Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai

Waimea Canyon State Park at a Glance

The Waimea Canyon is one of Kauai’s most outstanding natural features. It is ten miles long and over a half-mile deep, making it the largest canyon in the Pacific. The canyon’s rugged, craggy outface and its deep valley gorges have already made an impression on popular author Mark Twain, who called Waimea the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Many tours are being offered in and around this amazing chasm, which has been carved by centuries of rains cascading down from Mount Waialeale’s summit. Colorful rock layers reveal Waimea’s geological history. The canyon is located within the Kokee State Park, which covers an area of over 4,300 acres and includes 45 miles of hiking trails. Some of these trails are for experts only, while others are for hikers of all skill levels. Trail maps are available at the Ranger’s Station, located at the Kokee Museum.

The Walmea Canyon Drive is the main access road. It has several scenic lookout points. Bring your camera, a light jacket for the mountain climate and a full tank of gas because there is no service station in this area.

Waimea Canyon State Park in Bullet Points

The canyon is ten miles long and more than a half-mile deep, making it the largest in the Pacific
Colorful rock layers reveal its geological history
45 miles of hiking trails

Waimea Canyon State Park Location

From Lihue, drive southwest on Kuhio Highway (HI-56), which turns into Kaumualli Highway (HI-50), into Waimea. Turn right on Waimea Canyon Drive (HI-550).

Address: Koke'e Road, Waimea, Kauai, HI 96752

Waimea Canyon State Park Map (top)

Waimea Weather (top)

Now
82°F
Windchill:
82°F
Mostly Cloudy
Location: Kekaha, HI, US
Wind: 9 mph N
Humidity: 67%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 29.99 in falling
Sunrise: 6:46 am
Sunset: 5:59 pm Sat
Hi: 83°F
Low: 70°F
Partly Cloudy
Sun
Hi: 82°F
Low: 69°F
Mostly Cloudy