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.

Camping at Kawaikoi Camping Area by permit only. There is no permitted camping for commercial purposes. CAUTION:Deep mud at Pihea peak.

General Information: 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.

Directions: From Waimea, Travel north along Highway 550. The trail is at the end of the highway, at the turnoff for the Puu o Kila Lookout. The trail begins at the parking lot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information

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