Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [413]
Nounou Mountain Trails
Climbing Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant), you’ll ascent over 1000ft, but the views of Kaua′i’s Eastside panorama are a worthy reward. You can approach the mountain from the east on the Nounou Mountain East Trail (Map; 1.75 miles), from the west on the Nounou Mountain West Trail (Map; 1.5 miles) and from the south on the Kuamo′o-Nounou Trail (Map; 2 miles). The trails meet near the center.
Visitors tend to prefer the exposed East Trail because it offers sweeping views of the ocean and distant mountains. The well-maintained trail is moderately strenuous, climbing through wild thickets of guava, liliko′i and ironwood. The trail is steep, with switchbacks almost to the ridge. At the three-way junction near the top, take the left fork, which will lead to the summit, marked by a picnic shelter. Now atop the giant’s chest, only his head prevents you from a 360-degree view. Climbing farther is extremely risky and not recommended.
Do this hike early in the morning, when it’s relatively cool and you can witness daylight spreading across the valley. The hard-packed dirt trail is exceedingly slippery when wet; look for a walking stick, which hikers sometimes leave near the trailhead.
The East Trail starts at a parking lot a mile up Haleilio Rd in the Wailua Houselots neighborhood. When the road curves left, look for telephone pole 38 with the trailhead sign.
The Nounou Mountain West Trail ascends faster but it’s better if you prefer a cooler forest trail. Much of the hike is shaded by towering Norfolk Island pines and other trees. There are two ways to access the trailhead: from Kamalu Rd, near telephone pole 11, or from the end of Lokelani Rd, off Kamalu Rd. Walk through a metal gate marked as a forestry right-of-way.
The Kuamo′o-Nounou Trail runs through groves of trees planted in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps; it connects with the west trail. The trailhead is right on Kuamo′o Rd, near a grassy field between the 2- and 3-mile markers.
For guided hikes, the gold standard is geologist Chuck Blay’s company, Kaua′i Nature Tours (742-8305; 888-233-8365; www.kauainaturetours.com; Nounou Mt tour adult/child 7-12 $115/85), which offers an all-day tour that includes lunch and transportation.
GOLF
Ranked among the finest municipal golf courses nationally, the Wailua Municipal Golf Course (Map;241-6666; green fees weekdays/weekends & holidays $32/44, optional cart rental $18, club rental from $29) is an 18-hole, par-72 course off Kuhio Hwy north of Lihu′e. Plan ahead because morning tee times are sometimes reserved a week in advance at this popular course, designed by former head pro Toyo Shirai. After 2pm, green fees drop by half and no reservations are taken.
Just before press time, the county announced a possible major increase in fees during the next seven years. The weekday rate would jump 47% to $60 in the first year and then $5 more every other year.
WATER SKIING AND WAKEBOARDING
The only nonocean water skiing in the state is found here on the Wailua, only from the Wailua Bridge to the first big bend in the river.
Try water skiing or wakeboarding with a tow by Water Ski, Surf & Kayak Company (822-3574; Kinipopo Shopping Village, 4-356 Kuhio Hwy; per 30/60min $75/140; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, to noon Sat). The company also rents water equipment, including surfboards (per day/week $10/50, $200 deposit), bodyboards ($5/20, $75 deposit) and snorkel gear ($5/15, $75 deposit).
MOUNTAIN BIKING
While the Powerline Trail (Map; which covers 13 miles, between Wailua and Princeville) is used mainly by hunters, it’s a decent option for die-hard mountain bikers. Hikers might find the trek rather too long, too exposed and, especially toward the north, too monotonous. The trail (a former mainenance road for electric powerlines established in the 1930s) is never crowded and it traverses an otherwise-inaccessible north–south region. Beware of hidden, steep drop-offs hidden in the dense foliage. Expect to slog through mud and puddly ruts.
The south end of the trail begins