Waimea Canyon State Park - Hawaii State Parks

Waimea Canyon Dr
Uninc Kauai County, HI 96752

Waimea Canyon, located in Waimea, Hawaii is dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The moniker, falsely attributed to literalist Mark Twain, became popular after American explorer John Wesley Powell came to the island of Kauai in 1869.

Waimea Canyon was formed when the Waimea river carved its way through the lava and basalt formations of the region. The central volcano that lay on the canyon collapsed 10 million years ago, playing a vital role in forming the canyon.

What is there to do at Waimea Canyon?

Mother Nature gave the world one of its most magnificent gems with the Waimea Canyon. Consumed with wild foliage, tropical cliffs, green-and-pink scenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, and striking rainbows, the Waimea Canyon is truly the nature lover’s paradise.

Waimea Canyon Lookouts

There are several lookouts dotted across the rim of the canyon, providing you with beautiful views throughout the hike.

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Located at mile marker 10, the lookout offers a panoramic view of the landscape across the edge of the canyon. The Waimea Canyon Lookout is the main viewing area for people who don’t want to hike across the trail.

Puu Hinahina Lookout

The lookout at mile marker 13 gives you a parallel view of the canyon. You can see the winding river as it makes its way through the rocks into the sea.

Kalalau Lookout

The lookout at mile marker 18 can only be reached by those taking a hike from Kee Beach. You will be able to view the Napali Coast and the expanse of the deep blue sea.

Puu o Kila

Puu o Kila at mile marker 19 marks the spot where the trail ends for those traveling by car. From this point on, you have to complete the remainder of the hike on foot.

How long is the Waimea Canyon hike?

Waimea Canyon’s hikes have something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll across the canyon or an ardent adventurer.

Cliff Trail

Cliff Trail is an easy hike spanning a tenth of a mile. The short hike is completed in half an hour, providing magnificent views of the canyon at every turn. You can even view feral goats on this trail.

Canyon Trail

The moderate level Canyon Trail begins from a fork on the Cliff Trail and takes up to three hours to finish. Halfway into the hike, you will reach Waipo’o Falls, a gorgeous 800-foot waterfall that is perfect for a picnic spot. The end of the trail features the Kumuwela Lookout, a place where you can relax and revel in the beauty of the place you witnessed.

Black Pipe Trail

Yet another moderate level hike, the Black Pie Trail is a hike across the Koa forest 8 miles long that takes half a day to cover. The trail gets its name from the famous Black Pipe that hikers have to cross to get into the forest.

Kukui Trail

The Kukui Trail is only for experienced hikers who can navigate their way across rough terrains. You undertake this journey in the forest, where you will see Kukui nut trees and wild trees. The trail leads to the bottom of the Waimea River, where you can relax before heading back.

Are there Waimea Canyon Tours?

Tours are a great way to see tourist spots as a visitor. You understand how a place was built and its importance in the daily lives of people. Most importantly, you can make great friends during a tour that will give you the memories of a lifetime.

Tours across the Waimea Canyon differ according to the interests of people. You can choose to cycle along the canyon, sightsee the trail by a car, or rough it out by taking a hike through the canyon. A tour costs anywhere between $84 to $126 per person.

How do I get to Waimea Canyon?

Traveling across the Waimea Canyon will take you approximately two hours if you spend some time at each stop. If you are planning to travel through the canyon without breaks, you will finish the journey in an hour.

Two roads drive up to the canyon, meeting at a common point. 552 Kokee Road from Kekaha is the picturesque view up, while 500 Waimea Canyon Road from Waimea is the smoother way down. You should utilize both roads for different sights each way.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Waimea Canyon?

You will experience the Waimea Canyon best during the summer months when there isn’t much humidity in the air and clouds will not disrupt the landscape. Once the colder months start setting in, you will not be able to enjoy the wet trail and the limited visibility.

Even during the summer months, ensure that you reach the canyon during early morning hours. There are not many people around, and the view is enthralling. Many times, the skies become clouded as early as 10:00 am.