Waimea Canyon is one of the most breathtaking places to visit on Kauaʻi, known for its dramatic red cliffs, waterfalls, and sweeping coastal views. The first time we visited Kaua’i and drove up to Waimea Canyon, we literally pulled over and just stared. There was lush vegetation everywhere and jaw dropping views of the deep valleys dropping 3,600 feet. Standing at the lookouts you could hear the power of Waipo’o Falls cascading in the distance. It was breathtaking.

Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is one of Kaua’i’s most spectacular natural wonders and top tourist destinations. People come to see the deep valley gorges of red dirt crags which contrast beautifully against the lush, green vegetation, the blue sky, and the ocean in the distance.

Waimea Canyon actually consists of two state parks, Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōke’e State Park. The road flows from Waimea Canyon directly into Kōke’e so it’s easy to visit both. The drive through Waimea Canyon and Koke’e is about eleven miles long and you gain about 4,000 feet in elevation as you drive up the mountain.

This guide covers the best lookouts, hikes, and tips for visiting so you don’t miss anything.

As always, please remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Help protect the land, oceans, and wildlife so everyone can continue to enjoy them.

 

Waimea Canyon Kauai (Best Views + Hikes + What Not to Miss)

Waimea Canyon + Kōke’e State Parks Quick Facts

• Location: West side of Kaua’i, ~1 hour from Lihue
• Time: 1.5-2 hours (driving and stopping at lookouts only) or 4-6 hours (with hiking)
• Cost: $10/vehicle + $5/person parking fee
• Road: Fully paved, no need for 4×4
• Hiking: Optional but I definitely recommend hiking!
• Drones: PROHIBITED in all Hawai’i State Parks
• Cell service: Spotty, download maps offline if planning to hike
• Gas: No gas stations in Waimea Canyon, fill up in Waimea first
• Food: Koke’e Lodge only (9:30am-4:30pm)
• Bathrooms: At official lookouts + Koke’e Lodge
• Temperature: Can be 10-20°F cooler at top, especially early in the morning. Pack layers.
• Best time: Early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 3pm)
• Best season: Year-round (summer = dry trails, winter = flowing waterfalls)

What to Bring

You absolutely want to bring a camera to Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e; the views are absolutely breathtaking. My go to camera is my Canon 5D Mark IV, but I’ve also taken some incredible shots here with my phone. Please note that drones are prohibited in all Hawai’i State Parks so leave your drone in your hotel room for this adventure.

There are limited amenities in Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e, make sure you have gas. There is the Kōke’e Lodge if you want to stop for food, or you can grab something to eat in Waimea before heading up (grab an açaí bowl!).

You gain almost 4,000 feet in elevation driving up the mountain, and the weather is unpredictable. It might be 80° and sunny at sea level, but it’s cooler and often misty or windy up the mountain. So pack some light layers for when you get out of the car.

There are some pretty awesome hikes in Waimea Canyon + Kōke’e, so if you plan to do any hiking, make sure you bring some hiking boots or water shoes. Also bring plenty of water if you’re going hiking! It gets warm quickly, some of the hikes don’t provide much shade, and you could easily spend 3-4 hours hiking. I’ve packed two 32oz Nalgene water bottles and finished both before returning to the car.

When to Visit Waimea Canyon & Koke’e State Parks

You’ve planned every day of your vacation, all your activities are booked, and you pick a day to visit Waimea Canyon. But you get there and it’s overcast and you can’t see the amazing views or the waterfall flowing. I know how disappointing it can be when things don’t work out.

While we can’t control the weather, there are a couple things to keep in mind as you plan your trip. During the rainy winter months, the vegetation seems extra lush and vibrant green. The rain makes the waterfalls flow much stronger, but it also makes the trails a muddy, slippery mess. During summer, the trails tend to be drier but make sure to check the All Trails app for recent trail conditions. In late summer and fall, there is a possibility of the waterfalls being dry.

There is always a chance of overcast days as you reach the top of the mountain. If you have some time, try waiting around for a bit to see if the weather passes. There is a better chance of less fog before 10am or after 3pm, so plan to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. I always love the soft morning light, but the the sunsets are breathtaking with vibrant colors.

How Long Does it Take to Visit Waimea Canyon + Kōke’e State Parks

How long it takes you to explore Waimea Canyon is entirely up to you. You could easily spend all day in Waimea Canyon, but just driving up and back down the mountain and stopping at the viewpoints will take about 1.5 hours. If you have the time, I highly recommend checking out at least one hike. It’s a great opportunity to check out the native plants and wild animals that live here and experience some amazing views.

Like I mentioned earlier, there are some incredible hikes that offer breathtaking views (more on this later). So I recommend heading to Waimea Canyon early in the morning to hike for a couple hours.

How to Get to Waimea Canyon + Kōke’e

Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e State Parks are on the west side of Kaua’i, about 1 hour from Lihue. Start off by heading west on Kaumuali’i Highway from Lihue. Once you enter the town of Waimea, you’ll turn right onto Waimea Canyon Drive at the stop light. There is a grocery store and a gas station in Waimea in case you need to stock up on snacks, drinks, or fuel.

As you drive up the mountain, Waimea Canyon Drive meets with and turns into Kokee Road. This is the entrance from Kekaha. You could take one road on your drive up and the other road down, but Waimea Canyon Drive is a nicer drive.

Important Information

While driving through Waimea Canyon and Kōke’e is free, there is a small parking and visitor fee. The fee is $10 per vehicle and $5 per person and is good for all of the view point parking lots so you only have to pay once. You can pay at any of the viewpoints, so if you want to drive to the top first and stop at the viewpoints on your way down you can! Make sure to take a picture of the vehicles license plate number or write it down because you need to enter it when you pay for your pass.

There are several unmarked pullouts along the side of the road, some have small parking lots. Definitely stop at these pullouts because they have incredible views.

There are no gas stations in Waimea Canyon or Kōke’e, so make sure you have enough fuel before starting your trip. The official lookouts have restrooms and there is a restaurant, bar, and gift shop just before the Kalalau Lookout called Kōke’e Lodge.

Cell service is spotty at best as you drive up the mountain, so if you plan to hike make sure you have the All Trails app downloaded and know where your trailhead is. I’ve dropped pins onto my iPhone Maps because even if the map isn’t working the best, the directions still take me where I need to go!

Again, drones are prohibited in Hawai’i State Parks so do not bring your drone. There are many reasons they are prohibited, so please be respectful.

Waimea Canyon + Koke’e State Parks

As you start driving up Waimea Canyon Road, you are instantly greeted with beautiful views of steep, craggy cliffs of red dirt and views of the ocean in the distance. The green vegetation contrasts the red cliffs and makes Waimea Canyon just stunning to take in.

Around Mile 3, the sides of the road turn to mostly red dirt instead of grass. Pay attention to the left side of the road where it opens up to a little waterfall running through the red dirt. There are a few pullouts around here if you want to get out and check it out. The parking areas are on the opposite side of the street, so please look for oncoming traffic. And please be sure to pull completely off of the road!

After checking out the red dirt waterfall, hop in your car and take in the views as you continue your drive up the mountain. You’ll pass through beautiful tree tunnels, lookouts, and some trailheads. Around Mile Marker 10 you come to your first official lookout. Here you can pay for your parking and visitor passes. Once you pay, head to the concrete viewing platform to really take in the impressive panoramic views of Waimea Canyon. If you look to the left, you can see Waipo’o Falls in the distance.

As you continue up the road, keep an eye out for several small pullouts between miles 12 and 13. These spots offer the best views of Waipo’o Falls! I used my telephoto lens to capture Waipo’o Falls so close in the picture below. If you visit in the afternoon, you might get lucky and catch some rainbow colors off the waterfalls!

You can also see Waimea Canyon and get a closer look at Waipo’o Falls from a helicopter tour.

Around Mile Marker 13, shortly after the pullouts to view Waipo’o Falls, you arrive at Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. This is the second official viewpoint and parking lot area. The Pu’u Hinahina Lookout has beautiful views looking down the canyons. You won’t be able to see Waipo’o Falls anymore, but you can hear how powerful the waterfall is as it crashes down. On a clear day, you can even see across the Ni’ihau in the distance!

Like I mentioned earlier in this post, the road through Waimea Canyon flows directly into Kōke’e State Park. And the fee you parking and visitor fee is also good for the viewpoints in Kōke’e. Trust me, you want to continue up for the views at the top.

Just before the Kalalau Lookout is the Kōke’e Lodge which is a restaurant, bar, gift shop, and museum. The hours are 9:30-4:30 daily so stop and check it out! Then head over to the Kalalau Lookout. The views here are incredible looking into the valleys of Nāpali Coast.

But my recommendation is to go straight to the next lookout, Pu’u O Kila, for the best views! The views at Kalalau are a little obstructed from foliage in front of the fence and looking from the side. The views from Pu’u O Kila are more centered in between the two ridges of Nāpali Coast. So go another mile up the road to the Pu’u O Kila lookout for the best views on Kaua’i.

You’ll see the boat tours down below taking in the view from sea level, it’s an incredible perspective to appreciate how massive the towering cliffs are. Check out my guide to experiencing Nāpali Coast from the water here.

Hiking in Waimea Canyon

I love hiking when traveling places, it’s a great way to get away from the crowds and tourists. I’ve even planned some trips around specific hikes I want to do.

As I mentioned previously, there are some incredible hiking trails in Waimea Canyon. You could easily spend a day or two exploring multiple hikes here. There are some shorter, easier family friendly hikes but for those looking for a more rewarding adventure. And there are some longer, more challenging hikes. The Awa’awapuhi Trail and the Nu’alolo Trail are two of my favorite hikes that are more difficult but offer breathtaking views and amazing photo opportunities. And the Pihea Vista Trail is short but has stunning views of Kalalau Valley almost the entire hike.

For more trail information, check out my guide to the Best Hikes on Kaua’i here.

Best Lookouts in Waimea Canyon

Here are the lookouts in Waimea Canyon!

Red Dirt Waterfall (Mile 3)

This is quick 5 minute stop to see the small waterfalls cascading through red dirt right off the side of the road. Park across the street making sure to pull completely off the road and watch for traffic!

Waimea Canyon Lookout (Mile 10)

The first official viewpoint. You can see panoramic canyon views with Waipo’o Falls in the distance. This viewpoint gives you the grand canyon vibes. There is a restroom and parking payment machine.

Waipo’o Falls Pullouts (Miles 12-13)

There are several unmarked pullouts after the Waimea Canyon lookout and before the Pu’u Hinahina lookout that offer the BEST views of Waipo’o Falls. These are better than the official lookouts because you get a closer view.

Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (Mile 13)

This is the second official lookout with beautiful views looking down the canyon. You can really hear Waipo’o Falls rushing from here, but you won’t be able to see the waterfalls anymore. On clear days, you can see Ni’ihau in the distance. There are restrooms and a parking payment machine here.

Kalalau Lookout (Mile 18)

This lookout offers incredible views of Nāpali Coast and Kalalau Valley. You can see waterfalls on the opposite ridge in the distance and Kalalau Beach down below. Stop and check out the Kōke’e Lodge for food and gifts.

I’d honestly stop at Kōke’e Lodge and skip the lookout to go straight to Pu’u O Kila lookout.

Pu’u O Kila Lookout (Mile 19)

This is the last lookout and the end of the road and it has the most breathtaking viewpoint. You’re more centered between the two ridges overlooking Kalalau Valley and Nāpali Coast.

FAQ

How long does it take to drive through Waimea Canyon?

The drive from the town of Waimea to the last lookout at the top (Pu’u O Kila) takes about 45 minutes without stops. Whether you make your stops on the way up or head all the way to the top first and make stops on your way down, you will add time stopping at the lookouts. Plan to spend easily 1.5-2 hours for the drive and stops. If you’re doing any hikes, add 2-4 hours depending on the trail!

Is Waimea Canyon worth visiting?

Absolutely! Waimea Canyon is one of Kaua’i’s most stunning natural wonders. The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” offers dramatic views of the landscape and coastline. It’s 100% worth it for the incredible views and epic hikes!

What is the best time of day to visit Waimea Canyon?

Early morning is ideal for typically clearer skies with soft light for photography. Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for photography and amazing sunset watching opportunities. Mid-day can see more fog at the top. But always check the forecast before heading out. If you have the time, wait out the conditions a little bit as they’re always changing. It might be overcast and foggy but 10 minutes later the sun comes out again.

Parking also tends to get very crowded in the mid-morning to early afternoon! There are limited spots available in the parking lots which can fill up. If you’re planning to hike, go early! The parking space available at trailheads is even smaller than the lookout parking lots.

How much does it cost to visit Waimea Canyon?

$10 per vehicle + $5 per person for parking and visitor fees.

This fee is good for all viewpoints in both Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks for the day. You only have to pay once.

If you’re just driving through, technically it’s free. But you’ll definitely want to stop at the lookouts to enjoy the views.

Do I need a permit to visit Waimea Canyon?

No permit is required to just visit and sightsee, just the vehicle and visitor fee mentioned above. If you plan to camp overnight, you will need camping permits.

Can you see Waimea Canyon without hiking?

Yes! The viewpoints are accessible directly from the parking lots with minimal walking. You can see the canyon, Waipo’o Falls, and Napali Coast from the lookouts. I do recommend hiking but I understand not everyone has the time or interest to hike.

What should I wear to Waimea Canyon?

Bring some layers! It can be a beautiful day at sea level but 60º, misty, and windy at the top of the mountain. If you’re hiking, bring good hiking boots or sneakers and plenty of water.

Are there bathrooms at Waimea Canyon?

Yes, there are bathrooms available at the official lookouts (Waimea Canyon, Pu’u Hinahina, Kalalau, and Pu’u o Kila) as well as at the Koke’e Lodge. There are no facilities along the road between viewpoints or at trailheads.

Can you drive through Waimea Canyon in a rental car?

Yes, the road is paved all the way through so you don’t need a 4×4. They recently did road work to fix the potholes and rougher sections of the road.

Is Waimea Canyon better than the Grand Canyon?

Waimea Canyon is much smaller, but it is filled with lush green vegetation, waterfalls, ocean views, and that tropical island feel. They are different, but both are worth visiting.

What waterfalls can you see at Waimea Canyon?

The main waterfall that is seen in Waimea Canyon is Waipo’o Falls. It is Kaua’i’s largest waterfall at 800 feet. You can see Waipo’o Falls from multiple viewpoints between mile markers 12 and 13. You can only see these falls from a distance.

Around mile 3 there is a small red dirt waterfall right on the side of the road.

During the rainy season, other waterfalls appear throughout the canyon and in Kalalau Valley.

Note: Waterfalls can be dry in late summer and fall.

Can you see Nāpali Coast from Waimea Canyon?

Yes, from the Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u o Kila lookouts at the top of Koke’e State Park. There are incredible views into the valleys. There are a few epic hikes that take you out onto the ridges that make up Nāpali Coast with jaw dropping views of the coast and the drop offs.