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Hiking Information
The main attractions of Koke'e State Park trails are the native vegetation, native forest birds, and the scenic cliffside views. Situated on a plateau between 3200 and 4200 feet, much of Koke'e is a montane (infrequent frost) mesic (50-100 inches annual rainfall with moist soil conditions) forest dominated by koa (Acacia koa) and 'o'hia (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees. Day temperatures vary from a 45°F average in January to 68°F in July. Annual rainfall is 70 inches with rainy periods from October to May.
Koke'e Natural History Museum assists those interested in hiking in the uplands of Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Parks on Kaua'i in the following ways:
· Personal hiking directions advice is available from trained staff, 10 am to 4 pm daily year-round.
· Maps of the area and hiking books are available at the museum shop (see Selection List).
· Summer guided hikes ("Wonder Walks") are organized from June to September.
· Customized Guided Hikescan be arranged.
Trails of Koke'e  
Trail length is calculated as one-way only. Allow extra time and resources for a safe return.
Canyon Trail *
Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 kilometers.
A popular scenic trail with great views of Waimea and Po'omau Canyons. The trail follows the rim of Waimea Canyon and crosses Koke'e Stream.
Cliff Trail *
Length: 0.1 mile / 0.16 kilometer.
A spur trail leading to a viewpoint of Waimea Canyon. Feral goats are often seen on the canyon walls.
Black Pipe Trail *
Length: 0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer.
This trail is an alternate access to the Canyon Trail. Native hibiscus and iliau can be seen along the trail.
Halemanu-Koke'e Trail *
Length: 1.2 miles / 1.9 kilometers.
This trail wanders through somewhat disturbed koa/'o'hia forest. Recovery from Hurricane 'Iwa (1982) and transition to koa forest from drier conditions is evident.
Faye Trail *
Length: 0.1 mile / 0.16 kilometer.
A short trail that accesses other trails in the Halemanu area.
Kumuwela Trail *
Length: 1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometers.
Mosaic of 'o'hia and koa/'o'hia montane mesic forests with alien weed problems and hurricane damage. A good birding trail.
Waininiua Trail *
Length: 0.6 mile / 1.0 kilometer.
A good trail to see a relatively intact koa/'o'hia montane mesic forest.
Ditch Trail *
Length: 1.7 miles / 2.7 kilometers.
A trail developed to construct and maintain the Koke'e irrigation ditch. Vistas of surrounding forest and Po'omau Stream.
Berry Flat Trail *
Length: 0.6 mile / 1.0 kilometer.
This trail traverses a mix of planted alien and native forest types, including redwood and sugi groves and disturbed koa/'o'hia forest.
Pu'u ka 'Ohelo Trail *
Length: 0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer.
Along this trail are good examples of the impact that invasive alien weeds can have on native forest vegetation.
Water Tank Trail *
Length: 1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometers.
This trail provide a good example of native koa/'o'hia forest.
Nature Trail *
Length: 0.1 mile / 0.16 kilometer.
Good starter trail to learn about native forest vegetation. Plant guide available.
Nu'alolo Trail **
Length: 3.75 miles / 6.0 kilometers.
Trail through koa/'o'hia montane mesic forests and an 'a'ali'i lowland dry shrubland with a great view of Nu'alolo Valley. Return climb of 1,570 feet / ??? meters.
Awa'awapuhi Trail **
Length: 3.25 miles / 5.2 kilometers.
Trail with mesic and dryland native plants. Spectacular view into steep-sided Nu'alolo and Awa'awapuhi Valleys. Return climb of 1,620 feet / ??? meters.
Kaluapuhi Trail *
Length: 1.6 miles / 2.6 kilometers.
Disturbed 'o'hia montane mesic forest with some intact forest areas. Good birding trail.
Pihea Trail **
Length: 3.7 miles / 5.9 kilometers.
Scenic nature trail along the rim of Kalalau Valley, traversing 'o'hia montane wet forest. Plant guide available. Great birding trail.
Alaka'i Swamp Trail **
Length: 3.5 miles / 5.6 kilometers.
Trail through native wet forest to the rim of Wainiha Pali with sweeping view of the north shore. Great birding trail. Trail is often wet, slippery and muddy. A boardwalk is under construction.
Iliau Nature Loop **
Length: 0.25 mile / 0.4 kilometer (length of loop).
Easy roadside nature trail through dry shrubland with plants identified. Sweeping views of Waimea and Wai'alae Canyons.
Kukui Trail **
Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 kilometers.
Scenic but steep trail into Waimea Canyon. Elevation drop of 2,000 feet / ??? meters.
Recommended Hiking Loops
· Berry Flat - Water Tank - Pu'u ka 'Ohelo
Length: 2.2 miles / 3.5 kilometers.
Family hike with a variety of vegetation types.
· Kumuwela - Canyon - Cliff - Halemanu-Koke'e
Length: 6.0 miles / 9.5 kilometers.
Moderate nature hike with good scenic views.
· Nu'alolo - Nu'alolo Cliff - Awa'awapuhi
Length: 10.3 miles / 16.6 kilometers.
Strenuous hike with a mix of native plant species and awesome views of steep-sided valleys.
© Copyright 1996-2001 Koke'e Natural History Museum
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