Pihea Peak / Alaka’i Swamp…(Kauai)
Unlike trails on Oahu, this trail has a large parking lot at the trailhead, in part because of the big overlook a short walk from the parking. That overlook looks out over the famed Napali Coast line, specifically the Kalakau Valley.
We left early to make sure we got a parking spot as this lot fills up quickly. This is a heavily used trail to Pihea Peak, but beyond through the Alakai Swamp we only saw a few others. Just over 4-miles the trail ends at a small overlook viewpoint, looking out over the Wainiha River almost 3500’ below.
Most of this trail after Pihea Peak is a raised boardwalk which has recently been updated. Looks like a lot of work went into building this boardwalk.
Good day out…
Heavily used trail to start out…
A nice view down into the Kalakau Valley, which is along the Napali Coastline.
A very heavily used and eroded trail up to Pihea Peak…
The summit of Pihea Peak. The fencing is to keep the invasive and feral Boar, Goats, and Sheep out of the Napali Coast State Park.
For most of the way through the Alakai Swamp the trail is a series of boardwalks. Some old and some newly replaced…
This trail ends at an overlook, overlooking the Wainiha River Valley.
From here the Wainiha River is 3500′ below. The Wainiha River Valley is about 12 miles long…
Kauai posers…
Last look down into Kalakau Valley…
Today’s track…
