Hawaii's 'Grand Canyon Of The Pacific' Is A Lush State Park With Scenic Waterfalls

If you're looking to experience the raw, unmatched beauty and grandeur of nature, one of the best places in the world to do so is Hawaii. From tropical forests to pristine beaches, the Hawaiian islands offer incredible scenery you have to see for yourself to believe. But, while each island is a worthy showcase, like the state's less-visited island that's home to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, one place stands out as even more impressive: Waimea Canyon State Park.

Known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon sits on the island of Kauai. Stretching for more than 14 miles at depths that exceed 3,600 feet, the scale of the canyon is hard to appreciate until you're standing next to it. On top of that, you're also surrounded by lush greenery and a distinct lack of infrastructure, making it feel almost like you've traveled back to a time before civilization.

Before we reveal the hidden gems of Waimea Canyon State Park, we must mention that, at the time of this writing, damage from Hurricane Lala may have affected some of the park's features and amenities. So, when planning your trip, review current status updates and adjust your plans accordingly.

Since the park is at the top of Waimea Canyon, you'll be roughly 3,400 to 3,600 feet above sea level during your visit. This also means you'll get some of the best views of both the canyon and the surrounding landscape, including the ocean vistas around the island. There are three main viewpoints to check out when visiting the park, and it's easy to hit them all.

First, there's the Waimea Canyon Lookout, which offers some of the most impressive views of the area. That said, the weather can either enhance or detract from the experience. For example, if it's rainy and cloudy, you won't be able to see very far. However, if you're lucky, you may be able to see a rainbow form inside the canyon. When it's clear, you can practically see all 14 miles of terrain. Next, if you head north along Koke'e Road, you'll run into the Pu'u Ka Pele Lookout. There is no parking lot, so you'll have to find a spot along the road. However, there are bathrooms here if you need them. This viewpoint is where you can see Waipo'o Falls, although they are still pretty far from the road.

Finally, further up the road is the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. This spot offers more impressive views of the canyon, and on clear days, you can spot Ni'ihau Island off in the distance. This is also where you can hike the Waimea Canyon Trail. This trail follows the canyon ridge and leads to the top of Waipo'o Falls. Overall, it's about 3.6 miles round trip, and it's one of the more popular trails on the island. It's best to arrive as early as possible, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.

The only way to reach Kauai is to fly into the Lihue Airport. Depending on where you're traveling from, you may be able to book a direct flight. Otherwise, you'll likely have to fly into Honolulu, Hawaii's stunning capital city with its own resorts and historic sites, and then hop on an inter-island flight to reach Kauai. From Lihue airport, Waimea Canyon State Park is about an hour away. When visiting the park, you'll need to pay a $10 parking fee and a $5 entry fee. If you're traveling with small children, those three and under are free. 

Hiking is the primary activity at the park. In addition to the Waimea Canyon Trail, you can also explore the Iliau Nature Loop, which is just 0.3 miles and offers an easy way to see more of the local foliage. For more of a challenge, you can take on the Kukui Trail, which takes you about 2,000 feet down to the base of the canyon along its western side. It's about 2.5 miles one way, and the hike back up can be strenuous, so plan accordingly. Because of the canyon's elevation, it's also best to bring a light jacket, as it will be relatively cool and windy.

Overall, you can explore the park within half a day, but if you plan to hike all of the trails, it will take much longer. You can also take advantage of the fact that Koke'e State Park is right next door and visit them both on the same trip. When it comes to staying overnight, you'll find numerous options in the nearby city of Waimea. Or, if you're trying to see more of the island, you can stay on the northern edge in Haneli, one of Kauai's best towns with amazing beaches and waterfalls.