Alakai Wilderness Preserve

The Alakaokinai Wilderness Preserve, also popularly known as Alakaokinai Swamp, is a high plateau rainforest, not a true swamp. It is located on the Hawaiian island of Kauaokinai, and rests near Mount Waiokinaaleokinaale, one of the wettest spots on earth.

The Alakaokinai 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 Puokinau o Kila lookout that is on Waimea Canyon road in Kauaokinai. 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 Kauaokinai where you can walk in the clouds.

External links

* [http://www.viamagazine.com/top_stories/articles/alakai01.asp Kauaokinai's Secret Garden]
* [http://www.waialeale.org Backpacking in the Alakai Swamp and Ascents of Waialeale/Kawaikini]
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