Kauai, Hawaii
Whereas the backyard island of Kauai is actually a lush inexperienced tropical paradise, it additionally boasts a large crimson & orange canyon known as Waimea — the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Waimea Canyon will not be the form of panorama most individuals affiliate with the islands of Hawaii. Stretching 14 miles lengthy, one mile extensive, and round 3,600 toes deep — it’s fairly spectacular.
One of many causes Kauai is my favourite Hawaiian Island is due to the variety of issues to do there. You may simply spend an entire day simply visiting the completely different viewpoints and climbing trails in Waimea Canyon State Park for those who needed to!
Grand Canyon Of The Pacific
Carved by the Waimea River over thousands and thousands of years, the canyon’s identify means “Reddish Waters” in Hawaiian. The river water is stained crimson/orange by the canyon’s crimson, eroding volcanic partitions.
Whereas a lot smaller than Arizona’s well-known Grand Canyon, the views are equally spectacular — which led author Mark Twain to nickname the world “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” after he noticed it for the primary time.
Waimea Canyon Lookout Factors
Crimson Dust Waterfall – To the precise, Waimea Canyon opens up beneath. To the left is a unusual little waterfall pouring over crimson volcanic dust with a couple of quick trails.
Hohonu Awawa Lookout – The primary giant established platform overlooking Waimea Canyon State Park.
Waimea Canyon Lookout – This lookout most likely has the perfect view of the canyon. They’ve constructed a big viewing platform right here.
Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout – Among the best viewpoints of Waipo’o Waterfall.
Pu’u Hinahina Lookout – A ultimate cease that provides you some extra nice views, with a barely completely different perspective. Additionally the beginning of the favored Canyon Mountaineering Path which I point out beneath.
Kalalau & Puu O Kila Lookouts – These aren’t technically a part of Waimea Canyon, they’re situated in Kokee State Park a couple of miles additional North. Simply be sure to maintain driving and take a look at these unbelievable viewpoints of the well-known Na Pali Coast!
Waimea Canyon Mountaineering Trails
Iliau Nature Loop – A brief 1/4 mile loop hike that showcases a few of the space’s flowers and chicken watching. Maintain an eye fixed out for the native Iliau Plant! If it’s in bloom, you’re tremendous fortunate.
Kukui Path – This path takes you right down to the river on the very backside of the canyon. It’s steep, and may get very treacherous when moist as a result of crimson clay. Really useful for skilled hikers who would possibly wish to camp at one of many campgrounds on the backside of the canyon.
Canyon Path (Waipoo Falls) – This hike takes you to the highest of Waipoo Falls, the gorgeous 800 foot waterfall you see as you drive alongside the canyon rim. Standing on the prime isn’t the perfect place to be for a photograph of this waterfall, nonetheless the hike nonetheless has nice views, and solely takes about an hour round-trip.
Flying Over The Canyon
One other cool approach to expertise the immensity of Waimea Canyon is flying via it in a helicopter! The gorge is usually a part of island helicopter excursions, and whipping via the canyon, particularly with the doorways off, is fairly wonderful.
Flying up near the large Waipoo Falls was incredible, and our pilot flew tremendous near the canyon partitions, which was fairly a thrill too.
Attending to Waimea Canyon State Park
There are two routes for driving as much as Waimea Canyon from the city of Waimea — Waimea Canyon Drive or Kokee Highway (Freeway 550). They finally meet earlier than you enter the canyon rim, so it actually doesn’t matter which you select.
Entrance into Waimea Canyon State Park is free (no allow required), nonetheless there could also be a price for parking in sure well-liked areas close to viewpoints.
Rental Automobile
One of the best website to e book your automotive is with Uncover Vehicles. They search each native and worldwide automotive rental corporations that will help you discover the absolute best value. That is the best approach to lease a automotive and drive on Kauai.
Renting a automotive provides the perfect flexibility to discover distant spots on the island. Kauai has two main highways, Kaumualii and Kuhio. It could actually take an hour to get to the opposite facet of the island.
Helpful Ideas For Visiting Waimea Canyon
- The temperature can get a lot cooler on the canyon rim. Convey a rain jacket or windbreaker. Put on sneakers with traction to deal with rocky, muddy terrain.
- Parking spots at lookout factors can refill quick, because it’s a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. Attempt to arrive early, earlier than 9am if potential.
- How a lot time do it is advisable to discover? I’d put aside no less than half a day, however if you wish to do a bunch of hikes, you would simply spend a full day right here.
- After exploring Waimea Canyon’s trails, proceed driving North and go to Kokee State Park. If the climate’s good, you’ll have superior views wanting down on the Na Pali shoreline!
READ MORE HAWAII TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved my information to Waimea Canyon on Kauai! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of extra wanderlust-inducing articles that I like to recommend you learn subsequent:
Have you ever ever heard of Waimea Canyon? What’s your favourite Hawaiian Island? Drop me a message within the feedback beneath!