Visiting and Hiking in Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai is the largest canyon of the Pacific and has been called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Carved by the Waimea River, it runs 10 miles long, 1 mile wide and 3500′ deep. There are 3 lookout stops for the canyon providing grand, colorful vistas. On the drive up there are also pullouts and views both to the upcoming canyon and back to the ocean.

Enjoy the video and the numerous photos of our day exploring this canyon area on Kaua’i.

Waimea Canyon Lookout

This is your first official lookout stop. To park in the state park is about $5 and there’s a parking kiosk at each parking lot. The parking is good for 24 hours and includes parking within Kokee State Park.

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Canyon Trail

The 3rd lookout, Pu’u Hinahina, is also where you find the trailhead for the Canyon Trail up to Waipoo Falls. The hike is moderate, 3.2 miles round trip, ends at the top of the falls with a few gullies, mud slick water crossings, and goats.

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Along the trail there’s a turnoff for cliff overlook. Make the turn. We caught an early view of the rim portion of the trail and some goats.

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Kalalau and Pu’u O Kila Lookouts

At the end of the canyon road rewards you with views across the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness valleys to the coast.

Last but not least …

There is a hiking trail here but having had enough mud from the canyon hike (some I still carried on my backside) and no hiking poles, I took a pass on this one.

Where to Next?

From Kauai we head over to Hawaii, the big island for a few days before heading back to base camp in California.