Puu o Kila Lookout and Overlook

Located within the West Region on Kauai

At the very end of Highway 550 in Kokee State Park awaits one of the most jaw dropping lookouts on the island; a panoramic view into Kalalau Valley and scenic views overlooking the Alakai Swamp (the highest swamp in the world). The views here are even better than those found at the official Kalalau lookout a mile back on the road. Clouds permitting, the views into Kalalau Valley are superb at this location, and you can venture right up to the edge of the valley to snap that perfect photograph. The swamp that stretches out behind you is the wettest place on earth, ending at the summit of Waialeale. The appearance of the valley, the widest and largest on the Na Pali Coast, may shift from moment to moment as the sun and clouds play across the fluted cliffs that line it. We have found that the best time to view the valley is before 11 AM, as clouds are constantly moving in and out of the valley and are especially thick in the afternoon and evening. However, you also don't want to get there too early because the valley won't have full sun on it until around 8 AM most mornings (seasonal changes apply of course). If you arrive to a cloudy or mist-filled valley, consider the direction of the trades when you arrive. If the wind is blowing from the land towards the ocean, the clouds will usually enter the valley and fall (thus disappearing into the warm air below). However, if the wind is blowing from the ocean inland, the clouds will bank up inside the valley and not dissipate but rather thicken into cloud soup. So keep that in mind during your visit. This stop is also the start of the Pihea Trial which meanders along the back of Kalalau Valley before turning into the Alakai swamp to join up with the Alakai Swamp trail (a great day hike). Take Highway 50 west from Hanapepe toward Waimea. Turn right on Waimea Canyon Road just after Mile Marker #23. Puu o KIla Lookout is located at the end of the road at Mile Marker #19.

Pu'u O Kila Lookout

This is the end of the road. Literally. Highway 550 terminates here at roughly 4,000 feet elevation in Koke'e State Park, and the view into Kalalau Valley is the reward for driving all the way up.

The View

You're looking straight down into Kalalau Valley and out toward the Na Pali Coast from above. The fluted green cliffs drop thousands of feet to the valley floor. On clear mornings, you can see all the way to the ocean. The perspective is different from anything you'd get on a Na Pali boat tour or helicopter ride.

This lookout is actually better than the official Kalalau Lookout one mile back down the road. You can walk right up to the valley edge here for unobstructed views.

Timing Matters

Clouds are the enemy here. The valley fills with mist most afternoons, sometimes as early as 11 AM. Aim for arrival between 8 and 10 AM for the best chance of clear skies. Full sun doesn't hit the valley until around 8 AM most mornings.

Watch the wind direction when you arrive. If the trades blow from land toward ocean, clouds entering the valley tend to sink and dissipate. If the wind blows from ocean to land, the clouds bank up inside the valley and thicken. That's your cue that conditions probably won't improve.

Trailheads

The Pihea Trail starts from this lookout. It follows the ridge along the back of Kalalau Valley before connecting to the Alaka'i Swamp Trail. The Alaka'i Swamp itself is the highest-elevation swamp in the world. Both trails are solid day hikes.

Getting Here

From Waimea, take Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon Road) all the way to the end at mile marker 19. The drive from the Waimea Canyon Lookout takes about 20 minutes. Parking is free with existing Koke'e State Park access. No fee beyond what you've already paid to enter.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 22.14694536
Longitude: -159.6299444

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