Pihea Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 5/21/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Updated June Operating Hours - The rockfall mitigation project began January 6, 2025 and will run until September 5, 2025 or upon completion of the construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check the Diamond Head State Monument website for updated park operation hours during this time.

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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 5/19/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion closure has been extended from June 1 to July 1. The Pala’au Canping Area has been CLOSED from May 30 to June 30, 2025.

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[MAUI] - UPDATE 5/12/25: Puaʻa kaʻa Wayside and Restrooms has REOPENED.

 

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[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

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.