We visited Kauai a little over a year ago. One of the must do's was a trip to the Waimea Canyon, as recommended by the tour books.

While it was beautiful and very colorful, it was quite the trip from the North end of the island. Took us a long time to get there and the drive up the mountain to the canyon was very twisting; Made some of us a bit woozy.

when we got there, we were lucky enough to see the canyon but a big cloud cover and small rain storm took our views away and we had to leave.

I would recommend this if you know ahead of time how long it takes to get there from any given point and the drive up the mountain.

The Waimea Canyon was definitely gorgeous -- especially from the helicopter tour -- but we had just visited the Grand Canyon in AZ a couple of years before, so it wasn't as fascinating for us to see Waimea Canyon. However, if you're staying on Kauai for the week, it definitely is a half-day or full-day trip that must be done. Plus, there are other sightseeing opportunities on the way there or on the way back!

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.

We drove the 17-mile road up and through the canyon itself, and then into Kokee State Park. There are many, many dozens of lookout points to stop at along the way, and try to stop at them all--not just the "official" very touristy ones. Take Waimea Canyon Drive, NOT Kokee Road, as the latter is filled with slow tour buses and is not nearly as scenic.

We stopped off at the entrance to the Black Pipe Trail and took about a 5-mile round-trip hike to another lookout point. Honestly, what we saw was not that much more spectacular than all the other scenery we'd already seen until then! But it was a nice, easygoing hike--a bit steep at times, but never very difficult or at all dangerous. Definitely worth the trip!

Drive the mountain roads, stopping along the way to look at the spectacular views of the beautiful Waimea Canyon.

Drive on out to the end of the road, and you'll have a breathtaking view as the cliffs drop off into the ocean. Try to go early in the day in the winter time, as the whole mountain can easily be in the clouds, and you'll miss the glory.

Eat at the little state park near the end of this road.