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Pihea Trail and Alaka'i Swamp Trail
by
ALOHA DEAN
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Beginning at Pu‘u O Kila Lookout over Kalalau Valley in Kokee State Park, Pihea Trail follows the back rim of Kalalau valley to a viewpoint (named Pihea) that offers amazing panoramic views.  |
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| You will walk on hard-packed red dirt that are slippery when wet and a climb of several hundred feet in elevation make this trail challenging. |
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| Pihea Trail provides great views of Kalalau Valley along the rim, good territory for watching native forest birds and a look at a native rainforest |
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| This trail can also be used to link up with the Alaka‘i Swamp trail (Kilohana) and Kawaikoi stream.
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| The Alakai Swamp is a collection of bogs, where a false step puts you knee-deep, sometimes thigh-deep, in muddy water. Recently, At 1.6 miles, the state constructed a boardwalk over the wettest places so hikers could avoid the deepest bogs.
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| Hikers should not attempt this difficult trail in rain or if cloud cover limits visibility.Turning left on the Alaka’i Trail, the boardwalk continues downhill towards Kawaikoi Stream. |
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| After crossing Kawaikoi Stream, the trail goes up a ridge then across very boggy and foggy forestlands to Kilohana overlook on the rim of Wainiha Valley, with great views of Kaua’i's north shore (weather permitting).
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| Kilohana Lookout, a 3,000-foot vertical perch, is at trail's end. The view from there into Wainiha Valley and Hanalei is magnificent. It's an enchanting place to lunch, rest and reflect. If cloud cover prevents a view, wait because it's likely to clear..
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| No water. No facilities on trail |
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