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.

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!

The Waimea Canyon, which is also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is an awe-inspiring gorge on Kauai's West shore. There are two roads leading to Waimea and they intersect higher atop the mountain. They steer you toward Route 552(Koke'e Road), but I took Route 550 (Waimea Canyon Drive), which had hardly any traffic and was an absolutely beautiful ascent up to the canyon.

On Route 550, you will see a lot of the famous Red Dirt, which has small winding streams running through. There were plenty of spots to pull over and look at the beautiful scenery on the way up. One of the views is the island of Ni’ihau, which is clearly visible as you drive up the winding road. As you drive higher you will begin to see a lot of wild chickens -- be careful because some are fearless.

When you reach 3400 feet you will be at the Waimea Canyon Lookout. From here you will be amazed at the breathtaking scenery. There was a restroom at this stop for your information.

After mile marker 13, you will reach the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, which also has view of the canyon. At this same stop you can see view of Ni'ihau on a clear day at the Ni'ihau Viewpoint.

Continuing on to mile marker 15 is the Koke'e Museum and the Koke'e Lodge. At the Koke'e Museum you will find maps, calendars, souvenirs, and information on facts of the Canyon. The lodge next door has a small restaurant if you are looking for something to snack on.

From here, we kept traveling northward to mile marker 18; if I recall correctly, some or all of this was a dirt or gravel road. Here you will see Kalalau Lookout (4000 feet). To the right, there was a road that was closed off so we parked here to get to Pu'u o Kila Lookout(5148 feet). This is an ascent that you have to hike. It was about a 25- to 35-minute hike, but you will not be disappointed. When you reach the top you will see a sign proclaiming, "The Wettest Spot on Earth, Average Annual Rainfall 451 inches"!! Plus the view is jaw dropping.

I hope I have navigated you to the top of Waimea Canyon with ease. A couple of tips: you should pack some snacks before you leave, bring a couple of bottles of water (especially for the hike), and at the top, it is a bit cooler, you might want to bring a sweatshirt. Enjoy.

Living in Arizona, I could not believe the tour magazine when I read, "Waimea Canyon is Mark Twain’s Grand Canyon of the Pacific." But once we got there and looked out onto the red rocks, my husband said, "The Grand Canyon on Miracle Grow with a view of the Pacific, wow!"

Lush, green vegetation contrasting with the red rocks make for a spectacular site. If you enjoy hiking there are many trails into the canyon with great views; check the ranger station for detailed maps. Some of these trails are very slippery due to the red mud and hiking boots are suggested. Bring your own food and water plus be sure you have plenty of gas since I do not recall any convenience stores on the 40-mile Waimea Canyon Road. Don’t forget your camera because this day will definitely be one photo opportunity after another. I see no need to pay for a travel guide here; enjoy the day on your own at your own pace. Bring some extra bread to feed the beautiful moa roosters at every stop.

The Waimea Canyon is called the "Grand Canyon" of Hawaii. A beautiful deep river gorge that lasts approximately 10 miles. There is a winding twisty road that will take you to the top of the canyon. Be sure to take something if you are prone to motion sickness.

I would also recommned taking your own picnic lunch, snacks, and drinks. There is a restaurant at the top of canyon, but it looks pricey and its the only one. There are also hiking trails and rental cabins at the Kokee Lodge.