Pihea Trail
Beginning at the awe-inspiring Puʻu O Kila Lookout, the Pihea Trail offers scenic forest views and some of the best opportunities for viewing Kauaʻi’s native forest birds.
This trail is considered to be a difficult hike.
Pihea Trail
Wet forest
Managed by: Nā Ala Hele
Hours & Site Information: Visit Website
Important Info:
Recent degradation of the road leading to the trailhead has required the temporary closure of the road for the last mile leading up to the trailhead. Keep in mind that this will add 2 miles round trip to your hike. Check Kōkeʻe State Park's official website for the most up to date information on road closures.
Update as of 6/18/2024: "The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout."
Be sure to come prepared with ample water, sturdy shoes, and know your capabilities before attempting this difficult and often muddy hike.
Update as of 6/18/2024: "The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout."
Be sure to come prepared with ample water, sturdy shoes, and know your capabilities before attempting this difficult and often muddy hike.
Birds
| American Birding Association Common Name | Hawaiian Name | Scientific Name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian goose | nēnē | Branta sandvicensis | |
| black francolin | Francolinus francolinus | ||
| white-tailed tropicbird | koaʻe kea | Phaethon lepturus | |
| red-tailed tropicbird | koaʻe ʻula | Phaethon rubricauda | |
| great frigatebird | ʻiwa | Fregata minor | |
| red-footed booby | ʻā | Sula sula | |
| rock pigeon | Columba livia | ||
| Kauaʻi ʻelepaio | ʻelepaio | Chasiempis sclateri | |
| warbling white-eye | Zosterops japonicus | ||
| Chinese hwamei | Garrulax canorus | ||
| common myna | Acridotheres tristis | ||
| red-crested cardinal | Paroaria coronata | ||
| apapane | ʻapapane | Himatione sanguinea | |
| ʻanianiau | ʻanianiau | Magumma parva | |
| Kauaʻi ʻamakihi | ʻamakihi | Chlorodrepanis stejnegeri | |
| house sparrow | Passer domesticus | ||
| African silverbill | Euodice cantans | ||
| scaly-breasted munia | Lonchura punctulata | ||
| chestnut munia | Lonchura atricapilla |