Lucky for me, my aunt and uncle live about a mile from the Sleeping Giant trailhead and since they’ve lived there over the last 10 years, I’ve done the Sleeping Giant hike around 10 times – we never miss it when we visit. There are a few different ways you can tackle the Sleeping Giant – and each way has a varying degree of mud, length and incline – but they all bring you to the overlook where you can see the ocean on once side and Waimea mountains on the other. Be aware that this hike can be very muddy after a rain – I’ve seen a few injuries from people slipping. I’ve done this hike quite a few times carrying Lucy or Maile in my baby carrier when they were 0-4 years old – that will really give you a burn! A lot of the locals do it barefoot.

Length: ~3-4 miles

Good for kids: Yes, if they like mud

All Trails Link:
Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) East Trail

Kuamo’o Trail to Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)

Notes: you might think you hit the top when you come to the first picnic bench area but keep going through the brush for another climb over some rocks and to the ultimate view area! This extra climb might not be good for all levels and kids, especially if it is slippery.