Waimea Canyon
While I lived on Kauai for almost nine years one of the nicest places I saw, sometimes over and over again was the Waimea Canyon. This thing is big and I was really impressed with all the different colors throughout the canyon.
It's by far the largest of any of the canyons in the Hawaiian chain and it's no wonder it's called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the start the canyon is 10 miles long and about one mile wide. The canyon is also over 3,500 feet deep from the bottom to the ridge at the top. It's believed that huge floods that resulted from the rains on Mount Waialeale carved this canyon thousands of years ago.
Over time and after volcanic eruption after eruption lava flow lines were left on the walls of the canyon which add to the colors and beauty. Wild pigs, sheep and goats inhabit Waimea Canyon and if you have binoculars you just might catch a glimpse of one of these creatures.
There are numerous hiking trails, some 45 miles of them, through the canyon although I have never been on any of them. Some of them begin from the top, which is Koke'e State Park. Koke'e has several bungalows and a real neat museum to visit, too. Also a Ranger station. And there are little packages of feed you can buy for a nominal amount to feed the many chickens and roosters that roam around up there. That's always fun.
Waimea Canyon Road which begins at Hanapepe on Rt. 50 is about 40 miles from its start to the end, which also not only runs along the rim of the canyon but ends with a breath taking view of Kalalau Valley. The road is a wonder in itself with its twisty turns and switchbacks. No gas stations or convenience stores along this road so be prepared. I might add that the temperature at sea level may be beautiful but at the top it could be some 15 degrees cooler. To me that too was ok but much cooler then on the beach.
Yes, a visit to the Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must and the scenic drive to Koke'e State Park and a view of the Kalalau Lookout is something that must be included as well. You'll be glad you did... and bring a sweater.
While I lived on Kauai for almost nine years one of the nicest places I saw, sometimes over and over again was the Waimea Canyon. This thing is big and I was really impressed with all the different colors throughout the canyon.
It's by far the largest of any of the canyons in the Hawaiian chain and it's no wonder it's called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. From the start the canyon is 10 miles long and about one mile wide. The canyon is also over 3,500 feet deep from the bottom to the ridge at the top. It's believed that huge floods that resulted from the rains on Mount Waialeale carved this canyon thousands of years ago.
Over time and after volcanic eruption after eruption lava flow lines were left on the walls of the canyon which add to the colors and beauty. Wild pigs, sheep and goats inhabit Waimea Canyon and if you have binoculars you just might catch a glimpse of one of these creatures.
There are numerous hiking trails, some 45 miles of them, through the canyon although I have never been on any of them. Some of them begin from the top, which is Koke'e State Park. Koke'e has several bungalows and a real neat museum to visit, too. Also a Ranger station. And there are little packages of feed you can buy for a nominal amount to feed the many chickens and roosters that roam around up there. That's always fun.
Waimea Canyon Road which begins at Hanapepe on Rt. 50 is about 40 miles from its start to the end, which also not only runs along the rim of the canyon but ends with a breath taking view of Kalalau Valley. The road is a wonder in itself with its twisty turns and switchbacks. No gas stations or convenience stores along this road so be prepared. I might add that the temperature at sea level may be beautiful but at the top it could be some 15 degrees cooler. To me that too was ok but much cooler then on the beach.
Yes, a visit to the Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must and the scenic drive to Koke'e State Park and a view of the Kalalau Lookout is something that must be included as well. You'll be glad you did... and bring a sweater.
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