Summit Guide

The Summit: On the Chin of the Giant

For those with a bit more adventure in their spirit, the journey doesn't end at the picnic shelter. The path to the true summit—the giant's chin and forehead—is where the hike becomes truly memorable.

The Final Push

From the picnic shelter on the "chest," a narrower and more rugged trail continues onward and upward. This section feels more like a true mountain path, with steeper drop-offs and a more untamed character. The vegetation changes here too, becoming sparser as you gain elevation, with more native plants appearing between the introduced species.

The Scramble

To gain the upper ridge, you'll encounter a short but steep section of rock that requires scrambling. This is where you go from hiker to climber for a few moments. Use your hands for balance, test your holds, and move deliberately. I only recommend proceeding past the shelter if you are confident in your abilities and comfortable with heights and exposure.

Take your time, find your footing, and enjoy the thrill. The rock here is solid, formed from ancient volcanic activity. Look for the small holes and crevices—they're perfect handholds created by gas bubbles in the cooling lava millions of years ago.

360-Degree Panorama from the "Chin"

Once you've navigated the scramble, you'll be standing on the giant's chin. The reward is one of the most spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree panoramas on Kauaʻi's East Side. From this vantage point, the entire island unfolds around you.

You can trace the coastline from Kapaʻa down to Līhuʻe, watch the Wailua River wind its way to the sea, and gaze upon the Hoary Head Mountains to the south. On a clear day, if you're lucky, you can even see into the island's interior toward the summit of Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on Earth.

The view encompasses centuries of Hawaiian history. Below, the Wailua River valley spreads out like a green carpet, the same valley where Hawaiian royalty once lived and ruled. The ocean stretches endlessly toward the horizon, the same waters that brought the first Polynesian voyagers to these shores over a thousand years ago.

Safety at the Top - A Serious Warning

The wind can be stronger up here than you expect, especially in the afternoon. What seems like a gentle breeze at sea level becomes a significant force at 1,000 feet elevation. Keep a low center of gravity when moving around, and never turn your back on the cliff edges.