A holiday in Hawai’i provided the opportunity to try SOTA in a new country. The beautiful island of Kaua’i was a great place to visit, with interesting landscapes, friendly people, good swimming and an easy summit in Nounou Mountain (KH6/KU-011), known locally as the Sleeping Giant – not for its size but due to its profile.
There are 3 trails to the top – we chose the approach from the east, which was near where we were staying in Kapa’a.
The trail was good and only the heat made it uncomfortable. There were great views out to the coast and to the north on the way up.
Elliott K6EL had kindly provided contact details of some local amateurs. I emailed Tad NH7YS and Randy WH7ZI only the evening before, and at short notice they were able to listen for me on the local repeater system and eventually rustle up the required 4 QSOs on 146.52 MHz simplex. Thanks especially to Tad for that.
KH6/KU-011 Nonou Mountain
Height: 378m ASL
Directions: The trail starts at a parking area in the curve of Haleilio Road in Wailua Houselots. The trail ends at a picnic shelter on the “chest” of the Sleeping Giant in Nounou Forest Reserve. Continue on with care to the summit.
Time to summit: 1.5 hours from trail head to summit. 1 hour down.
Summit marker: Concrete marker
Land access permission: Not required, Nā Ala Hele – Hawai’i Trail and Access System
Repeater access: Good on 146.92 -600
Map: TopoZone
More information: sota.org.uk
Andrew White ZL3CC 