Nonou Rd

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Nonou Road is a scenic drive located on the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii.


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Summary

The road is also known as the Olohena Road and is approximately 6.5 miles long, stretching from Kapaa to Wailua.

Nonou Road offers breathtaking views of the Wailua River and the lush green landscape of Kauai. One of the main attractions along the road is the Nonou Forest Reserve, which offers hiking trails and opportunities to see native flora and fauna.

Another popular spot on Nonou Road is the Opaekaa Falls, a stunning 151-foot waterfall that is easily accessible from the road. Visitors can also stop at the Wailua River State Park and take a boat tour to the Fern Grotto, a unique cave filled with ferns and a waterfall.

Nonou Road is also known for its historical significance, with several ancient Hawaiian temples and burial sites located along the drive. Visitors can learn more about the island's rich history by visiting the Wailua River State Park and the nearby Kamokila Hawaiian Village.

The best time to visit Nonou Road is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. However, the road is accessible year-round and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and attractions at any time of the year.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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