Private tour in Kauai Paul S

Hike Up A Mountain For Views of Entire East Side of Island

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Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Paul S.

5.0

Guide rating

19

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to live in the jungle. I was so passionate about travelling, nature, and wildlife that my parents let me choose and plan family vacations to Costa Rica and Belize when I was 10 and 12 years old respectively. I have since traveled all 50 states, 16 countries, and 6 continents (I'm just missing Antarctica). I studied Hospitality Management at Cornell University with the dream of starting my own eco-tourism business in an exotic wildlife-rich tropical location. I am now living that dream and loving it! Kauai really is a dream location - the vast majority of the island is a wilderness of lush green mountains, waterfalls, extinct volcano craters, and the grand canyon of the Pacific. Beaches, sea cliffs, sea caves, and the magnificent Na Pali coast make up the coastline. Coral reefs form a ring around the island. But Kauai is so much more than just jaw-droppingly beautiful location. It is my home, and the home of 71, 000 other people. Kauai's history of importing workers from around the world to work on its sugar cane plantations (now defunct) has led to rich cultures and cuisines that complement the native Hawaiian culture and cuisine. More recently, people such as myself have moved here from all over the USA and the world (further adding to the melting pot and cuisine) because we are drawn to Kauai's natural beauty, waves, culture, food, and chill vibes. I feel so lucky and privileged to call Hawaii home now. My wife and I moved here in March 2016 from Washington State. People on Kauai say that the island either welcomes you or spits you out. Kauai has certainly welcomed us with open arms, and we feel blessed. We try to give back to the island as much as we can. I have coached high school wrestling here for the past 5 years, and my wife and I volunteer with the Kauai Humane Society and the Kauai Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I am taking a hiatus from coaching and volunteering now though that my wife and I just had a baby boy in June 2025. We also have an 11 year old daughter that we adopted in 2023. I absolutely love adventuring around the island with my children and seeing it all freshly again through their eyes. I believe variety is the spice of life. Some of the many things I love doing in my free time are hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, jiu jitsu, ultimate frisbee, cooking, and watching Netflix. 10 years of experience as a tour guide on Kauai Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Cornell University Lifelong passionate traveler (50 states, 16 countries; 6 continents visited) I am not a commercial driver. Generally, I meet guests at a set location and we simply walk and/or bike during the tour. However, I would be very happy to customize a tour for you that involves driving, in which case, I can accompany you in your vehicle. I run all tours though Paul's Kauai Hiking and Biking Tours LLC

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Paul S.

Overview of your Kauai tour

3–4 mile roundtrip hike up a mountain with sweeping panoramic views of mountains, forests, rivers, towns, and ocean. Most of the trail is shaded as you hike through forest before the views (and breezes) open up near the top. Expect muddy, slippery conditions in the forest. Once you emerge, the refreshing breeze and expansive views are invigorating. Cold drinks (carried by Paul) and local snacks (and/or classic favorites if you prefer) feel well-earned and especially rewarding. There are two trailheads: Nounou East (4 miles roundtrip, 960 ft elevation gain) and Nounou West (3 miles roundtrip, 800 ft gain). After booking, I’ll ask which you prefer. Both trails converge, so the most scenic final section is the same. The West trail is shorter, busier, and features an impressive Cook pine grove.

Your Kauai tour itinerary

- Meet and Greet - Hike through forests up a Nounou mountain aka Sleeping Giant - Stay hydrated along the way with cold water, coconut water, and/or gatorade carried by Paul - Stop for snacks along the way provided by Paul -Enjoy the views, breezes, photos, and workout you have earned while hiking up above the forest -Return back down (and be careful not to slip) - Talk story with Paul during the hike and learn much more about Hawaii

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

By foot

What's included
Private Guide
Food Drinks Snacks
Other: Permits to hike with a guide on this trail
Meeting location

Nounou West Trail Parking Lot, 5708 Lokelani Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA

I will meet you at the Nounou West Trail Park Lot unless we decide ahead of time to meet at Sleeping Giant: Nounou East Trailhead, Haleilio Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Hiking
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1784917
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity level
High
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Kauai best suited for?

This private tour in Kauai is perfect for those who love hiking and want to experience breathtaking panoramic views of the island's east side. It's also ideal for travellers who enjoy connecting with a local guide like Paul S. to learn more about Hawaii. The tour is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families, but due to its high activity level, it may not be ideal for seniors or those with mobility concerns.

What should I bring or wear?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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