The main attractions of Kōkeʻe State Park trails are the native vegetation, native forest birds, and the scenic cliffside views. Situated on aplateau between 3,200 and 4,200 ft (980 and 1,280 m), much of Kōkeʻe is amontane (infrequent frost)mesic forest (50 to 100 in or 1,300 to 2,500 mm annualrainfall with moist soil conditions) dominated by koa (Acacia koa) and ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) trees. The park receives around 70 inches (1,800 mm) of rain per year, mostly from October to May.
At the end of the state road is a lookout onto theKalalau Valley, once home to thousands ofnative Hawaiians. The valley was the backdrop forJack London's short storyKoʻolau the Leper.
Vegetation near Waipoʻo Falls along the Canyon Trail.
Alakaʻi Swamp Trail, length: 3.5 mi (5.6 km). Trail through nativewet forest to the rim of Wainiha Pali with sweeping view of the north shore. This birdwatching trail is often wet, slippery and muddy. The majority of this trail is a plankboardwalk covered with chicken wire to provide traction.
Awaʻawapuhi Trail, length: 3.25 mi (5.23 km). A trail with mesic and dryland native plants, it has views into the steep-sided Nuʻalolo and Awaʻawapuhi Valleys. Return climb of 1,620 ft (490 m).
Berry Flat Trail, length: 0.6 mi (0.97 km). This trail traverses a mix of planted alien and native forest types, including Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) groves and disturbed koa/ʻōhiʻa forest.
Black Pipe Trail, length: 0.5 mi (0.80 km). This trail is an alternate access to the Canyon Trail. Nativehibiscus and iliau (Wilkesia gymnoxiphium) can be seen along the trail.
Canyon Trail, length: 1.8 mi (2.9 km). A trail with views of Waimea and Poʻomau Canyons. The trail follows the rim ofWaimea Canyon and crosses Kōkeʻe Stream.
Cliff Trail, length: 0.1 mi (0.16 km). A spur trail leading to a viewpoint ofWaimea Canyon. Feralgoats are often seen on the canyon walls.
Ditch Trail, length: 1.7 mi (2.7 km). A trail developed to construct and maintain theKōkeʻe Ditch. Vistas of surrounding forest and Poʻomau Stream.
Faye Trail, length: 0.1 mi (0.16 km). A short trail that accesses other trails in theHalemanu area.
Halemanu-Kōkeʻe Trail, length: 1.2 mi (1.9 km). This trail wanders through somewhat disturbed koa/ʻōhiʻa forest. Recovery fromHurricane Iwa and transition to koa forest from drier conditions is evident.
Iliau Nature Loop, length: 0.25 mi (0.40 km). Easy roadside nature trail through dry shrubland with plants identified. Sweeping views ofWaimea Canyon and Waiʻalae Canyon.
Kaluapuhi Trail, length: 1.6 mi (2.6 km). Disturbed ʻōhiʻa montane mesic forest with some intact forest areas.
Kukui Trail, Length: 2.5 mi (4.0 km). Scenic, but steep trail intoWaimea Canyon. Elevation drop of 2,000 ft (610 m).
Kumuwela Trail, length: 1 mi (1.6 km). Mosaic of ʻōhiʻa and koa/ʻōhiʻa montane mesic forests with alien weed problems and hurricane damage.
Nature Trail, length: 0.1 mi (0.16 km). A starter trail to learn about native forest vegetation.[citation needed]
Nuʻalolo Trail, length: 3.75 mi (6.04 km). Trail through koa/ʻōhiʻa montane mesic forests and an ʻaʻaliʻi (Dodonaea viscosa)lowland dry shrubland with a view of Nuʻalolo Valley. Return climb of 1,570 ft (480 m).
Pihea Trail, length: 3.7 mi (6.0 km). A nature/birdwatching trail along the rim ofKalalau Valley, traversing ʻōhiʻa montanewet forest.
Puʻu kaʻOhelo Trail, length: 0.5 miles (0.80 km). Along this trail are examples of the impact that invasive alien weeds can have on native forest vegetation.
Waininiua Trail, length: 0.6 mi (0.97 km). A trail from which to see a relatively intact koa/ʻōhiʻa montane mesic forest.
Water Tank Trail, length: 1 mi (1.6 km). This trail provides an example of a native koa/ʻōhiʻa forest.
