Exploring Waimea Canyon: Kauai’s Geological Marvel!

Kauai, Hawaii

Whereas the backyard island of Kauai is definitely a lush inexperienced tropical paradise, it additionally boasts an enormous purple & orange canyon referred to as Waimea — the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Waimea Canyon just isn’t the sort of panorama most individuals affiliate with the islands of Hawaii. Stretching 14 miles lengthy, one mile huge, and round 3,600 ft 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 a complete day simply visiting the totally different viewpoints and mountaineering trails in Waimea Canyon State Park for those who wished to!

Grand Canyon Of The Pacific

Carved by the Waimea River over tens of millions of years, the canyon’s identify means “Reddish Waters” in Hawaiian. The river water is stained purple/orange by the canyon’s purple, 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

Purple Dust Waterfall – To the best, Waimea Canyon opens up beneath. To the left is a unusual little waterfall pouring over purple volcanic filth with a couple of brief trails.

Hohonu Awawa Lookout – The primary giant established platform overlooking Waimea Canyon State Park.

Waimea Canyon Lookout – This lookout most likely has the very best view of the canyon. They’ve constructed a big viewing platform right here.

Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout – Probably the greatest viewpoints of Waipo’o Waterfall.

Pu’u Hinahina Lookout – A ultimate cease that offers you some extra nice views, with a barely totally 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 ensure that to maintain driving and take a look at these unimaginable viewpoints of the well-known Na Pali Coast!

Waimea Canyon Mountaineering Trails

Iliau Nature Loop – A brief 1/4 mile loop hike that showcases among the space’s flowers and chicken watching. Hold a watch out for the native Iliau Plant! If it’s in bloom, you’re tremendous fortunate.

Kukui Path – This path takes you all the way down to the river on the very backside of the canyon. It’s steep, and might get very treacherous when moist as a result of purple clay. Beneficial for knowledgeable hikers who may need 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 beautiful 800 foot waterfall you see as you drive alongside the canyon rim. Standing on the prime isn’t the very best place to be for a photograph of this waterfall, nevertheless 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 by way of it in a helicopter! The gorge is commonly a part of island helicopter excursions, and whipping by way of the canyon, particularly with the doorways off, is fairly superb.

Flying up near the large Waipoo Falls was unbelievable, 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 ultimately 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), nevertheless there could also be a payment for parking in sure standard areas close to viewpoints.

Helpful Suggestions For Visiting Waimea Canyon

• The temperature can get a lot cooler on the canyon rim. Deliver a rain jacket or windbreaker. Put on sneakers with traction to deal with rocky, muddy terrain.
• Parking spots at lookout factors can replenish quick, because it’s a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. Attempt to arrive early, earlier than 9am if attainable.
• How a lot time do you might want to discover? I’d put aside no less than half a day, however if you wish to do a bunch of hikes, you may 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!