Alakai Swamp Trail Kauai

Why you should do it: Rain forest hike with abundant greens and ferns takes you into the interior of Kauai.
Area: Kokee State Park
Trail Length: 3.5 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Intermediate to Difficult (depending on the weather)
Location at Google Maps

At an altitude of over 4,000 feet, the Alakai Swamp is the highest swamp in the world.

The Alakai Swamp Trail takes you into the interior of Kauai where you will be treated to peace and solitude in a rain forest filled with ferns and greens. It’s a great hike for nature lovers who have an eye for plant life and bird watching.

The trail begins where the Pihea Trail ends. Much of the trail has boardwalk, making for an easy walk on these portions. After about a mile you will encounter a four-way juncture. Take a left to continue on the Alakai Swamp Trail that will eventually lead you to the Kilohana Lookout. After taking the left at the juncture, you will descend boardwalk stairs to a stream. Ascend on the other side of the stream to continue your trek to the lookout. (Do not attempt to cross the stream if the water is flowing too fast or the area is flooded.)

The boardwalk picks up again after you make the climb from the stream. The trail continues through an open area plateau with little overhead vegetation. This is the true swamp area of the Alakai Swamp Trail. If not for the boardwalk, you would be slogging through knee deep mud. Exercise caution while walking along the boardwalk as there are portions that are damaged. The trail abruptly ends at the Kilohana Lookout, with a magnificent view of the Wainiha Valley and all the way to Hanalei Bay and beyond if conditions are clear. If conditions are not clear, you will be met with a wall of clouds (nevertheless still an awesome sight).

This is a very wet area with the potential for rains and mud. Clear days will offer a much easier trek, and rainy days will offer a much more difficult time slogging through the slippery trail and mud. Bring rain gear nevertheless because you can never be sure which you will get.

Bring:

Camera
Water
Snacks
Rain gear (recommended)
Appropriate footwear

Alakai Swamp Trail Photos

Much of the trail is on boardwalks above the swampy ground.

The trail can be very slippery and muddy during and after rains.

Along the way are viewpoints of Kauai’s lush interior.

The first part of the trail follows a fenceline.

Abundant ferns and mosses can be found along the trail.

Is that a T-Rex?

Take a left at the four-way intersection (if you’re coming from the Pihea Trail).

You may notice your first telephone pole at the four-way intersection. Click here to find out how telephone poles ended up in the middle of a swamp.

After the four-way intersection you will descend boardwalk stairs to the stream crossing.

Wild boar hunters at the stream crossing.

After the stream crossing you will ascend to an open plateau.

Watch your step. Portions of the boardwalk are damaged.

Continue along the boardwalk until you reach the end of the trail at the Kilohana Lookout.