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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.
View Larger Map
Waimea Canyon Sightseeing Tour
 A
guided tour to experience the beauty of Kauai's Waimea Canyon!
Lots of sights and stops along the way! On this
half-day bus tour, you will have the opportunity to see magnificent
2,857-foot deep "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon. Other
stops and major sights along the way include the Hanapepe Lookout,
Spouting Horn, Poipu resorts, Koloa Sugar Mill, Queen Victoria's
profile, and Kalalau Lookout.
Kauai Hiking - Kalihiwai Falls Hike
 A
spectacular hiking experience on the pristine, private Princeville
Ranch! Ascend "Green Hill" and witness breathtaking mountain and
ocean views. Hike the lowland rainforest, Kalihiwai Valley, to the
spectacular five-tiered Kalihiwai Falls, and have it all to
yourselves! Continue up-valley along the stream to a second, idyllic
waterfall swimming hole surrounded by fern-lined walls and jumping
or floating on inner tubes.
Sacred Falls Hike and Paddle
 Spend
the day in beautiful Wailua paddling, hiking and exploring the
mystical river and its secret waterfalls. Take a guided tour
of a picturesque Hawaiian waterfall! Paddle on the Wailua River,
explore and hike through native flora and fauna. A day of
exploration and fun for the whole family! Bird watch for a
night heron or coot and swim in a fern bordered pool at the falls.
Come share the life and natural history of this mystical land and
enjoy its great quiet with Kayak Kauai!
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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