Hiking the Sleeping Giant Trail on Kauai’s East Side

After a little arm twisting by family members a couple of weeks ago, I hiked up what Kaua’i residents and visitors refer to as the Sleeping Giant. It had been some time since I’d hiked this ‘moderate’ east side landmark…or done much physical exercise…so the 3 mile trail that I took was a bit of a mental and physical challenge.

The trail took me through Norfolk pines, strawberry-guava trees, and a variety of other trees that were planted back in the 1930’s, reportedly by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

The Sleeping Giant

After some heart-pumping action, I got to the picnic area at the top, and I have to say…my effort was all worth it! The views of the Wailua Houselots, Wailua Bridge, the famed Coconut Coast, and the Wailua Homesteads (Wailua Real Estate) were breathtaking.

What I am reminded of by my hike is this…I work hard to keep promises to others, but fall short on keeping promises to myself…to eat well, drink more water, and get enough sleep and exercise. After the hike, I felt a sense of accomplishment…like I was on the path to becoming my best self. I hope to do more of these types of hikes, or at least more physical exercise…

Kaua’i is truely the Garden Isle, and the opportunity to hike, swim, bike, standup paddle, play in the dirt, and smell the plumerias are all here…and I plan to put my best foot forward and get outdoors more often.