Hate Hike: Swastikas Deface Kauai’s Sleeping Giant Trail

Hikers on Kauai's beloved Sleeping Giant trail were hit with a gut punch this week, finding 14 swastikas spray-painted on trees, rocks and a bench along the popular Nounou (Sleeping Giant) East Trail. The vandalism stretched roughly half a mile and turned a routine walking route into a jarring reminder of hate, leaving regulars and visitors rattled. Volunteers and officials moved fast to scrub the route clean, yet neighbors and community leaders say the episode shook people who rely on the path for exercise and quiet.

As reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, hikers discovered the symbols along the Nounou East Trail in Kapaʻa and quickly shared photos on social media. The outlet notes the spray-painted marks covered trunks, rocks and a bench for about a half-mile, and that two local men jumped in to start removal work even before state crews arrived. Neighbors told the Star-Advertiser they were alarmed, and many stepped up to offer help with cleanup.

Jennifer Carey, who lives in Wailua Homesteads and hikes the trail daily, told reporters she felt "horrified" and "disturbed" to see the symbols where she usually goes to find peace. Jewish community leader Lauren Miller said a swastika is a "death threat" to Jewish people and warned the incident should not be brushed off as a one-off. The Department of Land and Natural Resources told Hawaii News Now that staff removed the graffiti and restored the affected trees, bench and rocks so that no trace remains.

Community leaders call it a hate crime

Local Jewish leaders and neighbors pushed for a fast, serious response. Lauren Miller told the Star-Advertiser she contacted the mayor, council members, police and the FBI to urge an investigation and stronger security at public events. The paper reports the vandalism comes amid other anti-Jewish threats and incidents across the islands this winter, a pattern that has put community groups on edge. Organizers are planning volunteer cleanups while officials continue to investigate who is responsible.

Investigation and reporting

State officials say investigators will review whether the acts meet harassment statutes or qualify as a federal hate crime, and DOCARE is working with the Kauaʻi Police Department on the case. Authorities asked anyone with information to call DOCARE at 808-643-DLNR or contact local police, and encouraged hikers to preserve any photos or video that might help identify suspects. While crews moved quickly to erase the visible graffiti, investigators say tips and digital evidence will be key to finding the person or people behind it.

For now, neighbors and Jewish community leaders say they will keep a closer watch on trails and public events, and advocates hope the swift cleanup and attention will discourage copycats. The episode has become a reminder that reporting vandalism and hate as soon as it is spotted can help authorities respond quickly and preserve crucial evidence.