
The boardwalk is now a lifeline and an opportunity for hearty hikers to venture into a remarkable complex and beautiful tropical garden. The best trail, the Pihea, begins at the edge of the Kalalau (see Feb. 5 of this blogspot), traverses the swamp with a 400-foot down-and-up stream crossing and, (gee, forgot this part), ends at the Kilohana Overlook—a platform perched at the edge of the 4,000-foot-high Wainiha Pali with a view down to Hanalei Bay. You need to catch the right day to see the view. But, even with all of its scenic neighbors, Alakai Swamp is an otherworld unto itself, so if you find yourself on this boardwalk, make sure to pause frequently and let this place sink in. Just don't wander from the boardwalk and sink into this place.