You’ll start this easy nature trail by crossing a bridge over Opaekaa Stream then wending your way under the rainforest canopy, watching your step as you walk over many roots growing across the path.
After a quick ¾ miles, you’ll come upon two covered picnic tables where the trail opens up to 270-degree views of Kapu Mountain, Mount Waialeale, the Kalepa Mountain range, the Anahola Mountains and overlooking the lush hamlet of Wailua Homesteads.
After enjoying the view, either turn around and head back down the mountain or continue the trail to your right where you will walk through a bamboo forest, see yellow and strawberry guavas in season and after a couple miles meet up with the steep Sleeping Giant 2 trail that takes you to the top of the mountain and more fabulous views.
Sleeping Giant 1 - “The Easy One”
Location: East Kauai, mauka (toward the mountains)
Park: 2½ miles up Kuamoo Road; park alongside fenced pastureland
Length: 1½ miles round trip
Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 150 feet
Difficulty level: Easy dirt trail; slippery after recent rains; mosquito repellent recommended