A thirty minute one way walk through peat bogs and lush boggy rainforest leads to astonishing vista of the North Molokai coastline from 3,700 feet elevation. The boardwalk trail is maintained by volunteers for the Nature Conservancy. The boards are covered with wire grates to prevent slipping into the bog, which results in wet shoes and feet. This trail is rare opportunity to experience a rain forest ecosystem up close and personal.

For a guided tour of the area, Nature Conservancy staff and volunteers lead a monthly hike along the narrow boardwalk through the preserve. Hike leaders will meet you at the Moloka`i airport in the morning, serve as interpretive guides through the preserve, and return you to the airport in the afternoon. Reservations and a deposit are required. Space is limited. Call the Moloka`i field office at 808-553-5236 or email hike_molokai@tnc.org for more information.

Directions: From Kaunakakai, Go west on Maunaloa Highway, route 460. At about 3.5 miles, turn right before the bridge at the Homelani Cemetery sign onto Maunahui Road/Moloka'i Forest Reserve Road. This turns to a dirt road at about .25 mile. Pass throught the Molokai Forest Reserve to the 10 mile point and the Waikolu Lookout. The Kamakou Preserve begins at this point. The Trailhead is another 2.6 miles over an undulating and sometimes very muddy road. Stay to the left as the road splits. You may have to walk these last two miles to reach the trailhead it the road is muddy. From the trailhead, the trail follows a boardwalk to the lookout.

Difficulty: Moderate

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