Pihea Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[MAUI] UPDATE 4/20/26

‘Iao Valley State Monument: Will be CLOSED until June 26, 2026 for safety improvements.

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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.

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[KAUA’I] UPDATED 4/14/26

Koke’e State Park camping will be CLOSED for campground improvements. Construction to begin May 2026 and extend through Spring 2027.

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Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 4/12/26

O’ahu state parks have REOPENED with the exception of Ka’ena Point State Park, both Mokule’ia and Mākua-Keawa’ula sections, and Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site.

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATED 4/10/26

Notice to bidders for Mobile Food Truck Concessions opened today for certain Hawai’i Island parks. More information at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/mobile-food-truck-concessions-hawaii/

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

Pihea Trail

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    CAUTION: Deep mud at Pihea peak.
    Trail Length 3.8 miles (one way)
    Time Approx 3 hrs.
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Moderate
    Terrain None
    Elevation Gain 284 ft
    Park Name Kōkeʻe State Park

    Route

    The trail begins at Puu O Kila Lookout at the end of Highway 550. The Pihea Trail is a recommended forest reserve trail for scenic views, observing Kauai’s native forest birds and sampling the Alakai Wilderness’ terrain and vegetation. This is an alternate route to the Alakai Swamp Trail, which intersects the Pihea Trail just before 1 3/4 mile point. There is a short spur that ends at the Pihea Overlook, the highest point on the rim of Kalalau Valley.

    Caution – Do not go beyond the Pihea Overlook. The terrain gets very steep beyond this point. The Pihea Trail follows the northwestern bank of Kawaikoi Stream and ends at Kawaikoi Camp. While there is some boardwalk construction underway, portions of the trail are often wet, slippery and muddy.