Alaka'i Swamp Trail and Pihea Trail
Overview
This trail starts at the Puu O Kila Lookout and skirts the rim of the Kalalau Valley with spectacular viewpoints along the way. If has been raining, this part of the trail will be slippery. Once you reach the Pihea lookout, the trail moves away from the rim. Keep an eye out, because it's along this section to the intersection of the Alakai Swamp Trail that you'll have an opportunity to view some endangered Hawaiian birds. After reaching the trail intersection, head towards the Kilohana lookout and make your way through the Alakai swamp. There will be boardwalk during sections of this trail. Upon reaching the Kilohana viewpoint, you are presented with a view of Hanalei bay and the surrounding area. If its foggy, wait. The fog comes and goes so you may still see the view
A couple of words of advice; there are some sections of the trail that are steep and could pose difficulty for some people. The boardwalk that you will encounter is a mix of 20 year old wood and newly installed “plastic”. Some sections of the wood boardwalk are in poor condition and slippery when wet. As always use common sense if it has been raining. The trails are very slippery during and right after rain.
Getting Started
Parking is at the Puu O Kila lookout parking area at the end of the road. Parking lot fills quickly so the earlier you get there the better otherwise you’ll need to park off the side of the road.
Taking Children
This is a hike with some difficult and steep sections. The boardwalk in sections of this hike is in poor condition.
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