18. Alaka'i Swamp Trail

This trail begins on Mohihi Road, about 2.75 miles from the paved highway. A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended in dry conditions and required if it’s wet. It’s best to start this trail early in the morning.

From Mohihi Road, it’s a 1.5-mile hike to the Lehuamakanoe intersection. Here, you can choose between three routes:

• Pihea Trail (to the north)
• Kilohana Lookout (straight ahead)
• Kawaikoi Stream Trail (to the south)

A boardwalk protects the delicate alpine bog environment, which features flat bog areas separated by two steep river valleys. The trail ends at the rim overlooking Wainiha Valley. Expect wet, cold, and muddy conditions, with frequent fog and mist. Always stay on the boardwalk, as it’s easy to get disoriented and lost.

On a clear day, the Kilohana Lookout offers breathtaking views of Kauai’s north shore. This trail is also great for birdwatching. Be prepared with a rain poncho, snacks, water, and sturdy shoes with ankle support. Plan for about four hours to complete the trail.

Caution: Weather in the area can change quickly, especially near the center of the island. Heavy fog and rain are common and can make navigation dangerous. Avoid hiking into the Alaka'i Swamp if poor weather is expected.

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17. Pihea Trail

The first mile of the Pihea Vista Trail offers a relatively easy walk with stunning views of the Kalalau Valley on your left and the vast Waialeale plateau. However, be cautious of the steep, rutted descent from Pu’u o Kila Lookout—it’s the most hazardous part of this section.

Beyond the first mile, the trail becomes more challenging, with slippery clay and deep mud. Good shoes and walking sticks are highly recommended. Many hikers have experienced sprained ankles and injuries on this trail, so proceed with care.

The Pihea Trail also serves as an access point to the Alaka'i Swamp for those with 2WD vehicles. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, forest birds, and a glimpse of the unique Alaka'i wilderness terrain and vegetation.

Before the trail turns inland, you’ll find a short, steep spur to the left leading to Pihea Overlook—the highest point on the rim of Kalalau Valley. Stop here for the breathtaking views, but do not go beyond the overlook as the terrain becomes extremely dangerous.

The main trail (to the right) continues through forested areas that can be muddy year-round. At Lehuamakanoe Bog, a boardwalk section leads to a four-way junction:

• Left: Alaka'i Swamp
• Straight: Northwestern bank of Kawai Koi Stream, ending at Kawaikoi Camp
• Right: Ridge trail to Mohihi Road above Kawaikoi Stream (an alternative trailhead for Alaka'i Swamp for those with 4WD vehicles)

If heading into the swamp from the Pihea Trail, plan for a 5-6 hour hike.

Note: Please stay on the designated trails and boardwalks. Avoid venturing into fenced areas or off the trail in the Alaka'i Swamp to protect the native plants and animals, some of which are critically endangered. This area is a wilderness preserve. If you’re not particularly interested in exploring native alpine bogs, there are other recreational trails better suited for a day hike.

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16. Kaluapuhi Trail

The Kaluapuhi Trail is a great option to combine with a visit to the Kalalau Valley Lookouts and is accessible by rental car. This forest trail features gentle slopes and is ideal for families. Along the way, you can spot native trees, plants, and occasionally rare nectar-feeding birds.

About halfway through, there’s a short 0.5-mile spur that offers a beautiful view of the forest. The trailhead is located just past the first Kalalau Lookout. Look for parking near a yellow gate, with a short walk to the marked trailhead off the paved road. Please note that parking along the highway is limited and should be done with caution.

Although the trail ends on the road, it’s recommended to return the same way you came since the road has a narrow and uneven shoulder. This trail is perfect for active children and birdwatchers looking to enjoy a leisurely hike.

15. Awa‘awapuhi Trail

The Awa‘awapuhi Trail begins at a parking area near the 17-mile marker on the highway. This trail features a rich variety of native dryland plants and descends 1,300 feet over its length. While about half of the trail is shaded, other sections are exposed, so be prepared for sun and heat.

The trail ends on a narrow ridge with breathtaking views of the Awa‘awapuhi, Nualolo, and Honopu Valleys, as well as the Pacific Ocean. A grassy area at the end of the trail offers a perfect spot for a picnic. Do not go beyond the safety railing—the soil is loose and slippery, posing serious danger.

Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be hot and there is limited shade. Hikers have been rescued here due to heat-related illnesses, so plan accordingly and stay hydrated.

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14. Nualolo Trail

Plan for about 5 hours to complete this challenging hike. The trail begins near the Kōke‘e State Park Headquarters and features a steep 1,400-foot elevation drop in the first mile. Walking sticks are highly recommended. The trail ends at an elevation of 2,234 feet at an S.S.G.S. survey marker labeled “Lolo No. 2.”

The trail is used by both hikers and hunters, some on horseback. The first half is shaded, but the second half is exposed, so bring plenty of drinking water. At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Nualolo Valley. Do not go past the safety railing—if you slip, a rescue is nearly impossible, even by helicopter.

Note: A connecting trail links the Awa‘awapuhi and Nualolo Trails. If you plan to take both, be prepared to spend most of the day hiking and walking back to your car. It’s easier to start on the Nualolo Trail and return via the Awa‘awapuhi Trail. Make sure to bring more water than you think you’ll need, as there is no water available along the trail.

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13. Nature Trail

A loop trail conveniently located behind the Kōke'e Natural History Museum for those without much time and families with young children. The trail serves as a good orientation to unique Hawaiian plants prior to going on a longer hike. Please do not pick any of the plants on the trail or make your own trails. The trail, with its unique trees and understory, is an example of a Hawaiian forest. This is a good choice for families with very small children and older adults.

12. Ditch Trail

This trail was developed to construct and maintain the Koke'e irrigation system. The trailhead is unmarked, to the right, and about 2.25 miles on Mohihi Road from the paved highway. If you reach the first concrete bridge at Kawaikinana Stream, you’ve missed it—the Vistas of the surrounding forest and Po’omau Stream. Volunteers maintain the trail from time to time, but it quickly degrades towards the second half where soil conditions are unstable and often washed out. Do not venture out on any loose soil, which is like walking on ball bearings, especially near drop-offs. Beware of landslides and fallen trees.

11. Water Tank Trail

This trail is under a forested canopy and deadends on the Puu ka Ohelo—Berry Flat Trail. The trailhead is in the driveway to the Kokee Discovery Center, just off the main highway. When parking, make sure you are not blocking the driveway.
When the trail joins the Pu’u ka ‘Ohelo Trail, go to the left to reach the redwood forest. The Kumuwela Flats to the right lead to Makaweli Flats and Mohihi Camp 10 Road.

10. Pu‘u ka ‘Ohelo - Berry Flats Trail

The Berry Flats Trail is a fascinating forest walk featuring a variety of tree groves, including California redwoods, Japanese sugi pines, and native koa and ‘ōhi‘a lehua. Birdwatching opportunities abound in the tree canopy, making it a great choice for nature lovers and families.

If driving to a trailhead, you’ll need to either retrace your steps or walk back along the road to return. The Water Tank Trail branches off Berry Flats and offers an alternative route if you want to avoid driving the bumpy, often slick Mohihi/Camp 10 Road. Staying on the main trail is important, as hunting trails can easily lead you off course.

There are three trailheads to access the Berry Flats Trail:

• Makaweli Flats
• Kumuwela Flats area
• Water Tank Trail access (described below)

To reach the other trailheads, take the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road on the right after the Park Headquarters intersection. This road is rough and becomes impassable for most vehicles in rainy conditions. If it’s wet, park just past the sign for YWCA – Camp Sloggett. Walk along the road past a series of cabins until it dips down and reaches Makaweli Flats. Look for a long, low cabin on a hill with a trail sign to its left—this is the easiest starting point for the Berry Flats Trail.

The trail forms a loop and gradually ends at a higher elevation along Mohihi Road. To complete the loop:

• Stay to the right on the main trail. Avoid small false trails branching off to the right.
• Expect some muddy sections and a small stream crossing.
• When the trail exits onto Mohihi Road, turn right and walk down a steep section to return to Makaweli Flats.

You can hike the loop in reverse, but it requires climbing the steep road.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area or driving a 2WD vehicle, it’s strongly recommended to use the Water Tank Trail for easier access. This kid-friendly trail includes one small stream crossing and can be muddy in spots. You can also hike back to the highway using Mohihi/Camp 10 Road.

9. Kumuwela Trail

The Kumuwela Trail is a forest path that has primarily been used as a hunter’s trail. It is easy to lose your way, so caution is advised. The trailhead is located near the end of Waineke Road and exits near the end of Kumuwela Road, close to the lookout.

The viewpoint at Kumuwela is now overgrown, and to the left of the lookout is the other end of the Canyon Trail. Although this trail once offered a beautiful overlook of Waimea Canyon, years of landslides and lack of maintenance have made it dangerous to hike. It’s included here as a warning, as some guidebooks may reference the trail without mentioning its current condition.

Note: Be aware that you may encounter hunters and packs of dogs on this trail.

8. Wainiua Trail

The Wainiua Trail is a forest path that once served as a shortcut to a network of roads and trails.

Note: Forest trails like this one are less frequently used than view trails and can become overgrown. The trailhead is located on Waineke Road, near an old water pumping station with a pond on the right at the start of the road.

If you hike this trail, you can loop back to your starting point by turning left when you reach Kumuwela Road. For those with 2WD vehicles or low-clearance cars, it’s best to park on Mohihi Road just past the sign for YWCA-Camp Sloggett. Avoid driving down smaller side roads, especially in wet conditions, as parking is limited and roads can become unsafe.

7. Faye Trail

The Faye Trail is part of the Halemanu-Kōke‘e Trail system, connecting hikers to the main road via Faye Road. It’s a useful route if you’re hiking from the Meadow or State Cabins and want to link up with the Canyon and Cliff Trails for a half-day hike.

Do not attempt to drive down Faye Road. There is no place to park, turn around, or safely navigate in a vehicle, as the road is rough, and sections can cause low-clearance vehicles to bottom out.

Hikers are advised to use a walking stick, especially in muddy conditions.

Note: Although maps may still show Faye Road looping back to the highway, this is no longer accurate. Several large fallen trees block the road near the trailhead, and the lower section (an old carriage road) has been closed to vehicles for nearly a decade.

6. Halemanu – Kōke‘e Trail

This trail crosses a ridge with a 300-foot elevation change, connecting Halemanu Valley to the Kōke‘e Camp area, specifically the driveway into YWCA Camp Sloggett off Mohihi Road.

The trail can be overgrown and may have fallen trees blocking the path. If driving to the trailhead, be mindful not to block driveways and ensure there is space for other vehicles to pass.

The surrounding forest is dominated by koa and ‘ōhi‘a lehua trees, with a mix of native plants and invasive species like blackberry and banana poka. This century-old trail was once a popular horseback route for summer residents traveling between leaseholds.

5. Black Pipe Trail

This trail is named for the part of the plantation ditch system that fills Pu’u Lua Reservoir. Access to this trail can be on the way back from Koke'e Stream on the Canyon Trail, avoiding the steep climb back to the parking area off Halemanu Road.

4. Cliff Trail

A spur off of the Canyon Trail takes you to a lookout overlooking a finger canyon. This trail is a good choice for families with small children combined with the Halemanu Road trailhead.

3. Canyon Trail

This trail has two trailheads:

1. Pu‘uhinahina Lookout: Offers additional views as it follows the canyon but includes sections close to the edge, making it unsuitable for children or adults with a fear of heights.
2. Halemanu Road: Usually well-marked, with parking available for 2WD vehicles on the highway near the Kōke‘e State Park sign. Make sure your vehicle is parked well off the highway. Avoid making U-turns or stopping on the highway to look for parking, as it’s dangerous. 4WD vehicles can park at the trailhead, but keep in mind the road can be slippery when wet and is one lane with oncoming traffic.
   The trail features a 1,122-foot drop in elevation and is often chosen by hikers looking to reach a waterfall. However, the trail is unmaintained, can be very muddy, and may be deceptively dangerous for those who are unprepared.

The first section includes forested areas, a steep descent to a ditch weir, and then a flatter ridge with beautiful views of Po‘ōmau Canyon. The trail continues to Kōke‘e Stream and the top of Waipo‘o Falls. Keep in mind you cannot see the falls from the trail, and going too close to the edge can lead to fatal falls. The best views of Waipo‘o Falls are from roadside lookouts.

The section overlooking the canyon has loose, pebbly soil—be cautious with children or those with balance issues. Upstream, there is a smaller waterfall, but always check the bottom before jumping or diving into pools. Do not attempt to cross the stream if the water flow is high and swift.

Important Safety Information:

• The water is not drinkable and can harbor leptospirosis during droughts. Avoid swimming in freshwater streams or pools with open cuts, and do not drink the water.
• The second part of the trail beyond the stream is no longer accessible due to landslides. Unstable paths above the old trail are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
• The full trail used to end at Kumuwela Lookout, but returning to the main road from there is several miles, especially if your vehicle is parked at Halemanu.

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Kawaikoi Stream Trail

This loop trail follows Kawaikoi Stream, starting from Sugi Grove Camp, about 3 miles from the paved highway. The trail begins on the left after crossing the ford, passing through a grove of Japanese sugi pines and continuing into an ‘ōhi‘a forest. It travels up one side of the stream, crosses over, and then returns along the other side.
After crossing the stream, hikers can either continue straight to connect with the Pihea Trail or loop back to Kawaikoi Camp along the north side of the stream.

Safety Reminder:

• Never jump or dive into pools without checking for hidden obstacles.
• Be cautious at stream crossings—flash floods can occur quickly.
• Do not attempt to cross if the rocks at the crossing are underwater.

Note: Both Sugi Grove and Kawaikoi Camp require camping permits.

Po’omau Canyon Trail

This short trial starts about a mile from the Kawikoi Stream ford on the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road and leads to a grand view of Po’omau and Waimea Canyons. It has an elevation gain of 80 feet/ 24.3 meters. It is not recommended for families with children, requires 4wd drive vehicle access, and should be avoided by people afraid of hieghts. The road past Kawaikoi Steam is increasingly poor. Good tires and even winches may be needed depending on conditions. It is recommended hiking from Kawaikoi Campground area where parking is available.

Kohua Ridge Trail

The trailhead begins about 5 miles down Mohihi-Camp 10 Road and is mainly used by pig and goat hunters. With a 167-foot elevation change, this trail offers scenic views of Waimea Canyon and passes through beautiful koa forests.

Be sure to stay behind the railing at the end of the trail—the loose, gravelly soil is extremely slippery, and the drop-off is steep. Trail conditions can change quickly, so be prepared and hike with caution.

Mohihi-Wai‘alae Trail

This rugged trail begins at the end of Mohihi-Camp 10 Road and is primarily used as a hunter access route. It crosses Mohihi Stream and follows Kohua Ridge into the Alaka‘i Wilderness Preserve within the Nāpali-Kona Forest Reserve.

The trail is occasionally maintained up to the U.S. Geological Survey rain gauge at the 2.5-mile marker. Beyond this point, the route continues toward Koai‘e Stream but has not been maintained for decades. During heavy rain, stream heights can become dangerously high. Map and compass skills are highly recommended for navigation.

Note: Camping at Koai‘e Stream gauge is by permit only. This trail is not recommended for recreational hiking due to its challenging and unmaintained conditions.