The development of hyperbolic functions in the traditional trigonometry courses (if this is ever reached during a one-semester instruction) is usually confined to purely algebraic methods. However effective the latter procedures may be, it is doubtful that a student realizes the import of the properties of hyperbolic functions. The student is never offered the opportunity to realize the fact that, essentially, the properties of hyperbolic functions are analogous to the properties of circular functions. It is possible, however, to develop the properties of hyperbolic functions in a manner which is analogous to the processes which are employed in the development of circular functions. Thus, it is proposed to examine and to develop hyperbolic functions by means of a geometric approach.