HAWAII | KAUAI | OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE
Na Pali Coast trails in Kauai's Kokee State Park
Kokee has 45 miles of trails that can take hikers deep into the park's rain forests or take them out to the precipitous ridgelines above Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast. All are extremely gratifying and can be tailored for hikers of all levels of conditioning.
From Kalalau Lookout to Puu o Kila Lookout
Level: Easy
Distance: 2 miles round trip
The easiest is the closed road that links these lookouts. A two-lane strip of asphalt, currently closed to traffic, connects the park's premier viewpoints of the Kalalau Valley, and in early morning and late afternoon, as the fog is wafting overhead, it is a delightful birding walk. You won't see as many species as in the forest itself, but it's worth the amble.
From Pihea Peak to Alakai Swamp and onto Kilohana Lookout
Level: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Just before the turnoff to Pihea Peak, the trail drops into the rain forest of the Alakai wilderness. The birding is superb, and an elevated boardwalk keeps you out of the mud. The payoff — the other worldly landscape of the Alakai Swamp and the Kilohana lookout with its sweeping views across the north coast to Hanalei — is particularly sweet.
Waimea Canyon
Level: Moderate
Distance: Varies
The best entry point is the Cliff and Canyon Trail, which can be reached at the Halemanu turnoff on Hawaii 550. The trail follows a dirt road for three-quarters of a mile, then skirts one of the canyon's northern ridges. The views to the south across the canyon to the town of Waimea and the ocean beyond are breathtaking. The trail takes you to the head of Waipoo Falls, a sudden drop into the canyon. Just watch your step.
From Puu o Kila Lookout to Pihea peak
Level: Moderate to difficult
Distance: 2 miles round trip
This up-and-down ridgeline trek provides stunning and sometimes precipitous views of the Kalalau Valley to the north and more sweeping and expansive views of the Alakai wilderness to the south. Be careful, though: The hard-clay trail is slippery when wet, and some of the ascents, though brief, require a certain amount of dexterity.
Guided treks:
David Kuhn of Sounds Hawaiian has information about birding on Kauai.
Kauai Nature Tours offers a variety of guided hikes; (888) 233-8365.
The Kokee Natural History Museum (P.O. Box 100, Kekaha, HI 96752; (808) 335-9975, www.kokee.org) offers weekend guided hikes in summer.
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