Kōkeʻe State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kōkeʻe State Park |
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Kalalau Valley viewed from the Pihea Trail
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| Location | Kauaʻi, United States |
| Governing body | Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources |
Kōkeʻe State Park is a beautiful park located in northwestern Kauaʻi, one of the Hawaiian Islands. It's a great place to explore nature and go hiking.
The park has a museum called the Kōkeʻe Museum. Here, you can learn about the local weather, plants, and birds. There's also a lodge where you can get food and buy souvenirs. If you want to stay longer, you can even rent cabins! The park is just north of Waimea Canyon State Park and covers about 4,345 acres (17.6 square kilometers) of mountain land.
Kōkeʻe State Park is famous for its amazing native plants, unique forest birds, and stunning views from the cliffs. The park sits on a high, flat area called a plateau, between 3,200 and 4,200 feet (975 and 1,280 meters) high. It's mostly a type of forest called a "montane mesic forest." This means it's a moist forest found in the mountains, with occasional light frosts. It gets about 70 inches (1,778 millimeters) of rain each year, mostly from October to May. The forest is filled with tall koa (Acacia koa) and ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees.
At the very end of the main road in the park, you'll find a lookout point with an incredible view of the Kalalau Valley. Long ago, thousands of native Hawaiians lived in this valley. The famous writer Jack London even wrote a short story called Koʻolau the Leper that was set in this valley.
Every October, the park hosts a special festival. This event honors Queen Emma of Hawaii, a beloved historical figure.
Hiking Trails in Kōkeʻe State Park
Kōkeʻe State Park is a hiker's paradise, with many trails to explore. Each trail offers a different adventure and unique views. Remember to wear appropriate shoes and bring water!
Explore the Forest and Views
- Alakaʻi Swamp Trail: This trail is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. It takes you through a wet native forest to the edge of Wainiha Pali. From there, you get wide views of the north shore. It's a great spot for birdwatching, but it can be wet and muddy. Most of the trail has a wooden boardwalk to help you walk.
- Awaʻawapuhi Trail: This 3.25-mile (5.2 km) trail features native plants that like both moist and dry conditions. It offers amazing views into the deep Nuʻalolo and Awaʻawapuhi Valleys. Be ready for a climb of about 1,620 feet (494 meters) on the way back!
- Berry Flat Trail: A shorter trail, only 0.6 miles (1 km) long. It goes through different types of forests, including areas with planted Coast Redwood and Sugi trees, as well as native koa and ʻōhiʻa forests.
- Black Pipe Trail: This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail is another way to reach the Canyon Trail. Along the way, you might spot native Hawaiian hibiscus flowers and iliau plants.
- Canyon Trail: This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail gives you fantastic views of Waimea and Poʻomau Canyons. It follows the edge of Waimea Canyon State Park and crosses Kōkeʻe Stream.
- Cliff Trail: A very short trail, just 0.1 miles (0.16 km) long. It leads to a viewpoint where you can see Waimea Canyon State Park. You might even see wild goats on the canyon walls!
- Ditch Trail: This 1.7-mile (2.7 km) trail was originally made to build and maintain the Kokee Ditch. It offers views of the surrounding forest and Poʻomau Stream.
- Halemanu-Kōkeʻe Trail: This 1.2-mile (1.9 km) trail goes through a koa and ʻōhiʻa forest. You can see how the forest is recovering from past storms.
- Iliau Nature Loop: An easy 0.25-mile (0.4 km) trail right by the road. It goes through a dry shrubland area, and many plants are labeled so you can learn about them. It also has sweeping views of Waimea Canyon State Park and Waiʻalae Canyon.
- Kaluapuhi Trail: This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) trail goes through an ʻōhiʻa forest in the mountains, with some parts of the forest still untouched.
- Kukui Trail: A scenic but very steep trail, 2.5 miles (4 km) long, that goes down into Waimea Canyon State Park. It drops about 2,000 feet (610 meters) in elevation!
- Kumuwela Trail: This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail shows a mix of ʻōhiʻa and koa/ʻōhiʻa forests in the mountains. You can also see how invasive plants have affected the area.
- Nature Trail: A short 0.1-mile (0.16 km) trail, perfect for beginners to learn about the native forest plants.
- Nuʻalolo Trail: This 3.75-mile (6 km) trail goes through koa and ʻōhiʻa forests, and also a dry shrubland area with ʻaʻaliʻi plants. It offers a view of Nuʻalolo Valley. The return climb is about 1,570 feet (479 meters).
- Pihea Trail: A 3.7-mile (6 km) nature and birdwatching trail along the rim of Kalalau Valley. It goes through a wet ʻōhiʻa forest in the mountains.
- Puʻu ka ʻOhelo Trail: This 0.5-mile (0.8 km) trail shows how much damage invasive plants can cause to the native forest.
- Waininiua Trail: A 0.6-mile (1 km) trail where you can see a relatively untouched koa and ʻōhiʻa forest in the mountains.
- Water Tank Trail: This 1-mile (1.6 km) trail is a good example of a native koa and ʻōhiʻa forest.
