The absolute configuration of the norlignan (+)-nyasol was determined to be S by comparison of the experimental vibrational circular dichroism data with first-principle calculations taking into account the eight lowest energy conformations. The established absolute configuration of (+)-nyasol enables establishment of the absolute configuration of (-)-hinokiresinol, which is concluded to be S. A total synthesis and resolution of hinokiresinol has been performed to resolve the conflicting reports of the coupling constant of the vinylic protons of the disubstituted double bond in this molecule. Racemic hinokiresinol was resolved. Both enantiomers possess the same antiplasmodial activity.