Sleeping Giant, Kauai

Kapa'a, East Kauai

The Nounou Mountain ridge bears a striking resemblance to a sleeping giant. Legend states that this giant once roamed the land and was much loved by the Hawaiians. They planted taro fields in his footsteps. One day the village chief wanted a new heaiu built. The villagers were much too busy farming so the giante volunteered. It took him two weeks to complete the project and when he was done, the village had a luau for him. It is said that after eating so much at the party, the giant laid down and has not awoken yet.
Other folklore states that in ancient times, the people of Kauai planned to discourge any invaders to their island by lighting fires behind the mountain. This would illuminate the figure of the giant and thus scare off any invasion forces.

Directions:

Take Highway 56 north from the Wailua River to Kapa'a. The Chevron Station, on the right of the road, has a sign marking the viewing area for the Sleeping Giant.

Useful Information:

Best viewing of the "giant" is across the street from the Chevron in Kapa'a

Nounou Mountain Trail traverses this ridge but is a very difficult hike