Alakai Wilderness Area
The Alakaʻi Wilderness Area, also popularly known as Alakaʻi Swamp, is a high plateau rainforest, not a true swamp. It is located on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi, and rests near Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on earth.
The Alakaʻi Swamp trail (3.5 miles long) is often shrouded in mist. You can reach this trail via the Pihea Vista trail which connects from the Puʻu o Kila lookout that is on Waimea Canyon road in Kauaʻi. This road is located behind a gate that is directly next to the Kalalau Valley lookout. Due to the rainfall experienced here which causes potholes to form, the road is often closed. The end of this trail overlooks Hanalei Bay off in the distance and you can see several waterfalls from the lookout. This area is often shrouded in clouds and is one of the few places on Kauaʻi where you can walk in the clouds.
External links
- Kauaʻi's Secret Garden
- Backpacking in the Alakai Swamp and Ascents of Waialeale/Kawaikini
- USGS GNIS: Alakai Wilderness Area