Share the Adventure with a Kayak Kauai Gift Card!
Our digital gift cards are available in any dollar-amount and can be used for tours, rentals, or gear purchases.
Add a Gift CardSleeping Giant Tour at a Glance…
| Price: | $125 per Person |
| Tour Time(s): |
Offered All Year
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. Thursday: 8:00 a.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. |
| Fitness Level: |
Family Friendly: Participants should enjoy a relaxed pace with manageable distances, occasional uneven terrain, and scenic stops.
|
| Distance + Elv.: |
Challenging: 1.7 miles and 662 feet of elevation gain.
|
| Duration (3-4 HRS.): |
Half-Day Adventure: Includes hiking time, stops for sightseeing, and lunch.
|
| Distance: | 1.7 miles (out and back) |
| Trail Time: | 3 to 4 hours |
| Restrictions: | Children under 16 years need to be accompanied by an adult; if not, service will be denied with no refund. |
Hiking View More
Sleeping Giant
Guided Hike to Panoramic Views of Kauai
Join us for a guided trek up Nounou Mountain, better known as the Sleeping Giant. This moderate hike offers a steady climb with incredible views and fascinating insights from your guide along the way.
Starting in the shade of towering Cook Island pines, you’ll ascend the trail while learning about Kauai’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy spotting Brazilian cardinals and shama, while your guide shares the history and natural features of the surrounding rainforest.
The hike culminates at the summit, where panoramic views of Wailua Homesteads, Mount Waialeale, and even distant Oahu await. Enjoy a relaxing break with lunch, provided as part of your tour, while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and unparalleled vistas.
A guided hike up the Sleeping Giant transforms this trail into an engaging and rewarding adventure, perfect for those looking to explore Kauai’s beauty with an expert by their side.
Detailed Tour Info…
Expand All Topics
What’s Included?
- State certified guide(s)
- Day packs
- Walking sticks
- Deli lunch + chips, tropical fruit and cookies
- Variety of tropical juices and flavored sparkling waters
What to Bring?
- Sun protection
- Light, long-sleeve shirt
- Sweatshirt or light jacket
- Shorts
- Rain gear
- Footwear: light hiking boots, sports sandals, or athletic shoes
- A water bottle (or two) to fill up at our purified water station — we also have reusable water bottles for sale
- A camera and binoculars
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hike hard?
We rate this hike as “moderate” to “easy”. The hike is just over 3/4 miles each way and the trail is often muddy. You’ll encounter slick rocks and roots — and the trail can be steep in sections. Guests should be patient and sure-footed to enjoy this challenging hike.
How long is the hike?
From the parking area to the summit of Nounou Mountain and back is approximately 1.7 miles. It’s mostly uphill on the way out — and downhill on the return.
We’ll spend 3 to 4 hours on the trail. Total time depends on the trail conditions and the pace of our group.
Is transportation provided? Is hotel pick-up an option?
No. Meet your guide(s) at the Sleeping Giant Upper Wailua Trailhead (Google Map).
Are there restrooms and water at the trailhead?
There are no facilities at the trailhead.
Map / Location
Before You Sign Up
No Unaccompanied Minors
Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult; if not, service will be denied with no refund. Minimum age to participate in this hiking tour is 6 years.
Cancellation Policy
We have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Parties of 6 or more required 48-hour cancellation. Inside of these windows there are no refunds.
Weather Cancellations
Cancellations made by Kayak Kauai due to inclement weather are 100% refundable.
Tours are Non-Refundable
If for any reason the entire hike is not accomplished by individuals (even if an individual is holding back a tour and is sent back by our guides), there is no refund.
Safety is First
Kauai weather can be mild or wild, and change quickly. If deteriorating conditions prevent us from safely continuing our adventure, depending on progress made, there may be a slight discount.
The Trail can be Very Muddy
The trail can be muddy any time of the year, so make sure everyone in your party are up to the challenging potential of a slip or slide! Choose footwear that can get wet, has good traction, and you don’t mind getting muddy.
