An enchanted fish is caught by a fisherman on
the island of Kaua'i. To all the villagers surprise,
the fish grows and grows, his scales fall, his fins
turn into arms and legs, and he becomes a giant.
Hungry, the giant eats all the poi in the village.
"Moran has created a children’s
book that is at once intelligent
and beautiful..."
R. White, Alameda Sun
Everyone scrambles to make more poi. Still, it's
not enough. A kahuna is called in to help. Upon
his advice, oli, or chants, are offered up to help the giant ease his hunger. But only one young
girl named Pualani can tame the giant with her
oli.
The Sleeping Giant is a tale explaining the existence of the mountain Nounou on Kaua'i
which looks like the outstretched body of a
sleeping giant.
School Visits & Presentations
Ms. Moran offers dynamic presentations
for students and audiences of all ages.
Find out more here
"A charming and educational
retelling of a Hawaiian legend..."
View of Nounou mountain from Kapa’a, Kaua’i. Photo by E. Moran
Sleeping Giant Trivia • The Sleeping Giant rests in eastern Kaua’i with
his head at Wailua and his feet in Kapa’a.
• Wailua was settled in 1,000 AD by people from
the Marquesas.
• The Wailua River region became home to Kaua’i’s
ruling chiefs and the site of Poli’ahu Heiau.
• The Sleeping Giant is the geological remains of some of
the oldest lava rocks on Kaua’i which first
appeared above the ocean 5 million years ago.
• Hike along the 4.5 mile trail of the Sleeping Giant
(Nounou mountain) and discover a rich variety of
native and exotic plants.
• Near the 1,250 ft. summit is a picnic site
boasting panoramic views of the whole eastern
half of the island.
