Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park is Kauai's canyon overlook park, with red cliffs, deep valley views, waterfalls, hiking access and the road toward Koke'e.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai

Waimea Canyon is one of Kauai’s most outstanding natural features. It is ten miles (16 km) long and over a half-mile (800 m) 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 (17.4 sq. km) and includes 45 miles (72.4 km) 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.

Key Features

West Kauai state park above the town of Waimea
Known for Waimea Canyon's red cliffs, deep valley walls and waterfall views
Waimea Canyon is commonly described as about 3,600 feet deep
Lookout stops include Waimea Canyon Lookout and Puu Hinahina Lookout
Morning often gives clearer canyon views before clouds build
Non-resident visitors should expect state park parking and entry fees at paid areas
Road continues toward Koke'e State Park and higher-elevation viewpoints
Hiking access includes canyon and rim trail options in the Waimea Canyon area
Weather, road work and limited parking can affect visits
Waimea Canyon State Park is known for canyon overlooks, red cliffs, waterfalls, hiking access and west Kauai mountain scenery

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Waimea Canyon called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific?

The nickname comes from the canyon's scale, color and layered valley walls, though Waimea Canyon has its own Kauai character shaped by volcanic rock, rainfall and erosion.

How deep is Waimea Canyon?

Waimea Canyon is commonly described as about 3,600 feet deep, with steep walls, side valleys and waterfalls that cut through the west Kauai landscape.

What creates the canyon's red color?

The red and orange tones come from iron-rich volcanic soils and rock exposed along the canyon walls, especially vivid when sunlight hits the dry slopes.

How is Waimea Canyon different from Koke'e State Park?

Waimea Canyon State Park is centered on canyon overlooks and lower canyon trails, while Koke'e is higher, cooler and more forested, with trails toward Kalalau Valley and Na Pali views.

Why do the canyon views change so quickly?

Clouds, mist and sunlight move across the canyon throughout the day. A viewpoint can be clear one minute and partly hidden the next, especially later in the day.