Pihea Trail Waimea

Question

I am going to by driving to the Kalalau Lookout and just want to make sure I understand all this correctly:

You can drive from Kalalau Lookout to Pu'u O Kila then if you want hike the Pihea trail...is the hike worth it? I see it is about 4 miles total for the out and back but when I say worth it, does it lead to anywhere? Is there a grand end view that is different from the Pu'u O Kila lookout? Or are you virtually hiking the same view. Where do most people stop and turn around?

Answer

Great question! Yes — hiking a portion of the Pihea Trail off the Puʻu O Kīlā Lookout is absolutely worth considering, especially if you’re interested in panoramic views, forest scenery, and a quieter experience than just stopping at the lookout itself. But it’s not just “more of the same” — there are some distinct and worthwhile parts depending how far you go.

Trail Overview & What Makes It Worthwhile

The Pihea Trail begins at the Puʻu O Kīlā Lookout (end of Hwy 550).
Its full length is quite long (state park lists it as ~3.8 miles one way).
It follows the rim of Kalalau Valley for the first stretch, offering sweeping valley and cliff views very different (and in many ways more elevated) than what you see from Puʻu O Kīlā or Kalalau Lookout.
After about 1.75 miles, the trail intersects with the Alakaʻi Swamp Trail, which then leads to a boardwalk through a high-elevation wet forest (the Alakaʻi Swamp).
There is a spur to a “Pihea Overlook” / Pihea Vista, which is one of the highest rim viewpoints looking into Kalalau Valley and, on clear days, out toward the Nā Pali Coast.

How This Differs from Just the Lookouts

The Puʻu O Kīlā Lookout itself is already very high up (over 4,000 ft) and gives dramatic views of the Kalalau Valley.
From the trail, you don’t just get that fixed viewpoint — you actually walk along the rim, which provides multiple vantage points, a feel for the valley’s scale, and views into the forest.
If you continue out to the Pihea Vista, you’re gaining additional elevation and perspective; the vista is sometimes above the lookout and can feel more “in the clouds.”
Because much of the trail goes into forest and (in some parts) wetter, more remote terrain, the experience shifts from just scenic overlooks to immersive forest hiking.

How Far Do People Usually Hike / Where They Turn Around

Many hikers do just the first mile (or so) out from the lookout to the Pihea Viewpoint / Vista, then turn back. That gives a very rewarding hike with minimal time.
More adventurous hikers continue on toward the Alakaʻi Swamp Trail – but note: conditions can be muddy, slippery, and steep in spots.
Some do not recommend going *past* the Pihea Overlook unless experienced; DLNR warns that terrain beyond the overlook is very steep and can be dangerous.

Things to Consider / Tips

Bring good footwear — trail is often muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Start early in the day — weather on the rim can change fast, and cloud cover or fog may roll in, obscuring views.
Bring layers and rain gear: you’re high up and can get mist, especially on the boardwalk section.
Allow plenty of time: even a partial hike (out-and-back) will take longer than you think if stopping for views and photos.

Bottom Line:

Yes — the Pihea Trail is absolutely “worth it” if by “worth it” you mean getting a deeper, more intimate sense of Kalalau Valley beyond just the lookout point. It *isn’t* just a mirror of Puʻu O Kīlā — you’ll get multiple viewpoints, forest, a possible boardwalk stretch, and the chance to reach the high rim vista, which can feel more expansive and wild.

If you’re pressed for time, hiking a mile or so for the Pihea Vista is a great compromise. But if you’re up for a longer hike and are prepared for muddy conditions, continuing toward the swamp section adds even more reward.

Have an amazing hike — enjoy those views! 🌿

Pihea Trail Waimea

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