Overview

Hype:

Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). At the beginning of this incredible trail it skirts along the Kalalau Valley passing through forest of Ohi'a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows. As you finish the first mile of the trail a short but extremely steep side trail leads to the Pihea Vista. It's pretty, but it's not worth the effort, especially since you've only just begun the trail. Beyond this point, the Pihea Trail is covered mostly with boardwalk. After approximately two miles on the Pihea Trail, you will come to a junction between the Pihea Trail and the Alaka'i Swamp Trail. From this juncture you'll likely want to continue along the Alaka'i Swamp Trail to Kilohana Lookout. To head to Kilohana, make sure to take a left at the junction; continuing straight will take you down to Kawaikoi Camp and heading right will take you back to Camp 10 Road on the Alakai Trail.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 2 hours

Length: 3.2 miles one way

Elevation Gain: 606 ft. -1,338 ft.

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

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Getting There

Navigate to 22.147618, -159.631449.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Kokee State Park, Kauai, Hawaii

Coordinates: 22.147618, -159.631449

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May 29, 2018 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye,

Story

We started this hike at about 12:50. We had already done the Waipoo Falls Trail and visited the Museum. We arrived at Alakai Crossing at 1:50 and turned left (east) onto the Alakai Swamp Trail. We followed the Alakai Swamp Trail for about a third of a mile to a stream crossing then we turned around and headed back. All told, we hiked about 4.75 miles round trip in 2.5 hours. The trail was gorgeous. It started out through ferns, transformed into a walk through tall skinny trees, then turned into boardwalks through the swamp. While we were hiking, we made friends with two guys who were a ton of fun to talk to. They shared some Lychee fruit with us.

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