Waimea Canyon, Kauai

Legend has it that Mark Twain coined the moniker "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" when he laid eyes on the Waimea Canyon.  Whether or not that is true or just folklore, you will certainly be awestruck by the dramatic Waimea Canyon.  Waimea is a large canyon, approximately ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep, located on the western side of the Island of Kauaʻi.  The canyon was formed by a deep incision of the Waimea River arising from the extreme rainfall on the island's central peak, Mount Waiʻaleʻale, among the wettest places on earth (432 inches of rain per year).

Kauaʻi sits atop of an enormous volcano rising from the ocean floor. Kauaʻi is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands, with lava flows dating 5 million years old.  In the past 4 million years, rainwater from the slopes of Mount Waiʻaleʻale have eroded Waimea Canyon.  Over time, erosion to the exposed basalt has weathered from its original black to bright red leaving the signature Kauai "red dirt".  It is this reddish colored earth that is most striking in the photos - you will notice the stark contrast between the red dirt, thick green shrubs and trees on the hillsides and lush green river valleys, and the oft seen white clouds and fog.

Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses 1,866 acres and is a widely popular tourist attraction on the island. It provides a wilderness area with numerous hiking trails and scenic views. The best way to get to Waimea Canyon is via Route 550, which is 18 miles long and leads up to Koke'e State Park. This road will treat you to scenic vistas of the coast below and to your right while exposing glimpses of the canyon.  The island of Niihau, only a short distance west of Kauai at that point, can be clearly seen from this highway.  Even if you have no intention of hiking or nature walking, you should visit drive up to the Waimea Canyon - there is plenty to see very close to the road and the views are remarkable.

Here are a few of the landmarks on this scenic drive:

Kukui Trail trailhead - the beginning of this trail offers wonderful views of the Canyon from a Kauai "red dirt" ridge.  The trail continues all the way down into the Canyon - located between mile marker 8 and 9 (on the eastern side of the road).  If you decide you want to hike this challenging trail, read this blog first.

Waimea Canyon Lookout - observation platform, restrooms, public parking - is located between mile marker 10 and 11.  This is probably the most popular stopping point and the deck offers sweeping views of the Canyon in three sides. 

Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout - another Waimea Canyon lookout - located between mile marker 12 and 13.  The view from this lookout is spectacular.  After a heavy rain, you can see the Waipo'o Falls, especially in the winter.

Pu'u Hinahina Viewpoint - Waimea Canyon viewpoint - located between mile marker 13 and 14.  This lookout offers views of the Waimea Canyon from a different location (further up the canyon) and a different visual perspective.  You can see the steep gorge and the very lush green river valley almost directly below you.  On a clear day, you can see Ni'ihau Island from this lookout.

The road continues all the way up into Koke'e State Park with wonderful views of the Na Pali Coast.  There are a few things to consider when venturing up the Waimea Canyon Drive.  Make sure you fill up your gas tank no later than the town of Waimea (at sea level) - the rest of your journey has no gas stations!  Also, there are spares opportunities for food and drink, so pack a lunch for a picnic and bring plenty of water to drink - especially if you plan on hiking.  If you plan on walking or hiking, the ground is a mix of loose soil, rocky outcrops, and red dirt - protect your feet and wear appropriate walking or hiking shoes (leave the flip flops in the hotel...)  Most of the trailheads are poorly marked or not marked at all, bring maps and a guide book if you plan on hiking - we recommend the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, which shows maps of all the trails and points of interest. 

Plan this trip to take up at least half of your day - there is nothing worse than rushing up to the Canyon and rushing back down because you only planned two hours for your trip...  Depart early and check the weather forecast - Waimea Canyon on a cloudy rainy day is mediocre, but on a clear day is absolutely spectacular!  We like to plan on viewing the Waimea Canyon stopping at all the lookouts, then continue up through Koke'e State Park to the incredible lookouts for views of the backside of the Kalalau Valley.  Keep in mind, the altitude up at the top is about 4,000 feet and the temperature can be as much as 15 degrees cooler and the chance for a rain shower is high - so pack accordingly!

Read our detailed trip journal on our Waimea Canyon Travelogue page.

 
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Na Pali Explorer Ocean Rafting
Explore exquisite valleys, waterfalls, and secluded beaches and enter the spectacular sea caves (weather permitting) of the Na Pali Coastline. Dolphins and sea turtles are frequent companions during this expedition.  Land at *Nu'alolo Kai, an otherwise inaccessible beach for a hike to the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village.  Here, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel on the protected reef where crystal waters teem with fish, coral formations, sea turtles and other marine life.

Na Pali Coast Tour & Niihau
Na Pali Coast is a "must see" on Kauai. This fifteen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kaua'i is an awe-inspiring sight from the sea. After sightseeing and hearing the history of the Na Pali Coast, you will head across the channel to the Ni'ihau.  Ni'ihau is called the 'Forbidden Isle' because only those of true Hawaiian ancestry may live there. Visiting this part of the island chain is a very special experience. Relax, float and watch the comings and goings of the aquatic world. You may even see one of the curious Hawaiian Monk Seals that inhabit these waters. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious lunch

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