For me this hike demands respect due to the elevation gain, overall length and terrain features. The Nounou Mountain ridge is on the Wailua side of Kauai.
The first time for hiking Sleeping Giant was what I call, "high school reunion time", September 2010. Following the guidance in The Ultimate Kauai Guide Book, trails dot com and google maps, I settled in on using the 1.5 mile West Trail (trail head). This was quite a first time adventure. As a first time on the trail and totally focused on having a great time, I missed the little sign that would have told me to turn left and head up the mountain. Instead, I followed the trail with took me along the base of Nounou Mountain. At some point, around 15 minutes worth, I decided to re-consult the book, the trail guide and gps. Making the decision to turn around and head back the other way, 15 minutes later, I literally stumbled on that little, ankle high trail marker directing me up the hill, right at the Cook Pines.
The second time, I took the Kuamo'o -Nounou Trail 3.0 mile. This was August 2011. A much longer route that follows the base of Nounou Mountain, then starts the ascent begins at the Cook Pines, same as when taking the West Trail. This much longer route brought me through some interesting trail views and trail scenery. The trail takes you through a grassy pasture, a wide and well maintained foot bridge, then to the left which begins the trail. I would like to better articulate in words the trail experience. There is some elevation changes as the trail rounds the base, many different plant species, from ferns, ginger, guava, bamboo, and a tree with exposed roots that resembles dinosaur bones. This route takes you through a cool rain forest with mossy rocks to hot sun-baked hard packed trail. I would estimate this is around 1.5 miles. A good 30+ minutes later, that ankle high trail marker directs you up the hill, again, right at the Cook Pines.
The third way to ascend East Trail, 1.75 mile. I have not yet took this route. I hear it is the steepest way up the mountain.
From the Cook Pines and on up, the trail is clearly marked and (for me at least) is a serious cardio work out. It is steep and stays steep. I find myself resting frequently. I've seen younger and very fit people are basically jogging up. But resting is fine with me. I'm packing 2 liters of water and other stuff like camera's, maps, small guide book and of
course the GPS. There are many trail turn outs to take in the view from mountains, the homes below and the ocean.
Eventually and at a very steep part of the trail brings you to a set of picnic tables which is a very good time to rest.
The view of Wailua Bridge and Wailua River from 1200+ feet up.
The trail continues precariously along the top of this ridge to the top most part.
From the West Trail Head, and if I had taken the left turn at the Cook Pines, I'll estimate this took about 1.5 hours from Trail Head to the absolute end, atop the above rocky point. From the picnic tables back to the West Trail Head, 20 to 30 minutes, why not, it's all down hill.
