Hike to the nose of Sleeping Giant

There are a few different approaches for this hike - you can take either the East route, West route, or the Kuamoo-Nounou route. The East route is closest to nearby towns of Kapa'a and Wailua, so for convenience I chose this route.

The trail quickly begins with several switchbacks, all of which are pretty gradual. You begin to gain elevation steadily past .75 miles. Once you reach about halfway you start to get views of nearby town of Wailua and Kapa'a along the East shore. After a brief trek over a lava outcropping you will begin again switchbacking up the mountain as you get views of Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains. Near the top around the two mile mark, at what is referred to as the Giant's chest, you will reach a picnic shelter and a little bench that offer more great views of the East coast and the Pacific Ocean. This is where most people typically stop with signs that indicate as such.

But slightly past that, you'll notice a faint boot path that leads up the chin and ultimately to the Giant's nose, a great spot to sit down and snack, and take in the panoramic views in all directions.