Trail Run Project Logo

Follow this trail from the crest of the Kalalau valley through the Alakai Swamp to Kilohana Lookout


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.8

KM

90%

Runnable

4,162' 1,269 m

High

3,701' 1,128 m

Low

1,139' 347 m

Up

1,140' 347 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

52%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Start and end at spectacular viewpoints, make your way through the Alakai swamp on boardwalk and have an opportunity to see some endangered and endemic Hawaiian birds.

Need to Know

If it has been raining the first part of this trail is extremely slippery. Traveling through the swamp if the boardwalk is broken can also get you wet. I always bring a set of clothes to change into at the end of the route and a plastic bag to hold my muddy dirty shoes and clothes. The red dirt can stain your clothes.

Description

This trail starts at the Puu O Kila Lookout and skirts the rim of the Kalalau Valley with spectacular viewpoints along the way. If has been raining, this part of the trail will be slippery.

Once you reach the Pihea lookout, the trail moves away from the rim. Keep an eye out, because it's along this section to the intersection of the Alakai Swamp Trail that you'll have an opportunity to view some endangered Hawaiian birds.

After reaching the trail intersection, head towards the Kilohana lookout and make your way through the Alakai swamp. There will be boardwalk during sections of this trail.

Upon reaching the Kilohana viewpoint, you are presented with a view of Hanalei bay and the surrounding area. If its foggy, wait. The fog comes and goes so you may still see the view.

Flora & Fauna

Chance to see Akeke'e and endangered greenish-yellow honeycreeper.

History & Background

The telephone poles you see along the way were placed by the army during World War 2.

Contacts

Shared By:

Steve Jackson

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 10 votes

#1287

Overall
  4.6 from 10 votes
5 Star
90%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
10%
Recommended Route Rankings

#11

in Hawaii

#1,287

Overall
40 Views Last Month
4,767 Since Dec 17, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
17%
83%
0%

Photos

Hanalei Bay at the Kilohana lookout.
Dec 17, 2015 near Princev…, HI
Fantastic view of Kalalau.
Dec 29, 2018 near Princev…, HI
Looking up the valley from Kilohana towards Waialeale.
Dec 17, 2015 near Princev…, HI
The views from the Pihea are pretty amazing!
Jul 24, 2017 near Princev…, HI
Ridiculous views abound from Pihea Trail.
Dec 21, 2015 near Princev…, HI
The ridgeline above the valley.
Dec 17, 2015 near Princev…, HI
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.