IMPORTANT NOTE: Cache ratings are subjective and just a guideline. It is the responsibility of every cacher to know their abilities and limitations. This may mean having to decide to turn back when conditions become unfavorable. Better to log a "not found" then to get into trouble. Cache seekers assume all risks and responsibilities involved in seeking this cache.
Nounou Mountain is referred to as “Sleeping Giant” because of the Hawaiian Legend (see below). This is a wonderful hike and there are spectacular 360 degree views from both the forehead and chin of the sleeping giant. Locals often use this trail to keep themselves and their pets in shape. There are three trails that lead to the top; Nounou East, Nounou West, and Kuamoo Nounou trails. The directions given below are for the Nounou West trail, which is the shortest route. All three trails are described in the The Ultimate Guidebook to Kauai, a.k.a. the "Blue Book".
Potential Dangers
This is such a great hike and a great place for a cache. But, notice the assigned terrain rating of 4.0! The hike past the picnic shelter to the top requires the use of hands, has sections that have some exposure (very steep drop-off on both sides of the trail), and is not appropriate for small children. Appropriate hiking footwear is recommended. Kauai weather can change quickly. Like many other hikes on Kauai, when it has been raining the trail can get muddy and very slippery in areas. It is best to come back on a nicer day. Trail conditions and status can also change and it may not be possible to keep this description current. Remember, not all caches are designed for all geocachers. Please use good judgment when deciding if the fitness level of your entire group is appropriate for this cache and be prepared to turn back and log a "not found" should the conditions change or turn out to be too much for you group.
Nounou West Trail
Turn maoka (toward to mountains), from highway 56 onto Kuamoo Road. Don't forget to look for the sleeping giant from a distance. You will pass the scenic lookout for Opaakaa Falls, and if you have never stopped here, it is worth a quick look. Turn right at the country store onto State Highway 581. The trail head is located another 1.3 miles on the right. You will see a yellow, metal gate and the trail head sign. Start here. There are two intersections before reaching the picnic shelter. The first intersection is about 0.5 mile from the trail head. There is a small, metal trail sign at the intersection. Stay on the trail to the left, a slight uphill path flanked by rows of "cook pine" trees. There is a large boulder on the left-hand side of the trail here. The second intersection will be obvious. Take the trail on the right, which continues to the picnic shelter. The trail from the picnic shelter to the top and the cache is what has earned the cache a 4.0 terrain rating.
Jokes, Quotes, & Inspiration logbook
This geocache has a Jokes, Quotes, & Inspiration logbook. Let’s share our favorite quotes, jokes, and words of inspiration with each other. Hopefully something in this book will keep you thinking, laughing, or inspired throughout the day! Just flip the geocache logbook over.
Legend of the Sleeping Giant
A long time ago there was a giant living among the villagers of Kauaihau, near the short hills of Kapaa. Although outsiders were fearful of the giant the villagers found him very helpful. When he sat, he would flatten plots of land for the villagers to build their houses. They used his deep footprints for composting and planting banana trees. Bananas were the giants favorite food. One day, the high chief wanted a heiau (Hawaiian temple) built to honor the gods. The frame was to be made from Koa wood from Kokee and the walls, from water-polished rocks from the streams of the Waimea canyon. The heiau was to be completed before the next full moon. This was an impossible task for the villagers and made them very unhappy. The giant saw this and told them not to worry. He easily gathered the rocks and wood and completed the heiau before the next full moon. The villagers were so appreciative, that they held a huge celebration in honor of the giant . They gathered bananas, pounded taro into poi, cooked pigs in an imu, caught fish, and gathered seaweed from the reef. "You must be hungry after all that work", the villagers said presenting the feast to the giant. The giant ate all the food given to him and with a full stomach, he became sleepy. Using a small hill as a pillow he laid down and fell asleep. He slept for hundreds of years. The wind blew dirt over him, the birds brought seeds which were watered by the rains. Plants and trees soon covered the giant. It is said that one day he may wake, stretch his arms, yawn, and sit up.
Seek all my caches:
For a nice walk: Lihue’s Secret Scrubland Trails
For a moderate adventure: Weeping Pines of Kalepa
For an extreme quest: Giant's Right Ear
For an insane water expedition: Nawiliwili Scuttlebutt