Description: So you came to see Waimea Canyon and want to know what else there is up this 15 mile long mountain road. Well, there's a restaurant, museum, a missle range tracking station and some roomy but spartan camping cabins. And hiking and mountain views you hardly dared dream about till now. You really ought to stay overnight so you can see sunset from the cliffs. Or catch the view from Pu'u o kila lookout on a clear morning before the fog rolls in as it sometimes does. The view into the Kalalau Valley is one of the most photographed in Kaua'i.
The temperature really drops after the sun goes down at this 4000 ft. elevation. So you'll need to stoke the wood stove in your cabin - or take lots of covers - even though shorts are comfortable through the heat of the day. Bring a warm jacket. Even so dressed, we were still cold in February evenings at the Pu'u o Kila lookout. the good news: no charge for the free air conditioning.
You'll also have the company of lots of jungle fowl (escaped fighting cocks which have gone wild) - very colorful birds, but vocal in the morning. And only on Kaua'i. The story goes that the mongoose on other islands decimate the wild chickens by taking the eggs of these ground nesting birds. And the mongoose was not introduced to Kaua'i - but that's another story.
While viewing the cliffside from Pu'u o Kila, look closely at the middle of the cliff. There's a waterfall spouting from the cliff, but at such a distance it's easy to miss. You're also apt to see lots of helicopters which come for a few minutes of this magnificent view. You, lucky dogs, have all day if you choose. Free.
I'll post a few pictures as time permits. But do a web search - this is a popular place for photographers.
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