The Alakai Trail leads from Mohihi Road at Kawaikoi Camp three and a half miles to Kilohana Overlook. It passes through the northernmost portion of the Alakai Swamp. The swamp is the rainiest place on Earth, receiving nearly 400 inches of rain per year, so expect wet and slippery conditions. The area is inhabited by mainly native plants to Kauai, due to the conditions, which prohibit nonnative plants from growing in the swamp.

From the Kawaikoi Camp follow an abandoned road northeastward into the swamp. When the road ends you begin walking through a huge bog with islands of shrubs visible from the trail. Raised walkways, built to keep hikers out of the mud, have been placed through this stretch of trail. Other debris you'll notice, such as telephone poles, was left from the armed forces residence on the island during World War II. Continuing toward the intersection with the Pihea Trail the boardwalk passes through several small bogs and gains slightly in elevation.

The trail continues one and a half miles past the intersection with the Pihea Trail. This portion is less developed than the initial two miles of the trail and not recommended for anyone who's not an experienced hiker. Beyond the Pihea Trail hikers can expect to be walking through deep mud much of the time. The reward for this trek is a view of the Wainiha and Hanalei Valleys from Kilohana on the Wainiha Pali.

Directions: From Koke'e Campground, Drive north on Highway 550 and turn right on to the second dirt road. This is Camp 10-Mohihi Road. Three and a half miles from this turn is the trailhead for Alakai Swamp Trail and Kawaikoi Campground.

This trail leads from Mohihi Road to the intersection with Pihea Trail. It continues eastward into the swamp, but is not developed beyond this point.