From cascading waterfalls and the inviting turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean to lush rain forests and mountain peaks, breathtaking natural beauty abounds on the Hawaiian Islands. And nowhere will you find more breathtaking scenery than within Hawaii’s countless incredible parks. With more than 50 state parks, waysides, recreation areas, monuments, and historic sites, there are countless Hawaiian parks to choose from, though this Wilderness Preserve is easily the Aloha State’s most unique.
Located on the island of Kauai on a plateau near Mount Waiʻaleʻale, one of the wettest spots on Earth within the incredible Koke’e State Park is the Alakai Swamp, a truly one-of-a-kind Hawaiian landscape.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
This strange, mysterious, and enchanting place could have been pulled straight from a fairytale and has been revered by Hawaiians for centuries.
pfly/Flickr
Classified as a montane wet forest, the Alakai Wilderness Preserve is home to alpine bogs, though it is not a true swamp.
Martin Braverboer/Flickr The ecosystem found here cannot be found anywhere else on Kauai, and in fact, there are only two other accessible bogs like this one in Hawaii: one on Oahu, and one on Molokai.
This otherworldly beauty is often shrouded in mist, and is one of the few places on the island of Kauai where you can literally walk through the clouds.
Rakesh A/Flickr Located near Mount Waialeale — one of the wettest spots on the planet — the area is also home to soggy soil and extremely high winds.
The most popular way to explore the Alakai Swamp is embarking on the epic Alakai Swamp Trail, which begins at the Pu’u o Kila Lookout, meanders along the Pihea Summit Trail, and traverse approximately 7 miles of boardwalk through a unique wet forest and a boggy swamp.
Rick McCharles/Flickr
Construction on the boardwalk began in 1991 in order to minimize the impact of hikers on this incredible landscape and is comprised of redwood planks outfitted with chicken wire to provide much-needed traction.
Keppet/Flickr
While strolling through the ohia trees and hapuu ferns, hikers will experience the chattering of various endangered birds.
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
Oh, and did we mention that the views within the Alakai Swamp are truly second to none? Don’t forget your camera!
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
The enchanting swampland gets approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually, often between the months of October and May, so you better start planning your trip. Seriously, what are you waiting for? This magical destination will quickly transport you to another world!
Martin Braverboer/Flickr
Address: Hanapepe, HI 96716
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
pfly/Flickr
Martin Braverboer/Flickr
The ecosystem found here cannot be found anywhere else on Kauai, and in fact, there are only two other accessible bogs like this one in Hawaii: one on Oahu, and one on Molokai.
Rakesh A/Flickr
Located near Mount Waialeale — one of the wettest spots on the planet — the area is also home to soggy soil and extremely high winds.
Rick McCharles/Flickr
Keppet/Flickr
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
Have you ever visited the one-of-a-kind Alakai Wilderness Preserve? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. Then, to discover another otherworldly destination in Hawaii, check out this steam forest nestled within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
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