Book Waimea Canyon Activities

• Waimea Canyon Downhill Bike Ride: On this tour, you’ll ride to both iconic and secret spots, catch sunset over the “forbidden island,” and best yet-get a van ride to the top.
• Waimea Canyon and Koke’e Valley Tour w/Lunch: Experience the natural splendor of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon on this guided tour. Along the way you’ll visit historic Hanapepe Town, Poipu, Spouting Horn and the Koloa Sugar Mill.
• Private Waimea Canyon Tour: Experience the best of Kauai on a full-day private tour through the island’s scenic landscape, highlights and historic landmarks.
• Kauai Shore Excursion: Journey to Waimea Canyon: While in port on Kauai, take a half-day tour to Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.

Waimea Canyon

One of Kauai’s top attractions, Waimea Canyon stands in stark contrast to the island’s lush tropical image. Aptly known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon offers stunning panoramic views of deep gorges and towering cliffs that will leave visitors in awe. Located on the island’s drier west side, this geological wonder spans over thirteen miles in length, about 1.5 miles in width and up to 2,500 feet in depth. The canyon is yet just another remarkable feature to be explored on the multifaceted island of Kauai.

Waimea Canyon was formed over millions of years by the erosion of the Waimea River, which still runs through the canyon today. The red and brown hues of the canyon are due to the oxidation of iron in the soil, which gives it a rusty color. The colors of the canyon change throughout the day, depending on the angle of the sun and weather conditions, so each visit can offer a unique experience.

Waipoo Falls, seen in the distance from the Waimea Canyon Lookout.

Waimea Canyon is home to several waterfalls, including the prominent Waipoo Falls, which cascades over 800-feet into a deep pool below. The top of the falls are accessible via a moderate hike on the Canyon Trail, and the magnificent view from the top is well worth the effort.

Exploring Waimea Canyon

There are several ways to explore Waimea Canyon, including by driving, hiking and helicopter tours.

Waimea Canyon Road shortly after Red Dirt Falls.

Driving Waimea Canyon

For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, driving up to the canyon is an excellent option. The scenic road leading to the canyon, Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550), climbs from sea level at the town of Waimea to the Waimea Canyon Lookout at an elevation of 3,400 feet. The two-lane road is well-maintained and offers several lookout points along the way where visitors can stop and take in the stunning views.

Places to view Waimea Canyon:

• Red Dirt Falls: One of the first views of Waimea Canyon can be found across the road from Red Dirt Falls. This is lower Waimea Canyon without some of the deep canyons and ridges found at later stops.
• Past Red Dirt Falls: After Red Dirt Falls there are several small pullouts (including the Lakoba Lookout and Hohonu Awawa Lookout) with views of Waimea Canyon. We don’t really recommend stopping at these pullouts due to safety reasons (traffic and precipitous drop offs) but you shouldn’t have any problems if you do decide to stop.
• Iliau Nature Loop Trail and Kukui Trail (8.75 mile marker): The Iliau Trail is a short nature trail with views of Waimea Canyon. Also at the same spot is the trailhead for the Kukui Trail, a challenging trail that goes to the bottom of Waimea Canyon. There is parking for several cars on the side of the road.
• Waimea Canyon Lookout (mile marker 10): The main viewing area for Waimea Canyon features a parking lot, restrooms, viewing platforms and sweeping panoramas of the canyon.
• Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout (mile marker 12): Lookout on the side of the road features the closest views of Waipoo Falls. Across the street is a park area with picnic benches and restrooms. Close by, within walking distance, is a better unobstructed view of Waipoo Falls. This viewing area is just south of the Pu’u ka Pele Lookout.
• Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (mile marker 13): Similar to the Waimea Canyon Lookout with straightaway views down the canyon, restrooms and paved parking.

Waimea Canyon Tips

• When driving to Waimea Canyon, take Highway 550 from Waimea with a stop at Red Dirt Falls.
• When driving back from Waimea Canyon, take Kokee Road. The drive offers nice views of the island of Niihau as well as the opportunity to see Kekaha Beach.
• There are no stores or gas stations once you leave Waimea. Top off on gas and snacks before you leave for Waimea Canyon from the town of Waimea.
• Visit Waimea Canyon on a Friday afternoon so that you can attend the Hanapepe Art Night on Fridays on the way back.
• The towns of Waimea and Hanapepe are both nice places to visit along with your visit to Waimea Canyon.
• The weather is usually warm in the Waimea Canyon area, but it can get chilly on rainy days. Have a light jacket handy just in case.
• After Waimea Canyon, keep going up the road to Kokee State Park. Kokee State Park is a forested area at a higher elevation with a number of hiking trails and views of the Na Pali Coast.

Waimea Canyon Lookout

Waimea Canyon is a breathtaking sight to behold, and one of the best places to take it all in is from the Waimea Canyon Lookout. The lookout offers visitors a panoramic view of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, you can see the canyon’s jagged red cliffs, lush greenery, and the winding Waimea River below.

The lookout is the main tourist area for Waimea Canyon, with ample parking, multiple viewing opportunities and restrooms. If you have limited time in the area, this is the place to visit. Payment kiosks, where out-of-state visitors can pay the required fees for visiting the park, can also be found at the lookout.

Displays at the lookout provide information about the canyon’s many features. This display details how the canyon was formed, where trees are able to grow in the canyon and geographical features that are visible from the lookout.

Waimea Canyon Fees

There is now a fee for non-Hawaii residents to visit Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park. The fees are $10 per vehicle and $5 per person. (For example, if you have two people in your party, the fee would be $10 for the vehicle and $5 for each person for a total of $20.) The required fees can be paid at kiosks (payboxes) that are located at the Waimea Canyon Lookout, the Puu Hinahina Lookout, the Kalalau Lookout and the Puu o Kila Lookout. After paying, display the receipt on your dashboard. The receipt is good for all lookouts in the Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park areas.

Hiking Waimea Canyon

There are several hiking trails where you can experience the wonders of Waimea Canyon up close and personal.

• Canyon Trail: One of the most popular trails in the Waimea Canyon area is the Canyon Trail, a moderate hike that leads to the top of Waipoo Falls.
• Black Pipe Trail: Connects to the Canyon Trail, takes hikers into the backcountry of the canyon area.
• Cliff Trail: Connects the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout to the Canyon Trail.
• Iliau Nature Loop Trail: An easy walk of less than a half-mile with views of Waimea Canyon and unique vegetation including the Iliau plant (in season May-June).
• Kukui Trail: Difficult trail goes to the bottom of Waimea Canyon.
• Koaie Canyon Trail: An extension of the Kukui Trail, takes hikers deeper into the canyons of Waimea.
• Poomau Canyon Trail: Also called the Ditch Trail, this little known trail takes hikers to a spectacular view of Waimea Canyon’s Poomau Canyon.

Exploring Waimea Canyon by Helicopter

See Waimea Canyon’s Waipoo Falls from a truly unique vantage point with a helicopter tour.

A helicopter tour of Waimea Canyon is an unforgettable experience that provides a unique perspective on this breathtaking landscape. From the air, you’ll see the canyon’s vibrant colors in a way that’s simply not possible from the ground. You’ll soar over the ridges and peaks of the canyon, taking in views that stretch for miles in every direction. Most all Kauai helicopter tours visit Waimea Canyon as it is one of the island’s most notable attractions.

• Deluxe Waterfall Safari: You’ll cover the island’s most important attractions as you soar over landscapes made famous by movies; the high sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls and more.
• Air Kauai Doors-Off Helicopter Flight Adventure: In this doorless helicopter tour, you’ll enjoy extraordinary perspectives of Mt. Waialeale, the Na Pali Coast, Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon State Park and more.
• Sunshine Helicopters Na Pali Coast Air Tour From Lihue: Soar over the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Wailua Falls, Jurassic Falls and more!
• Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Kauai Eco-Adventure Flight From Lihue: Soar over the island’s diverse terrain, from rain-soaked Mt. Waialeale and the waterfalls of Waiapuna to the dry red ravine of Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking emerald spires of the Na Pali Coast.
• Discover Kauai Helicopter Tour From Princeville: Departing from Princeville, marvel at panoramic views of the sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanapepe Valley, Manawaiopuna Falls and more!
• Hughes 500 Helicopter: 4-passenger Hughes 500 helicopters have no middle back seats, giving you the best aerial views possible.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Waimea Canyon is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kauai. Its breathtaking beauty, vibrant colors, and stunning views make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to explore the canyon on foot, by car or helicopter, make sure to take your time and soak in all that this incredible natural wonder has to offer.