Mahalo and Namaste
When you get back to the last mile out, you may be shocked by the fact that you cannot see anything looking off the aides if the trail, where just earlier you had cloudless skies. A present for your early start, and the dismay of those just arriving. Be sure to stop at Kauai Island Brewing Company for a well deserved cold brew, maybe the Alakai Porter and a quick story for the bartender.
Back down to the trail, and you work your way down hill to the boardwalk section, which you would think would add some ease to the hike, but as it is dilapidated in sections and covered with rusty meal mesh, you should be happy you got that tetanus shot this past year.
This was such a fun hike, first time I got to walk through a swamp on top of a mountain. It's too bad that most of the day was pretty overcast but fortunately at the end of the hike where you get an amazing view of the Hanalei Bay the clouds briefly dispersed and I was even treated to a rainbow. The hike isn't difficult but it can get really slippery especially when it's raining as was the case when I went there. Also, the boardwalk is pretty good for the most part but has started to fall apart in a few places, be really careful when attempting to jump over a broken piece because what you are lending on can be extremely slippery as I found.
Swamp trail on top of mountain. Very interesting!
Very nice.
There are moments on this hike that you forget about everything and just realize that you are so far away from anything, and it's a peaceful trancendant feeling that is hard to describe, unless you are there.
The trail evens off for a fairly flat winding board walk section which comes to a crossing at 1.75 miles (a little longer if you added the lookout). You can only see the trail markers here if you stop at the crossing and pretend to cut back on the AST and cross that way. Either way, take the left hand turn...going straight you keep on the Pihea Trail.
Before you know it, you have reached a sudden end to your journey and you may shed a tear, or that could be the sweat not pouring from you brow, because of the enormity of the site in front of you. Yes, that is Hanalei Bay! Trek back the same way, now with the heat of the sun starting to fill the day. There is a lot of up hill to this return trek, which makes the hike that much more rigorous; but you should have a soul full of energy, which will move you forward, even up those steps you so easily forgot about going down on the way in.
自然气息很强，很天然，很多的野生动物，到这里感觉离大自然很亲近
The alakai swamp trail (AST) trailhead can only be accessed via a 4wd road, therefore 90% of those who do the AST actually do part of the Pihea Trail to the Alakai Crossing at the 1.75 mile marker, where two boardwalks converge. Turn left, and you begin the Alakai Swamp Trail.
Once the rigorous elevation changes plateau, you find yourself in the swamo, which is confusing because you are so high up. There is speculation that some of the telephone poles you pass, now consumed by the bog, were once markers for where a proposed road was suggested connecting the north with the west. When you are up there, you will be happy to know those plans were scratched...most likely because of the swamps ability to just inhale anything around it. Take the next mile in the bog, watching your step not to fall off the platforms that are slowly being engulfed by the swap.
Head down hill on a wide rolling dried up river bed. This section can be slippery if there has been any precipitation and should be navigated with care and ease. Once the down hill flattens out, there a reason few muddy sections that lead to an almost uphill climb on some very slippery red dirt hills. This section is tricky but a steady pace brings you to your first decision. Do you veer off for a quick Pihea lookout obstacle course or do you stay on course turning right, and continue towards the Alakai Crossing. As I like to add distance onto my hikes, I always opt for the lookout. It's uphill, and tricky in spots, but worth every muddy step.
Pihea Trail to Alakai Swamp finish at Kilohana Lookout
But to begin, at Pu'u O Kila lookout at the end of the road in Kokee. Get here early and you will be blessed with both beautiful sites, but more importantly a parking spot. I recommend starting before 7 am. The temperature in Kokee can be as a low as 50 degrees and it is a great way to start a challenging hike. Also, because of the clear views, you might not get started until after a twenty minute photo session.
At this point the AST is in full effect and you will be treated to some boardwalk, some slippery slope climbing, beautiful views, and the highest elevation swamp in the world.
Alaka I Wilderness Preserve is a US Park based in Hanapepe, Hawaii. Alaka I Wilderness Preserve is located at Hanapepe, HI 96716, USA.
Please contact with Alaka I Wilderness Preserve using information above: Address, Phone number, Fax, Postal code, Website address, E-mail, Facebook. Find Alaka I Wilderness Preserve opening hours and driving directions or map. Find real customer reviews and ratings or write your own review.