Alakai Swamp Trail
Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu
Alakai swamp trail

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.

[KAUA'I] update 10/1/24 - KALALAU TRAIL SECTION OF THE NĀPALI COAST STATE WILDERNESS PARK HAS REOPENED.

[OʻAHU] update 9/28/24 – Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area: The boat ramp and lower parking lot will be CLOSED on October 5, 2024 for the Day at the Lake Community Event, free event open to the public from 9am to 4pm, no reservations needed – there will be boat rides, environmental education exhibitors, entertainment, and food. More information at dayatthelake.org

[OʻAHU] UPDATED 9/3/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: Due to severe staff shortages, the processing of vehicular access permits may experience delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 6/18/24 – Kōkeʻe State Park: The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout.

Alakai Swamp Trail

CAUTION: Deep mud and fog along trail.
Trail Length 3.5 miles (one way)
Time approx 3 hrs.
Activity Pedestrian
Difficulty Difficult
Elevation Gain 329 ft
Park Name Kōkeʻe State Park

Route

The trail starts at a parking and turnaround area 1/4 mile north of the Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve entrance sign. This trail leads across the Alakai Swamp through scrub native rain forest and shallow bogs. There are excellent opportunities for birding and botanizing. It ends at a vista called “Kilohana” on the edge of Wainiha Pali. On a clear day, the views of Wainiha and Hanalei Valleys provide for an unforgettable experience. If you hike this route, be sure to wear appropriate clothing. Portions of the trail are a boardwalk, and the trail is often wet, slippery and very muddy.

Additional Info

  • No commercial use (Paid guides or ecotours) allowed within the Alakai and Pihea Trail and the Alakai Wilderness Preserve.
  • No commercial use allowed on the Alakai Swamp Trail.

As of March 22, 2014, the Kauai recreational trail map is temporarily unavailable for distribution or purchase.

Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.