So after picking up a nice topo map of northwestern kauai, we continued up kokee road to the trailhead. Okolehao trail for a steep, quick one or drive to the end of the road and get a taste of the kalalau trail. The pihea trail or kilohana lookout is located at the end of hwy. The trail follows the rim of the kalalau valley a remote valley along the napali coast, taking one to the pihea lookout with views of kauais north shore. The trail begins in haena state park at the northwest end of kuhio highway route 56 about 41 miles a 1 12hour drive from lihue airport. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. From there the trail connects to the alakai swamp trail. There arent many obstacles in the first portion, which makes this an excellent trail for those just getting used to traveling off pavement. After the intersection with the alakai swamp trail, youll start heading downhill more. Kalalau valley can also be seen from the park this was the backdrop for jack londons short story ko. We based our ratings on views along the way, condition of the trails, and general popularity. The first mile, starting at the puu hina hina lookout, offers expansive views from the ridge looking down into the lush oasis of kalalau valley and ends at the pihea overlook, which is the highest rim point of kalalau valley. A unique opportunity to explore an area rich with native species and a swamp area that has boardwalk trail.
Pihea trail pihea trail is located at the end of the road at the top of waimea canyon past kokee state park and by the puu o kila lookout. Pihea trail kekaha 2020 all you need to know before. The valley views from this part of the trail are simply amazing. The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction. The kalalau trail is an 11 mile trail that leads from kee beach to kalalau beach along the na pali coast on the island of kauai in hawaii. For the finest quality kauai vacation rentals including luxury estates, condos, cottages and beach villas, see our kauai vacation rental galleries or use our new map based vacation rental search feature. Watch the graceful sea birds catch the wind drafts and fly freely over the valleys and kalalau beach below. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Hike the rain forest of kokee, the bogs of the alakai swamp and the hanging valleys of the napali coast. After the junction, the alakai swamp trail continues on a boardwalk that steps down into a stream valleythese are the steps that are uneven and a bit tiring, both going down and back up later. Pihea trail in kokee state park in waimea, kauai, hawaii. Occupying 552 square miles, kauai is circular in shape with lush, mountainous regions in its center and beaches covering almost half its shoreline. This spot can be reached by either trail head 4wd or paved road but is significantly more strenuous from the pihea trail at the end of the paved road. The pihea trail, located in kokee state park on kauai, is a 3.
Book kauai activities need help planning or to book. When possible, we have also attempted to rank the trails on this list. About a mile and half on the pihea trail you will reach the pihea vista. The hike literally cuts through the island and gives you a spectacular view of the islands interior as well as distant sweeping ocean views. The na pali coast is one of the most spectacular sights in kauai. Not that i am a whimp but, that hike to the end was tough. Most would would consider the difficult level of this hike to. Bridging the inviting sandandsea oasis at kealia beach with the smattering of eclectic shops and eateries that make up kapaa town and beyond, this multiuse path tracing the coconut coasts edges is ideal for walking, running and bicycling. State department of planning and economic development, energy division sunshine maps, 1985. Explore the best trails in kapaa, hawaii on traillink. This website has information and media that will help you plan your outing to the secluded kalalau beach andor kalalau valley. Pihea to kilohana out and back hiking trail, princeville, hawaii. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible yearround. Pihea to kilohana out and back hiking trail, princeville.
The kalalau trail is in the napali coast state wilderness park which is part of the hawaii state parks system. The pihea trail forms the western border of the addition, while the alakai swamp trail follows the southern boundary of the addition. Once you reach the pihea lookout, the trail moves away from the rim. Also the first miles of both the nualolo and awaawapuhi trails have nice examples of.
We provide marketing services and act solely as an intermediary between property managers and travelers. Mouseover and click on kauai hike icons to view individual hiking trails info and directions. See kalalau trail map falls trail a p ia i hanak kalala u trail pihea trai l p a c i f i c o c e a n haena wainiha kokee state park park state haena beach na pali coast state park forest reserve na palikona na pali coast state park kilohana 4030ft mt mamalahoa 3745ft alakai preserve wilderness 4284ft pihea kee beach. There is a trail sign along with a well faded sign.
The first part of the trail is an easy stroll along the rim of kalalau valley, through a native. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Jun 22, 2016 we started the hike just beyond the lookout at the trailhead for the pihea summit trail, an easy stroll along an eroded dirt road that follows the rim of kalalau valley, through a native ohia forest with aalii shrubs, to the peak named pihea. Mar 01, 2011 on kauai, start at the highest point you can drive to. Leaving vehicles overnight at the trailhead is not recommended. Detailed kauai hiking trail maps that will guide you to each kauai trail head and provide you a general idea of where each hiking trail is located. Kauai vacation rentals, realty services and concierge. Kauais jagged mountain top ridges are home to incredibly vibrant rainbows and the terminus of stunning emerald cliffs, which also shroud some of the most exceptional hiking tra. The pihea section was very muddy and vertical, meaning some climbing on mud walls. The first of the hike, pihea trail, will present you with steep, yet marvelous terrain. While these trails can often be rainy and muddy, they remain popular with visitors and locals for the opportunity to immerse in kauais rain forest, walk through kokees alakai swamp amidst native plants, trees and birds, and view hanalei bay from the northwest from the end of the alakai swamp trail. Start at spectacular viewpoints on your way to the alakai trail and kilohana lookout. On kauai, start at the highest point you can drive to.
After passing the junction with the alakai swamp trail, the pihea trail continues for several miles. The best way to see it is from the water, so join this catamaran cruise for unbeatable views of lush green valleys, towering spires, jagged sea cliffs, and wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles, as well as time for snorkeling and swimming. The power line trail is a spectacular yet difficult trail that can be accessed from either the north shore or the upper east side in wailua. The beginning of the alakai swamp trail to the 4way junction is flatter and shorter and less muddy than the pihea trail, but again, you need 4wd. Hike along the rim of the caldera, following a narrow ridge that drops off 3000 feet on one side to the kalalau valley or south down the slopes into the jungles of the alakaii swamp. Important updates and changes on kauai hawaii revealed. Kauai hiking guide hike to kilohana vista kauai, hi. Stop by the kokee natural history museum for current trail information and. This is an alternate route to the alakai swamp trail, which intersects the pihea trail just before 1 34 mile point. Black pipe trail to canyon trail in kokee state park in.
Kauai is a small volcanic island with an abundance of natural wonders just waiting for you to to explore. Also the first miles of both the nualolo and awaawapuhi trails have nice examples of hawaiian mesic. Text call 7am 7pm kauai time 8088222846 808 vacation. We are considering doing the canyon trail as well as the pihea trail. After passing the junction with the alakai swamp trail, the pihea trail continues for several miles until reaching mohihi road, which is a dirt road. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at kalalau beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. Besides the mud and climbing parts, it was an easytomoderate trail.
Pihea and alakai swamp trail to kilohana overlook modern hiker. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible yearround. Pihea trail is one of the most aweinspiring hikes we have been on. Pihea trail kekaha 2020 all you need to know before you. The ethereal beauty of kauais alakai swamp trail hawaii. Most would would consider the difficult level of this hike to be somewhere in the moderate to difficult range. North shore 0 5 km 0 3 miles p a c i f i c o c e a n. To the left is very short but steep spur trail leading to pihea vista, your last chance to. The kokee state park has many trails to explore, but the pihea trail to alakai swamp trail combination makes the list for the most unique mountain hike on kauai. Sep 16, 2016 this video shows the major hiking trail markers and scenery when hiking the pihea and alakai trails in kokee state park, kauai, hi. However its all part of the natural wonder of kauai. A unique opportunity to explore an area rich with native species and a swamp area. Along the way, hikers can expect to see lush, native vegetation, views of the ocean, and native birds. Keep an eye out, because its along this section to the intersection of the alakai swamp trail that youll have an opportunity to view some endangered hawaiian birds.
If you head left on the alakai swamp trail you will eventually reach the dead end of the trail, which offers incredible views of the north coast of kauai and the town of princeville. After reaching the trail intersection, head towards the kilohana lookout and make your way through the alakai. To help clarify this junction and the two trails, weve created three maps. The trail follows the rim of the kalalau valley a remote valley along the napali coast, taking one to the pihea lookout with views of kauai s north shore. Awaawapuhi trail is a spectacular napali coast trail located at kokee and waimea state park on the hawaiian island of kauai. Ive listed 50 things to do as you travel clockwise around the island beginning at the kalalau trailhead kee beach parking lot. We started the hike just beyond the lookout at the trailhead for the pihea summit trail, an easy stroll along an eroded dirt road that follows the rim of kalalau valley, through a native ohia forest with aalii shrubs, to the peak named pihea. With more than 1 kapaa trails covering 7 miles, youre bound to find a perfect trail like the ke ala hele makalae or na. Pihea trail is covered by the haena, hi us topo map quadrant free us topo map pdf order waterproof printed topo map water. Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. Hiking the pihea trail to alakai swamp kauai, hawaii. To the left is very short but steep spur trail leading to pihea vista, your last chance to see kalalau valley. It almost seems like youre traveling another planet.
From the parking lot, head up the paved walkway to the lookout point. The 11mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. We do not, under any circumstances, for compensation or valuable consideration, sell or offer to sell, buy or offer to buy, or negotiate the purchase or sale or exchange of real estate, or list, or solicit for prospective purchasers, or. For the first portion of this trail, visitors will enjoy relatively flat trail, with a few rolling portions.
The pihea trail is a recommended forest reserve trail for scenic views, observing kauai s native forest birds and sampling the alakai wilderness terrain and vegetation. This trail begins at the end of the road at the impressive puu o kila lookout. Geological survey publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the u. If you have any questions about a specific trail, want to receive additional information, or feel weve left out a. Aug 28, 2010 pihea trail pihea trail is located at the end of the road at the top of waimea canyon past kokee state park and by the puu o kila lookout. We based our ratings on views along the way, condition of. The last time i hiked the kalalau trail, i took my gps to record the trail and make a map of it. The extension of hono o na pali natural area reserve nar encompasses 486 acres adjacent to the existing hono o na pali natural area reserve and the alakai wilderness preserve in the waimea district of kauai. Solar gis info from the national renewable energy laboratory. Wake up in time to drive to the end of the road for a ke. The kalalau trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Pihea and alakai swamp trail to kilohana overlook modern. Kauai county is covered by the following us topo map. Bike or walk the ke ala hele makalae path on kauais.
To the right the trail continues along the fence another mile to connect with the alakai swamp trail. Lihue, the east side coconut coast, the north shore, the south shore and the west side. Map of the bike path route winding around kauais east side. Text call 7am 7pm kauai time 8088222846 808 vacation quick links. We hiked the cliffs version of this trail, a loop where you start on the nualolo trail, hike into the vista, backtrack 34 mile to the cliffs trail junction, take the cliffs trail 2 miles over to its junction with the awaawapuhi trail, do the vista there and then hike back out. Hawaii kauai pihea alakai swamp kilohana lookout hike. This video shows the major hiking trail markers and scenery when hiking the pihea and alakai trails in kokee state park, kauai, hi. The alakai trail is connected to the pihea summit trail, which starts at the puu o kila lookout elevation 4,176 feet at the end of koke. 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. Pihea trail to alakai swamp kauai, hawaii alltrails.