Nature Trail at Koke'e State Park in Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii

Pihea Trail in Koke'e State Park

Waimea, Kauai

The Pihea Trail curves along the back of the Kalalau Valley providing access to of one of Hawaii's most picturesque views. Be prepared for hiking in the clouds, at this elevation cloud mists blow through the native forest obscuring and revealing rare windows into the natural world. In the mountains of Kaua'i there are trails that reach portions of the mountains that are usually inaccessible, except by helicopter on most of the Hawaiian islands. The Koke'e 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.

At a Glance:
Highlights: A unique opportunity to explore an area rich with native species and a swamp area that has boardwalk trail. Full of incredible views!
Location: Koke'e State Park above Waimea town.
Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous depending on hike length.
Equipment: Sturdy shoes, layers for chilly temperatures, rain gear, water and food.
Warnings!: Follow all posted warnings within park grounds. The trail is very slippery for the first mile due to muddy conditions. The boardwalk has some weathering and aging and parts have rotten through. Be prepared for hiking in slippery conditions and where sturdy shoes.
Reservations: None needed.
Cost: None

The Pihea trail stretches 3.75 miles, but the link to the Alakai Swamp Trail is just prior to the 1.75 mile distance. At this point the trail becomes a wooden boardwalk with stairs, descending then climbing eventually winding through a high mountain swamp to the "Kilohana Lookout" with spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and Wainiha Pali. The clouds appear and disappear quickly at the lookout, but it is worth waiting around a bit for the view to appear.

At the end of Alakai Swamp Trail the Kilohana Lookout reveals Hanalei Bay in the distance.

Where to Start:
The Pihea Trail begins at the Pu'u O Kila lookout at the end of the Koke'e Park Road/HI-route 550. The stunning view of Kalalau Valley highlights the first mile of the trail. The trail runs the upper rim of the valley then takes a turn into the forest eventually coming to a boardwalk "cross-roads" from here you will take the left turn onto "Alakai Swamp Trail". You are now in a bastion of native Hawaiian forest where every insect, bird, or plant around you is most likely endemic and adapted to living specific to this environment. Trips like this usually require a helicopter and in this case you are hiking in on your own foot power, entering a rarified natural world.

Local Tip:
Give yourself 4 to 6 hours to do this hike and plan accordingly. It may honestly be one of the best hikes of your life, as long as you are prepared. The elevation plus weather conditions on this trail can make for colder weather. Bring layers, and be prepared for rain, though at this elevation fog and cloud mists are more likely.
Gauge your excursion level when the trail turns away from Kalalau and toward the forest, keep in mind that you will be hiking the same trail out. IF clouds or rain are heavy this trail is not very enjoyable and should be avoided. Drop to a lower elevation and explore some of the Waimea Canyon lookouts instead.

The Lodge in Koke'e is the only amenities, food and snacks in the area. They are open 9 am to 4 pm 7 days a week. The charming restaurant inside is a great place to warm up and dine while up in the park.

Contact the Koke'e Museum and Park Headquarters for weather or info:
Phone: 808-335-9975
Website for Park amenities: http://www.thelodgeatkokee.net

Koke'e Park Trail Map Link:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/brochure_pdfs/hsp_trails_of_kokee_-_kokee_state_pa15.pdf

State Park Website for Koke'e:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/index.cfm?park_id=7

Black Pipe Trail to Canyon Trail in Koke'e State Park

Waimea, Kauai

The end of the Canyon Trail in Koke'e State Park is the red earth plateau seen to the left, above the twin waterfalls. The views from the trail are some of the best you will get of the Waimea Canyon. The Koke'e State Park has many trails to explore that reach portions of the spectacular Waimea Canyon, all are free and public accessible. The most rewarding is a combination of two trails accessed by a 4-wheel drive road that you can hike out to a central vista in the midst of the Canyon. The popularity of the trail is a plus, as it is easier to find and follow then any other in the area.

At a Glance:
Highlights: The best trail to get you safely below the canyon rim. At trails end you reach the beauty of the Waipo'o Falls. The upper most falls has a small pool for swimming.
Location: Koke'e State Park above Waimea town.
Activity Level: Moderate to strenuous depending on your trail choice.
Equipment: Sturdy shoes, rain gear, water and food.
Warnings!: Follow all posted warnings within park grounds. The trail is very slippery for the first mile due to muddy conditions. The end of the Canyon Trail runs along a ridge. The ridge is wide, but extremely mindful of slippery footing if you choose to go check out the edges.
Reservations: None needed.
Cost: None

Where to Start:
As you drive up into the Koke'e State Park, visit the 2 scenic lookouts and take observe the canyon weather before you start. Just past the second lookout, called "Pu'uhinahina", you will be looking for the 14 mile marker. Just prior to mile marker 14 there is a dirt 4-wheel drive only, "jeep road" on the right that goes downhill. Find parking on roadside opposite the "jeep road". Walk the dirt road downhill looking for signs for the first portion of the "Blackpipe Trail" which will be on your right. Walk through the forested trail looking for the link with the Canyon Trail. The trail winds through forest then eventually runs along an open exposed red earth ridge. The canyon views are incredible from here and there is suddenly no shade for about mile. Carefully follow the ridge trail until it winds inland to the forest wrapped Waipoo Falls, where a swim or shade picnic can make for the perfect pause before making the hike out.

Local Tip:
Give yourself 2 to 3 hours to do this hike and plan accordingly. It may honestly be one of the best hikes of your life, as long as you are prepared. The elevation plus weather conditions on this trail can make for colder weather. Bring layers, and be prepared for rain, though at this elevation fog and cloud mists are more likely.
IF clouds or rain are heavy this trail is not very enjoyable and should be avoided. Drop to a lower elevation and explore some of the Waimea Canyon lookouts instead.

Closest Amenities:
The Lodge in Koke'e is the only amenities, food and snacks in the area. They are open 9 am to 4 pm 7 days a week. The charming resteraunt inside is a great place to warm up and dine while up in the park.

Contact the Koke'e Museum and Park Headquarters:
Phone: 808-335-9975
Website: http://www.thelodgeatkokee.net

Koke'e Park Trail Map Link:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/brochure_pdfs/hsp_trails_of_kokee_-_kokee_state_pa15.pdf

State Park Website for Koke'e:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/index.cfm?park_id=7

Iliau Nature Loop Trail in Koke'e State Park

Waimea, Kauai

When visiting the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks there are a number of popular hikes to choose from, however this often overlooked trail is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the canyon with very little commotion and crowds. It makes a great opportunity to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs before exploring further portions of the park.

At a Glance:
Highlights:
Spectacular views and lots of native plants surround this easy to follow nature walk along 03 tenths of a mile loop of trail

Location:
Waimea Canyon State Park above Waimea town.

Elevation:
2800 feet

Length/slope:
0.3 mile loop/ 40 foot change of elevation

Activity Level:
Easy

Equipment:
Sturdy shoes, rain gear, water and food.

Warnings!:
Follow all posted warnings within park grounds. The trail is very slippery for the first mile due to muddy conditions. The adjacent Kukui Trail decends steeply and you should be extremely mindful of slippery footing if you choose to go try part of this trail to reach more canyon views.

Reservations:
None needed.

Cost:
None

Where to Start:
As you drive up into the Waimea Canyon State Park the trailhead is approximately a mile into the park on the right. This trail shares signage with the "Kukui Trail" which is a much steeper and dynamic hike that drops down to the 2,000 feet to the canyon floor. There are usually only a few cars parked along the roadway as the indicator of the trailhead. Once parked, the trail is just over a small embankment on the canyon (right) side of the road and is easy to follow. Many layers of native plants are visible all along the trail, the most prominent being the Iliau which gives the trail its name. Many interpretive signs are dispersed along the trail labeling the natives and telling you a bit about them.

Local Tip:
Give yourself 30 minutes to do this hike and plan accordingly. It is honestly one of the easier hikes in the region, as long as you are prepared. The elevation plus weather conditions on this trail can make for colder weather then the coast. Bring layers, and be prepared for rain, though at this elevation fog and cloud mists are more likely.

Closest Amenities:
The Lodge in Koke'e is the only amenities, food and snacks in the area. They are open 9 am to 4 pm 7 days a week. The charming restaurant inside is a great place to warm up and dine while up in the park.

Contact the Koke'e Museum and Park Headquarters:
Phone: 808-335-9975
Website: http://www.thelodgeatkokee.net

Koke'e Park Trail Map Link:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/brochure_pdfs/hsp_trails_of_kokee_-_kokee_state_pa15.pdf

State Park Website link for Iliau Trail:
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/hiking/kauai/index.cfm?hike_id=14

Directions:
From Waimea: turn onto Waimea Canyon Road HI-Route 550 inland off of Kuhio Highway / HI-Route 50 proceed 6.7 miles up the road, until you merge with Kokee Road. Proceed approximately 1.3 miles up the road looking for the Kukui Trail/ Iliau Nature Loop Trailhead signs on the right next to roadside parking.