Sleeping Giant Hike

One of the more challenging hikes is Sleeping Giant. I had not hiked this trail in a few years. Instead I'd been focusing on hiking familiar trails up Koke'e, and further up the road, Kuilau Trail. One of the main things that makes this hike impressive are these Cook Pine trees.

                                  
Where else can you pretty much take your time and be in the middle of these very tall pine trees, hear the song birds chat back and forth, watch the trees sway back and forth and get rained on all at the same time.

The song birds are awesome.

While on the trail, I had met up with (passed and got passed a few times) by a nice European couple. The Gentleman was nice enough to snap this photo of your truly next to a glorious Cook Pine. In the case hiking to the top is not in the plan, consider getting into the middle of the Cook Pine grove and just hanging out for awhile.

During the climb up, thought to snap a photo of the .75 mile marker. The photo does not really show the full extent of the mud. But a little mud does not bother anyone.

Surprisingly, despite not having done Sleeping Giant or any steep hike in quite a long time, at the .75 mile marker, I did not feel really physically stressed. A little tired of course but never felt the need to turn around.

Reaching the top (where the covered picnic tables are), of course had to snap a shot of the traditional rooster in all his glorious plumage. You have to love these guys.

And finally, a snap shot of the trail while on the way done. Overall, the trail remains in very good condition. It was overcast and rainy which was totally fine with me.

I look forward to doing this trail again.