Scaling back my hiking expectations, we set off to hike the slumbering giant that still has yet to wake up from his kanak attack.

Trailhead

We slathered on sunscreen as the day was already starting out hot and humid.

Trail

It’s always nice to see the different flowers that dot the trails on the islands.

Trail

Passing timber logs placed to retard erosion on the trail as we switch backed up the mountain.

Trail

With the elevation gains, came views of the town of Wailua and points beyond.

Respect

No takers to rest at the bench as the “head” of the giant came into view.

Giant’s Chest

We soon came to the broad grassy area, that was home to a picnic shelter and another bench.

Trail

A short scramble past the picnic shelter and sweeping views of Kapaa and Kalalea Mountain (King Kong) opened up.

Trail

Foreheads on top of the head. Photo by Naomi Cabebe.

Trail

The sweeping view further down the head.

Giant’s Nose

Please don’t sneeze. Photo by Naomi Cabebe.

Trail

The view from the edge of the “chin.”

Giant’s Sinuses

Inhaling. Photo by Brian Wicklund.

Giant’s Sinuses

Exhaling.

Trail

Motivation defined when we witnessed a card carrying AARP member make it up this trail with a cane.

Giant’s Chest

Don’t move when somebody is taking a panoramic shot, otherwise you may end up somewhat distorted.

All pau

Checking out of the trail and back to a full parking lot. Pays to hike early.

GPS Tracks

Our sleeper of a hike covered 3.63 miles that provided sweeping and stunning views of Wailua, Kapa’a, Kalalea Mountain, and cloud obscured Mount Waialelale. I had wanted to end the day with a beach walk to a cave, but found ourselves shipwrecked at the beach instead. Post hike meal at Duke’s. Mahalo to Brian and Naomi for their company and hospitality this weekend.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.