Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [465]
Drives on a clear day are phenomenal. But don’t be disappointed by rain, as that’s what makes the waterfalls gush. Sunny days following rain are ideal for prime views, though slick mud makes it a challenge.
The southern boundary of Waimea Canyon State Park is about 6 miles up the road from Waimea. You can reach the park by two roads: Waimea Canyon Dr (Hwy 550) starts in Waimea just beyond the 23-mile marker, while Koke′e Rd (Hwy 552) starts in Kekaha off Mana Rd. They merge between the 6-mile and 7-mile markers.
State officials generally prefer visitors to use Waimea Canyon Dr, which is 19 miles long and passes the canyon lookouts with terrific views into Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast. Koke′e Rd is shorter by 3 miles and also offers scenic views, but not of the canyon.
Dangers & Annoyances
Rain creates hazardous conditions in the canyon. The red-dirt trails quickly become slick and river fords rise to impassable levels. Try hiking poles or a sturdy walking stick to ease the steep descent into the canyon.
Note the time of sunset and plan to return well before dark. Note that daylight will fade inside the canyon long before sunset.
While packing light is recommended, take enough water for your entire trip, especially the uphill return journey. Do not drink fresh water along the trails without treating it. Cell phones do not work here. If possible, hike with a companion or at least tell someone your expected return time.
Sights
Along Waimea Canyon Dr, you can see naturally growing examples of native trees, including koa and ohia, as well as invasive species such as kiawe. The valuable hardwood koa proliferates at the hunter’s check station along the way. Look for the trees with narrow, crescent-shaped leaves.
SCENIC LOOKOUTS
At 0.3 miles north of the 10-mile marker, and an elevation of 3400ft, is the Waimea Canyon Lookout – the most scenic of the lookout points. Keep your eyes peeled for the canyon running in an easterly direction off Waimea, which is Koai′e Canyon. That area is accessible to backcountry hikers.
The 800ft waterscape known as Waipo‘o Falls can be seen from a couple of small, unmarked lookouts before the 12-mile marker and then from a lookout opposite the picnic area shortly before the 13-mile marker. The picnic area includes BBQ pits, rest rooms, drinking water, a pay phone and Camp Hale Koa, a Seventh Day Adventist camp. Pu′u Hinahina Lookout, at 3640ft, offers two lookouts near the parking lot at a marked turnoff between the 13- and 14-mile markers, while Pu′u o Kila Lookout, located past Kalalau Lookout, is the start of the Pihea Trail. Sometimes the road is closed.
At mile marker 18 is the view of the Kalalau Valley from Kalalau Lookout, the largest of the Na Pali. Views from the lookout change minute by minute, depending on the ever-present clouds. At 4000ft elevation, the air here is much cooler than along the coast or in the valleys – so bring a sweatshirt or jacket.
Activities
HIKING
Enjoy several, rugged trails that lead deep into Waimea Canyon: keep in mind they’re shared with pig and deer hunters and that it’s most busy during weekends and holidays.
The Kukui and Koai′e Canyon trails, two of the steepest on Kaua′i, connect at Wiliwili Camp, 2000ft into the canyon. If the entire trek sounds too strenuous, hike just 1 mile down the Kukui Trail, as you’ll reach a bench with an astounding view.
The hiking mileage given for each following trail is for one-way only.
Iliau Nature Loop
This trail was named for the iliau, a plant endemic to Kaua′i’s Westside, which grows along the route and produces stalks up to 10ft high. Canyon walls, waterfalls and bursting iliau are all reasons to give it a try.
The marked trailhead for the 10-minute Iliau Nature Loop comes up shortly before the 9-mile marker. Be sure to pass