This Hawaii Trail Is Perfect For When You've Simply Got To Get Away
By Megan Shute|Published August 19, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Here at Only In Hawaii, we love exploring our state’s magnificent hiking trails, and with near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands. From short coastal treks to jungle hikes that lead to cascading waterfalls, we love them all. While everyone knows about — and has probably tackled — our most famous and popular trails, not everyone knows about this remote gem tucked away in a Hawaii state park we’re about to share with you today.
Accessible via State Route 550 through Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke'e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres of mountainous terrain. The park contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along majestic canyon rims, through native Hawaiian forests, and across enchanting swamplands. While one could spend weeks exploring this incredible park that ranges in elevation from 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, this one trail is an absolute must.
Beginning at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout — found at the end of Highway 550 — the unparalleled Pihea Vista Trail meanders 2.3 miles along the Kalalau Valley…
With views like this, you may be wondering why everyone doesn’t hike this trail, but the answer is simple: the moderate trail, which is states as being anywhere from 2.2 to 3.8 miles one way, is quite steep and not advised for those looking to embark on a leisurely stroll.
But if you have the time (approximately three hours), and want to witness some of the best views on the island, the Pihea Vista Trail is an excellent addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s Hawaii bucket list.
