Alaka'i Swamp Trail, Kauai HI

• 5-star hike
• 10 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,940 feet
• Kauai, HI | Hawaii
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The image shows a person walking on a narrow wooden boardwalk through a foggy, marshy landscape. The person is wearing a backpack and appears to be hiking. The scene is enveloped in dense fog, which obscures the background and creates a mysterious and serene atmosphere. The boardwalk is elevated above the wet, marshy ground, which is dotted with patches of vegetation.

The image shows a person walking on a narrow wooden boardwalk through a foggy, marshy landscape. The person is wearing a backpack and appears to be hiking. The scene is enveloped in dense fog, which obscures the background and creates a mysterious and serene atmosphere. The boardwalk is elevated above the wet, marshy ground, which is dotted with patches of vegetation.

Thankful for the boardwalks on the swamp trail.

Kauai, the westernmost of the inhabited Hawaiian islands, is also the oldest in geological terms. Each island in the chain is successively created from volcanic activity then slowly eroded away. The 'Big Island' of Hawaii is the newest of the chain, but even that too will be supplanted by the new island of Loihi when it finally breaks through the surface of the Pacific Ocean sometime the next 100,000 years.

Take a westerly drive around Kauai until you run out of road and you'll find yourself overlooking the plunging cliffs of Kalalau Valley on the fabled Na Pali Coast.

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⬤ 5★ Alaka'i Swamp Trail 10.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,940 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

The only way to explore beyond this point by land is on foot, and the well-maintained Pihea trail leading to the Alaka‘i Swamp trail is an exhilarating way to do so. Hike along cliff edges, through jungle and across misty mountain-top swamps to reach the trail's end and clifftop views over Wainiha Pali. Miles of springy boardwalk trails helps make a fun and safe journey.

We've labelled this hike as 'hard' because of some rugged terrain and slippery conditions, but your experience may be easier. Alternatively for a shorter hike, choose only the Pihea trail from the Kalalau overlook, or join the trail at the Alaka'i Swamp trail. Both are 5-star trails, but string them together and they're even better!

The image shows a group of hikers walking along a rugged, reddish-brown trail on a mountain ridge. The trail is surrounded by lush green vegetation and trees. In the background, there are misty clouds partially obscuring the view of the distant mountains and valleys. The scene captures the beauty and serenity of nature, highlighting the contrast between the rocky trail and the verdant landscape, as well as the sense of adventure and exploration experienced by the hikers.

Overlooking the Na Pali coastline of Kauai.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Alakai Swamp Trail
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