#Kalalau startrail series
If there has been significant rainfall in recent weeks you will be tromping along the boardwalk as it hovers a continuous series of little bogs. You follow a few narrow ridges before breaking out onto a high plateau. After you make the left at the junction, you will descend a steep set of wooden stairs to a place where you cross Kawaikoi Stream before hiking back up the other side through an even more fairyland type forest. 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. From this juncture you'll likely want to continue along the Alaka'i Swamp Trail to Kilohana Lookout. Beyond this point, the Pihea Trail is covered mostly with boardwalk.Īfter approximately two miles on the Pihea Trail, you will come to a junction between the Pihea Trail and the Alaka'i Swamp Trail. To the right the trail continues along the fence another mile to connect with the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail. At this point there is also a hog fence put up with signs and a locked gate. It's pretty, but it's not worth the effort, especially since you've only just begun the trail. As you finish the first mile of the trail a short but extremely steep side trail leads to the Pihea Vista. It is medium-sized with a curved peach bill. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows, you might even catch a glimpse of the 'I'iwi, a gorgeous red bird. At the beginning of this incredible trail, it skirts along the Kalalau Valley, starting passing through the forest of Ohi'a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). They will speak with campers and hikers about Kalalau’s natural and human history, and about the importance the area holds for native Hawaiians.Napali Coast Trail Koke'e and Waimea State Park
In addition to checking permits and ensuring the safety of hikers and campers, the rangers will serve as cultural liaisons.
The state parks division says that the closure of the trail meant the loss of at least $500,000 in camping permit fees.Īmong the changes at the Kalalau Trail will be that park rangers will be stationed in the valley seven days a week. It sees up to 500,000 visitors per year, much of that traffic on the two miles leading to Hanakapiai Falls. The Kalalau Trail is one of the most popular destinations in all of Hawaii. With it, the hugely popular Kalalau Trail will also reopen, but with some changes that visitors should be aware of. Hawaii Accommodations & Dining Hawaii Animals & Nature Hawaii Beaches & Ocean Hawaii Culture & Happenings Hawaii Hiking & Outdoors Hawaii Travel & Vacation InfoĪfter disastrous flooding well over one year ago destroyed Kuhio Highway on Kauai, it is set to reopen on Monday, June 17.