kauai hawaii
Koke'e State Park: Kauai, Hawaii - Scenery - Brief Article
Jeff Phillips Straddling a mountain nearly 4,000 feet above Kauai's sandy beaches, Koke'e State Park is a rare island of Hawaiian forest tucked between rocks and a wet spot. The rocks are the rugged walls edging the spectacularly deep gash of Waimea Canyon that edges the road leading to the park. The wet spot is one of the planet's rainiest places: Alakai Swamp, along the park's east flank. And while visitors can hike both along the canyon rim and into the misty swamp, Koke'e's real attractions are its small museum and its trails through cool forests, where sandalwood and koa shade other native plants. On clear days, drive up to the Puu o Kila overlook for views to the ocean far below.
WHERE: From Waimea, drive 15 miles on State 550.
WHEN: Year-round; bring a warm waterproof jacket.
COST: Free.
CAMPING/LODGING: $5 camping permit required. 12 units in cabins from $35; (808) 335-6061.
CONTACT: (808) 274-3444.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
