Best Hikes in Waimea Canyon State Park, HI

Default image for Waipo'o Falls, a 3.3-mile trail in Waimea, HI (US)

3.3 mi
5.3 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Waipo'o Falls

5.0

Waimea, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Easy Out-and-Back

Waipo'o Falls Lookout

4.0

Waimea, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Waimea Canyon Lookout, a 0.1-mile trail in Waimea, HI (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Loop

Waimea Canyon Lookout

4.0

Waimea, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Iliau Trail, a 0.3-mile trail in Waimea, HI (US)

0.3 mi
0.5 km

Easy Loop

Iliau Trail

5.0

Waimea, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Ni'ihau Lookout, a 0.1-mile trail in Waimea, HI (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Ni'ihau Lookout

0.0

Waimea, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, a 0.1-mile trail in Waimea, HI (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Pu'u Hinahina Lookout

0.0

Waimea, Hawaii

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Key Takeaways

Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," offers stunning panoramic views of rugged terrain, vibrant colors, and deep valley gorges.

Popular activities include hiking various trails (ranging in difficulty), scenic driving along Waimea Canyon Drive with multiple overlooks, and picnicking amidst the natural beauty.

Consider weather conditions before visiting, as fog and rain can obstruct views, and be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations; bring layers, water, and sunscreen.

About Waimea Canyon State Park

Discover the majestic beauty of Waimea Canyon State Park, located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the colorful canyon walls carved over millennia. Hikers of all skill levels will find trails to explore, from the short and easy Iliau Trail, showcasing the unique Iliau plant and canyon vistas, to the more challenging 3.3-mile Waipo'o Falls Trail, leading to stunning waterfall views (though the full cascade is best seen from the roadside Waipo'o Falls Lookout). Remember that parking fees apply for non-residents and always heed warning signs regarding cliff edges and potential hazards like slippery rocks and flash floods.

Waimea Canyon State Park features several accessible lookout points providing stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. Pu'u Hinahina Lookout offers an easily accessible, paved path with incredible canyon views, while the Ni'ihau Lookout provides a distant glimpse of the island of Ni'ihau and Lehua Crater. The Waimea Canyon Lookout trail is another easy option, with a universal access path and multiple viewing platforms. Remember to stay behind fences at all lookouts due to steep drop-offs. A single parking ticket covers multiple lots within Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Parks, making it easy to explore different viewpoints. Plan your visit and experience the unparalleled natural wonders of Waimea Canyon State Park.