Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,035.00 ft (315.47 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.20 mi (8.37 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Kuamo'o Nounou Trail is the longest of three trails that climbs up Nounou Mountain, also called the Sleeping Giant.

At just over 1000' in elevation gain, the bulk of the climbing comes over the final mile. The trail begins in a neighborhood and first wraps along the flank of the mountain through forested shade. The trail has a tendency to be muddy and a little dense with mosquitoes here. 

Eventually, the route meets up with the Sleeping Giant West Trail, and continues up a series of switchbacks, gaining in elevation as views over the island's east shore appear.

The Kuamo'o Nounou Trail is the least popular of the three, however as the trails begin to merge near the top, you'll encounter more and more hikers on this popular mountain.

Upon hitting a plateau, the wider more well-worn trail comes to an end at covered tables and a couple scenic benches. Beyond here, a single track path continues climbing toward the peak of Nounou Mountain, coming to rock outcroppings with wide panoramic views stretching across this side of the island if the day is clear. It's a great spot to take in the views, before turning and retracing the route back down.

Parking is available along the shoulder outside of the trailhead gate. There are no bathrooms or water anywhere along the trail. Plan accordingly.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Epic views from the top.

Cons

Trail can be muddy and overgrown.

Trailhead Elevation

280.00 ft (85.34 m)

Highest point

1,245.00 ft (379.48 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

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