Pihea Trail - Alakai SwampLocation
West Side, Kokee State Park
Length
8 miles round-trip
Approx time
3 - 5 hours
Topography
Baordwalk over swamp and bogs
Difficulty
Moderate
What to bring
Sun Protection Hiking Shoes Water Light rain jacket
Hazards
Slippery and steep in areas. Weather changes quickly.
The Pihea Trail or Kilohana Lookout is located at the end of Hwy. 550 at the Puu o Kila scenic lookout. Watch the graceful sea birds catch the wind drafts and fly freely over the valleys and Kalalau beach below. As you begin the trail you will find yourself perched on a land bridge straddling 4,000 feet above the Kalalau Valley floor and the Alakai Swamp, with inland views stretching to Mount Waialeale, “The Wettest Spot on Earth”. After the vista and the short downhill stretch you will meet up with the boardwalk that follows the trail through forest of Ohia, Koa, wild ferns, and other native plants. Keep your eyes open for rare sightings of one of the many birds that make this forest their home. The Elepaio is a indigenous bird found in Kokee State Park, it is named because its beautiful song sounds like its name. Stop at the Kokee Museum to pick up a hiking map that will be useful and informative as well as a guide to identifying many of the rare and spectacular birds and plants throughout the forest. The Alakai Swamp is the the highest swamp in the world and the weather is a big factor in being able to have clear view from Kilohana Lookout at the end. The weather moves in quickly and can change constantly so if you reach the end stay awhile and you might just experience one of those rare days when Wainiha Valley, Hanalei Bay and sweeping views as far as Kilauea Lighthouse will be part of the experience. Hiking Trails
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North Shore |
East Side |
South Side |
West Side |
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