Pihea Trail
Photo by Wasabi
Beginning at Pu‘u O Kila Lookout over Kalalau Valley in Kokee State Park, Pihea Trail follows the back rim of Kalalau valley to a viewpoint (named Pihea) that offers amazing panoramic views. This trail can also be used to link up with the Alaka‘i Swamp trail (Kilohana) and Kawaikoi stream.
Things To Bring
- Water
- Sun Protection
- First Aid
- Appropriate Footwear
- Camping gear and Permit if Camping
Cool Because
Its overlook offers views from the highest point on the rim of epic Kalalau Valley.
Topography
Vista points, high cliffs and narrow, uneven trail. Segments of trail follow a boardwalk over swamp bogs.
Not Good For
Those seeking an easy stroll.
Hazards
Use extreme caution at Pihea Overlook and do not venture beyond it. Steep and slippery cliffs and trail. Soil on trail bay be loose and muddy. Uneven terrain. Weather can change rapidly.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
LENGTH
2.1 Miles (one way)
User Rating
Click a star to vote
3.0 / 5 (44 votes)
Your Questions Answered!
The Explorer's Guide to Kauai was created to help answer your faq's from the discussions below and the things you didn't know to ask...Show me!
Let's Discuss (26 comments)
leave a comment
Jun 11, 2007 7:48PM
Pihea is super easy and wide open (no bushwacking). The views of Kalalau valley are truly breathtaking - if there are clouds just wait around for them to clear because Hawaiian trade winds push weather over the ridge. It's super cool when you are in the clouds then it just opens up all of a sudden.
Jun 26, 2007 2:00PM
We hiked this yesterday and the road is now open and nicely paved all the way to the end.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 26, 2007 4:25PM
Thanks for the update Rick!
Jul 07, 2007 6:11PM
The views were amazing! A little hard to find without an open ranger station. The trails were very muddy and steep, but we loved every minute of it!
Oct 03, 2007 4:56AM
My husband and I are going to Kauai at the end of October and we are really excited about the hiking opportunities. Neither of us is an experienced hiker, but we love the outdoors and are in good physical shape. Could you possibly recommend a type/brand of shoes that we could purchase and break in before our trip that would be best for us to do a considerable amount of hiking while we are there? Thanks for any suggestions!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 03, 2007 9:00AM
Hi Robyn - at my house there is a shoe graveyard and here is what I have found...
Open shoes (Teva-type sandals or Keens) do NOT work well. The mud gets between the footbed and your foot and creates some slippery action.
I currently use the top of the line Soloman trail running shoes - a little slippery but very durable and lots of support. Also have used the Teva trail runners (closed shoes). The Teva rubber is very grippy on both wet and dry terrain. The downside of Tevas is that they are not very durable. W
Oct 08, 2007 7:11AM
Thanks! You totally saved me from getting the wrong shoes. I ended up with the Merrell Chameleon (womens), which are SO comfy. Luckily enough the shoe salesman was born and raised on Oahu, so he was super helpful! I can't wait to hit the trails, and this website rocks!
Oct 20, 2007 9:44AM
could someone please tell me how I can get to this trail from Poipu?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 20, 2007 5:38PM
From Poipu drive to the West side and turn up the mountain in Waimea or Kekaha - there are two roads leading to Kokee. Pihea trail is at the very end of the road in Kokee, past the park headquarters. You might want to check this out on a Google map or similar.
Nov 15, 2007 7:27PM
Looking forward to celebrating 24 years of marraige in December 07 trip. Would like to go on this hike but was wondering how steep is the trail and how long is the hike. We are in fair condition from a high altitude state (Colorado). Would you recommend this hike for us? Love your website!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Nov 16, 2007 2:40PM
Congrats Penny - Pihea is short and (relatively) flat by Colorado standards. There are much tougher hikes on Kauai. If the lookout feels easy consider going on towards the Alakai swamp trail junction. W
Nov 29, 2007 10:34AM
I wouldn't recommend this as a hike to celebrate a marriage. I would go out to the Kilohana lookout at the end of the Alakai swamp trail, or I would do the Honopu ridge trail. The honopu ridge trail ending has one of the most spectacular views I have found on the island. It really rivals what you see in a helicopter, believe it or not!
Feb 03, 2008 2:12PM
Scott,
I've always wanted to do the Honopu ridge trail, but all the guidebooks say the trail is closed, but kept up by volunteers. How was it when you went? I'll be on Kauai for 2 weeks next summer and would love to do this for a dayhike. thanks for your input.
Feb 28, 2008 3:38PM
We were here EARLY in the morning. Got on the trail and enjoyed the sights that disappeared under the clouds just before noon. This hike rates at the top of some of our most memorable hikes. Just wish we had more time.
Feb 29, 2008 6:42PM
Did this hike in Jan. 08. Turned back, at the junction of the Alakai swamp trail - about 1.7 miles. The day was beautiful but (word of caution) it was VERY muddy and slippery on the trail. Pretty steep in places, harder down than up, of course. Five of us went, all different levels of experience, me being the least experienced. But, I have to say, I LOVED every minute of it. The closest to heaven you can get - absolutely gorgeous. Went back and did the Alakai Swamp Trail two days later. Beautiful hikes.
Mar 29, 2008 4:16AM
just hiked this today. View is spectacular. It's one mile to the Pihea Vista and one mile back but with the mini stops along the way to find our footings and catch our breath, it took 2 hours! Well worth it though. I felt like a rock climber!
Apr 01, 2008 7:49PM
we have a 4 year old and a 6 year old who are avid hikers. they have great endurance and great balance...but they are young. can they do this? how long is the drive from lihue? i believe that will be hardest part for these two kids who would rather be on their feet than sitting in the back seat of a car! thanks, in advance.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 03, 2008 6:07PM
Hi Rhonda - the drive from Lihue to Pihea is about 1 to 1.5 hours. I have hiked Pihea with young kids and yes, the car ride is not as fun as the exploring. Suggest you make a full day of exploring the West side and Kokee. W
May 12, 2008 5:35PM
Hello, we will be visiting Kauai in June and would like to hike a bit. Is Pihea do-able with 3 children, ages 10, 7 and 3 1/2? Thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 12, 2008 9:45PM
I'd recommend checking out the Berry Flats trail instead. Pihea is a challenging hike and not advisable for a 3 1/2 year old. Berry Flats leads to a forest with "menehune" huts, which is fun for the kids. More info can be found through the Kokee Museum at www.kokee.org. This site will be posting info about this trail in the near future. Enjoy. J
Jun 03, 2008 3:18AM
How do you get there from Kappa
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 03, 2008 6:53PM
Hi James. Travel South through Lihue toward Poipu. You can access the trailhead to Pihea from Kokee State Park, which is at the top of a road that leads up from Waimea on the West side. Stop in the Kokee Museum for a more detailed map of the multiple trails in Kokee.
Enjoy! J
Jul 01, 2008 11:09PM
has anyone been onthe honopu trail lately. i will be there in late july and really want to do this trail. is it in decent enuf shape to enjoy w/out getting lost ? thx.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 03, 2008 8:48PM
Aloha Andy. There is no official Honopu trail and we only know of two humans who have ever attempted to get to Honopu by land. Do not try this "trail" as it is extremely dangerous and could be deadly. J
Jul 14, 2008 12:22AM
Great Website!!! Our family never hiked before, can we do this trail? Do we have to get special hiking shoes, or would ordinary shoes be okay? Children ages are 12 and 7.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 15, 2008 9:56PM
Aloha Wallace. The Pihea hike is pretty strenuous, especially for younger hikers with little experience. If you want to experience these views, park at Kalalau lookout and then walk the asphalt road to the second lookout, which is where the Pihea trail begins. It's a gentle walk with rolling hills among wild plum trees and other flora. The Kokee Museum will have more detailed maps about family hikes. Ask about the Berry Flat loop. Kokee is a beautiful spot for the family. J
top of comments
Leave a comment:
Note: Comments will be reviewed for relevancy before being posted. Any content deemed inappropriate or offensive may be edited and/or deleted. Please allow 24 hours for approval. Emails will not be visible or used in any way, and are not required. Emails allow us to contact you to let you know when your comment has been posted.