Activity Details

Selection of Trails:

Nounou (Sleeping Giant)

2 miles each way / Difficulty-moderate

Nounou (Sleeping Giant) is a fun and invigorating half day hike on the East side of Kauai in the Kapaa area. There are three trail heads that go up the giant, each taking a traverse up its flanks from a different direction through cooling and moist Strawberry Guava, Cook Pine and Hala tree forest joining together as you climb the giants belly. Once on the belly of the giant who according to one Hawaiian legend fell asleep before his own party where he was being honored for building many of the ancient features of the island you hike and climb up to several stunning lookouts of the the Eastern coastline and lush Wailua homesteads framed by the fluted mountain range of Mt. Waialeale. This hike is a moderate with a nice covered picnic area halfway up the trail to rest and eat and enjoy viewing and photo opportunities. Ideal for a half day hike for family adventuring, photographers and people who want to be on the east side before or after tour for another activity.

Kuilau and Moalepe add on trail  

Distance- 2.25 miles each way / Difficulty – Easy, Moderate

The Kuilau trail is a dreamy tropical hike through  many lush forms of emerald greenery; first in the plants and trees that envelope the first section of the trail, then on the falling fern covered hillsides hemming the trail to the top and finally the nearby Mt. Waialeale and Kawaikini that etched by waterfalls and millions of years of tropical weathering. Walking up the gently sloping trail, birds of many exotic species flit and chortle their strange and beautiful calls as they land on gargantuan branches of colorful rainbow eucalyptus trees, silvery Kukui (Candle Nut) and delicious Strawberry Guava bushes. Kuilau is a well maintained trail wide trail Perfect for those who are wanting an easy to moderate hike where a feeling of timeless strolling and a scenic eye massage are just what is needed.  Bring the camera so you will remember this scenic beauty!

Couples, families and photo lovers wanted.

Moalepe trail add on to Kuilau trail

Difficulty – Easy, Moderate / Distance- 2.25 miles each way

For those who want to keep going past the final lookout of Kuilau trail, you can descend into a series of steep sided valleys on a well shaded trail that is even more forested and alive with birds, wild boar sign, and calm quiet contemplative groves of Kukui trees. Several small seasonal streams dance under small foot bridges waiting to be stopped on by the hikers who wanted to go further. The last half of the trail parallels a verdant mountain side and descends through rows of swamp mahogany trees eventually leading to Molalepe’s backside trail head in Wailua.

Okolehao

Distance 2.5 miles each way / Difficulty- Strenuous

Up Up Up! The beginning mile of Okolehao trail, located at the back of Hanalei Taro fields, is a heart pumping cardio workout for those who want to feel the healing tropical air rush into their veins. After the first section you look up from your hiking shoes and see a gentle sloped trail weaving through a fairy like forest. With views dappled by a latticework of spicy fragrant paperbark eucalyptus trees showing into the background is  the many storied and songed land of Hanalei and it’s crescent shaped blue bay. The perfect place to catch your breath before you climb a little higher on trail that narrows to a ridge and develops more and more views of Hanalei to the north. And a look up the verdant Hanalei river valley, which is usually only seen via helicopter. Once atop Okolehao you find a pleasant viewing area that gives way to the ridges of Hihimanu, the double peaked “stingray” Mountain of legend. The perfect trail for a half day strenuous exercise to work of the travel dust, and feel the cool ocean air blowing off of Hanalei bay.

Powerline trail-Half Day

Distance 2-3 miles each way / Difficulty- Easy to Moderate

This half day version of Powerline Trail is a great hike/ walk for those who want to have a quick hike and see spectacular views of Hanalei, wildlife and birds, and walk through a “fairy” forest guaranteed to spark the imagination of young and old alike. Edible and medicinal plants abound in season on a lowland trail that has managed to preserve native and endemic keystone plants like the crimson pompom flowered Ohia Lehua and the esteemed Koa tree in its lowland form. Get lost for a while in the timeless “vibe” of this trail that is sure to pique curiosity and calm hurried senses. Perfect for those who want and easy trail to talk story on and wander through varying ecosystems with satisfying views of steep waterfalls and the rushing rushing Hanalei river valley. Perfect for families with younger kids, nature geeks, and plant and photography lovers.

Full List of Trails:

Sleeping Giant

Waipo’o Falls Trail

Okolehao Trail

Powerline Trail

Wai Koa Plantation/Stone Dam

Ka’a Ka’a Niu Coastal Hike

Moloa’a Bay Lookout

Kuilau Ridge Trail

Maha’ulepu Heritage Coastal Trail

Moalepe Trail

Pihea Trail

Hanakapiai Beach

Waipo’o Falls

WHAT ​TO ​BRING:

• Comfortable ​Hiking ​Shoes ​with ​Solid ​Traction,
• Hat
• Sunscreen,
• Day ​Pack
• Plenty of Water

TOUR ​INCLUDES:

• Half ​Day ​Tour ​is ​3 ​to 4 ​hours ​​led ​by ​an ​Experienced ​Kauai ​Nature ​School ​Guide
• Lunch ​can be added to your ​booking $20 per person ​ (​Vegetarian ​and ​special ​diets ​can ​be ​catered)
• Snacks ​and ​water ​can be added to your ​booking ​$8.00 per person

Lunch ~ when added to your tour will be a deli sandwich, chips, fruit & water.

Snacks & water ~ when added to your tour will be a local granola bar, local seasonal fruit & water.