Chin of the Sleeping Giant – Nounou Trail Shelter loop from Wailua River State Park
Chin of the Sleeping Giant – Nounou Trail Shelter loop from Wailua River State Park
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Chin of the Sleeping Giant – Nounou Trail Shelter loop from Wailua River State Park
02:36
8.43km
250m
Hiking
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 4.86 km for 32 m
After 5.07 km for 66 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.32 km
Pedestrian Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
4.30 km
Aloha bench
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.94 km
Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) Summit View
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
5.03 km
Rock Window With View of the Pacific Ocean
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.07 km
Chin of the Sleeping Giant
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
5.26 km
Nounou Trail Shelter
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.28 km
Fruit Stand at the trail head
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
8.43 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.80 km
2.35 km
774 m
372 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.89 km
2.62 km
1.91 km
774 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (310 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 25 June
28°C
23°C
42 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a challenging hike with an incredible payoff on Kauaʻi, the Chin of the Sleeping Giant – Nounou Trail Shelter loop from Wailua River State Park is a fantastic choice. This difficult hiking route covers 5.2 miles (8.4 km) with 827 feet (252 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 36 minutes. It's a popular trail for those ready to earn their panoramic views.
What to expect on Chin of the Sleeping Giant – Nounou Trail Shelter loop from Wailua River State Park
The journey up Nounou Mountain, famously known as the Sleeping Giant, takes you through lush tropical forests of ironwood and wild guava. As you ascend, the trail transitions from shaded switchbacks to more open ridge sections, offering glimpses of the Wailua River Valley. The highlight is reaching the picnic shelter on the 'chest' of the giant, and then continuing to the 'chin' or 'head' for truly expansive 360-degree Sleeping Giant Trail viewpoints across the eastern coastline and interior mountains. Expect a steady, steep climb with some sections requiring minor rock scrambles, so sure-footedness and good traction shoes are a must.
Planning your visit
This trail can be quite muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so check the weather and wear appropriate footwear. The upper sections become narrower with steep drops, requiring caution. While specific parking details aren't provided, the trail's accessibility near Wailua and Kapaʻa makes it a convenient option for many visitors. Consider an early start, especially for sunrise hikes, to experience the most spectacular views and avoid the heat.
Trail details
- Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 827 feet (252 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 36 minutes
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