The Hawaiian Islands are home to pristine beaches in a variety of colors, majestic mountain peaks, lush valleys, and incredible vistas everywhere you look. But the islands are also home to landscapes you might not expect: redwood forests, snow-capped mountains, and even swamplands. Nestled in the heart of Koke'e State Park, just north of Waimea Canyon, is the Alakai Swamp, a truly one-of-a-kind Hawaiian landscape.
Koke'e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres, and contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along canyon rims, and through native Hawaiian forests. While one could spend weeks exploring this incredible park, if you're short on time, the Alakai Swamp Trail is a must-visit.
The Alakai Swamp Trail is approximately seven miles round trip, and takes you on a journey through lush forests, and ethereal swamplands.
Most people start the trail at the Pu'u o Kila Lookout, meander along the Pihea Summit Trail, and traverse approximately 3.5 miles of boardwalk through a unique wet forest, and a boggy swamp.
The ecosystem found on this trail is described as montane, and cannot be found anywhere else on Kauai.
In fact, there are only two other accessible bogs like this one in Hawaii: one on Oahu, and one on Molokai.
Located on elevated flatlands near Mount Waialeale one of the wettest spots on the planet - the area is home to soggy soil and extremely high winds.
This strange, mysterious, and enchanting place could have been pulled straight from a fairytale, and has been revered by Hawaiians for centuries.
While strolling through the ohia trees and hapuu ferns, hikers will experience the chattering of various endangered birds.
Construction on the boardwalk began in 1991 in order to minimize the impact of hikers on this incredible landscape, and is comprised of redwood planks outfitted with chicken wire to provide much-needed traction.
The enchanting swampland gets approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually, often between the months of October and May, so you better start planning your trip!
Can you believe that only 600 people hike the Alakai Swamp Trail every month? If you're looking for an easier Kauai hike, check out the Wai Koa Loop Trail, or any of these 11 incredible hikes under five miles found throughout the islands.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
