO good. You can get your shave ice in a bowl to keep, and you can even add some ice cream as well!
After you enjoy your shave ice, head back to Poipu and relax on the beach, or head to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail for another short and easy hike.
The Sleeping Giant Trail is also a good one to complete in the morning before your sunset dinner cruise that leaves in the afternoon with Capt. Andy’s.
Where To Stay Near Poipu
For the second leg of your amazing trip to Kauai, we recommend staying near Poipu. Below are a few top-rated accommodations in south Kauai near Poipu:
- Poipu Kai Resort Condos – This was a perfect home base for us in South Kauai! Condos with private pools and within walking distance to beaches. Book this location now on VRBO. You won’t be disappointed!
- Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – just steps away from Poipu Beach! Book it right now on Expedia. There is even a fun on-site arcade and game room here.
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – A sprawling luxury resort with a lava-rock river pool, waterslide, and saltwater lagoon. This one is pricey, but check it out on Booking.com. This one is super close to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
- Ko’a Kea Resort On Poipu Beach – an intimate resort on a prime beachfront spot on Kauai’s south shore. Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Aston At Poipu Kai – a top-rated beach location and outdoor pool. Walk to nearby Poipu and Shipwreck Beaches to watch the sunset every night. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
Final Thoughts
We really enjoyed the scenery and views on the Nounou East Trail. We arrived first thing in the morning and did not have a problem parking, but as we returned to the parking lot, there were many more hikers heading up the trail, and it was very busy.
After hiking this trail, we headed to Waikomo Shave Ice. It was the perfect snack after this warm hike. Then, we headed back to Poipu Beach to relax and spent some time swimming and snorkeling.
Finally, after a nice dinner in Poipu, we watched the sunset at Poipu Beach, and it was breathtaking! The turtles came up for a visit on the beach, and we really enjoyed watching them as the sun set on another perfect day in Kauai.
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