We drove to Waimea Canyon from the south side, which took about 45 minute. It was a fun drive, even though it was twisty because there are ample shoulders. There are many scenic overlooks with breathtaking views. It doesn't even look real, and it's hard to get the pictures to do it justice. The canyon also abounds with waterfalls. Mark Twain dubbed it the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, but I can't imagine the Grand Canyon being more beautiful.

There are too many hikes to mention, but you can get a map at the visitor's center. Our hiking consisted of driving to each of the overlooks and "hiking" up to them. You can also see the private island of Nihau from one of the overlooks.

There are many, many of the Kauai chickens there, too. My daughter loved them (even the chickens are beautiful in Kauai). They sell chicken feed at the store and diner next to the visitor’s center. The diner has a very limited menu. Their specialty is chili. Make sure you stop at Jo Jo's Shave Ice in Waimea on the way back. It was another great day in Kauai!

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Driving to the South Shore to begin our Nualolo-Awa'awapuhi hike [see separate entry], we saw one of Mother Nature's most beautiful creations: Waimea Canyon. We vowed to return to make an appropriate visit.

Once an ancient volcano, Mark Twain dubbed the 3,600-feet-deep gorge "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Erosion has exposed colorful layers of lava canyon walls, creating a pathway for the Waimea River to cut the canyon and thus rusting the iron in the soil, giving it its red color.

Awesome. I saw this before I went to the Grand Canyon, so I was pretty impressed at the time. Although not as the one in Arizona, still nothing compares in my mind to walking down the path a short way at the top and looking down into the NaPali valley -- you couldn't tell where sky ended and the ocean started. . .

Stop at the Waimea outlook for your first awesome viewpoint. Then stop at the Puuhinahina Overlook to see the island of Niihau on one side and Waimea Canyon on the other side from 3500 feet. From there, head toward Koke'e State Park.

Don't forget to wear a jacket because it is chilly up so high. Light slacks would be most comfortable rather than shorts. In the fall, the weather may not be great for hiking because there are frequent cool showers and downpours.

This natural formation is so amazing that I can't even accurately describe it. I have been to the Grand Canyon many times and loved it, but this is so much more amazing. The rock formations and colors are fabulous, and the lushness of the surrounding areas make it that much more amazing. The canyon seems to go deeper into the earth than you can imagine -- it is actually 10 miles long, one mile wide, and 3,500 feet deep. To think it is on islands that were formed by volcanoes makes it truly a wonder. There are sulfur springs all around, which smell awful, but are beautiful to see; the surrounding forest area and drive are sights to see as well.

The canyon is part of a state park and maps can be found at the ranger station for both driving and hiking. There is camping available at Koke'e Campground as well as cabins.

Allow a day to drive, hike, and see the many angles, but take snacks and lunch because there are great picnic places, but not many restaurants or watering places around. There is no gas station either, so be sure to get gas when you leave your resort. There aren't lots of stations around the island once you get away from the main areas. A Jeep is a definite plus for this trip -- the wind in your hair makes for a great trip!