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Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park
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About
Also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this scenic state park overlooks the colorful Waimea Canyon, which stretches over 14 miles and is more than 3,600 feet deep. The park itself is famous for its scenic drive, panoramic lookouts, and hikes of varying difficulty. Depending on the time you visit, the canyon’s appearance can seem to change throughout the day—it’s best to visit earlier in the morning for fewer crowds and better visibility. You might even spot a rainbow, especially during the summer months. There are many ways you can tour the canyon, including a bike tour, or even from up top on a helicopter ride. – Tripadvisor
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  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking!
    An amazing sight to behold! Go early, go to last lookout first and work your way back down the canyon. We used the Shaka app. Stop at Koke’e Lodge on way back down - we had a delicious breakfast there.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 3, 2023
  • Marsha M Long
    Cave Creek, Arizona
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good experience, exercise, and incredible views!
    We read several reviews which prepared us for 1) wearing the appropriate shoes (not tennis shoes or sandals), 2) the trail is quite slippery and more vertical than expected, 3) the falls are small but there’s a hidden gem beyond the “closed” signs that’s a nice place to sit if there aren’t lots of people just below the falls, and 4) “go early” means before 9 am. We started down the trail by 8:30 and only saw 3 people going down. On the way back there were a lot of people coming down! Including stops to take photos it took us 1:40 minutes round trip.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 25, 2023
  • Emma
    Christchurch, New Zealand
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views!
    Definitely a must do when in Kauai! Once you pay for one car park it gives you parking for all the other car parks along the way. Great look out point of the Canyon which is the biggest Canyon in the South Pacific. Keep going further on past the Waimea Canyon look out and you will get to different lookouts along the Napali coast which are also spectacular.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 29, 2023
  • shane z
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful views and a great hike.
    This is an amazing state ark! The best advice I can offer is go early. My wife and I got there at 6:30 am and did the overlooks at both state parks and we did not see a single person until we were through both parks. We then did the canyon trail hike and not only was the hike beautiful but we were the only ones at the waterfall at the end. It took us about 4 hours to do all of this.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 5, 2023
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A MUST DO!!
    First, let me say we took several Polynesian Tours while in Oahu and Kauai. The tour guides in Oahu were hit or miss. One threatening to leave people behind. Our last tour guide in Kauai was the best! Her name is Sabrina. She is a local. She was phenomenal. Being this was a whole day tour, that made a difference. She rearranged the schedule so us coffee lovers could get our fix, early at Kauai Coffee Company. Pickup time was 7:30 am! She pointed out the places to go/not go to eat. She also was very clear about bathroom breaks. This tour is worth EVERY penny. The places you see are so worth it. Spouting Horn is amazing, Kauai Coffee is neat, Waimea Canyon is simply breathtaking, Waimea Canyon is MUST SEE!! Koke Lodge is a nice, woodsy lodge and the swinging bridge. It's nice to have a local drive around d these winding, curving, uphill roads. We had a lunch break, where you got to choose your lunch from 2 or 3 items, it was ordered ahead and when you got to the restaurant you had time to sit, relax and use the restrooms. (A nice change from eating on the bus on another tour.)
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 8, 2023
  • Saffron
    New Lenox, Illinois
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning!
    I read on a review to GO ON A CLEAR DAY. That's exactly what we did. We got up there around 10 a.m. on a sunny, gorgeous day. By the time we left, clouds were engulfing the area. Like everyone else described, this is not to be missed while visiting this island. They had state workers making sure you paid a fee at one of the stops, which we thought was fair. The rest of the stops they expected you to pay the same amount, although there was no state worker collecting a fee; they had an "honor" system where you drop money in a box. Really don't mind paying at the one stop, but certainly not all the stops. We even got a slip on our windshield on one of the stops that had the "honor" system with our license plate on it telling us to go online to pay the fee. No one ever went after us, though. I think it was a scare tactic to get you to pay.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 26, 2023
  • go-baby1
    Fullerton, California
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly GRAND Canyon of the Pacific
    Don’t leave Kauai without at least taking this drive and stopping at every view lookout. The beauty is so mind blowing. The 3.6 mile hike to Waimea Canyon lookout is a little challenging when wet. Some steep trails in the middle area become slippery mud punctuated by crisscrossing roots. Definitely not for flip flops.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 11, 2023
  • Dallas Traveler
    Dallas, Texas
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Memorable Drive
    Take this drive for some incredible views of Kauai. You can easily drive yourself and stop at all the different lookouts along the way. We went in the afternoon and were fortunate to have clear skies until the very end when the clouds started rolling in. You pay one parking fee and that is good for the entire day. Be sure to stop at the Red Dirt waterfall!
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 21, 2023
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    More colorful than the Grand Canyon!
    Wow! Totally incredible! We had great views 2 of the times we went and one time it was raining and complete cloud cover. Just go on up the mountain and come back down to the overlook and sometimes the wind clears the clouds for the perfect view! Almost more amazing than the Grand Canyon with the lush green landscapes and colors.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 13, 2024
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the trip be patient if visiting in the winter
    Seeing Waimea Canyon was the primary reason we came to Kauai. Because we came to Kauai during the winter, the weather was a bit tricky. When we arrived at the first lookout, there was rain, which cleared but the clouds were heavy in the valley and we couldn’t see ANYTHING. Since we didn’t have anywhere we needed to be, we hung out for awhile and the clouds did thin a little and we were able to see some of the valley. We then drove to the 2nd lookout and it was more clear. We made our way to 3rd lookout to see the Na Pali coast. This location was completely socked in by clouds. Do not lose hope, on our drive back down to the first canyon we stopped at a pull off and were able to see the canyon and had a clear view of one tier of Waipo’o Falls. The biggest advice I would give is to not be in a rush, especially if you’re visiting in the winter.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles8,655 reviews
Excellent
7,500
Very good
1,006
Average
121
Poor
9
Terrible
19

bitsmom_tn
Lewisburg, TN
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
This is a trip that you can drive yourself (unless you want narration from a tour guide). There are several pull offs but keep in mind that you are sharing these spots with other travelers. There are beautiful waterfalls. There are four (maybe five) observation points and you buy a pass for all of them (one time $5 fee). They aren't that difficult to get to. I recommend this drive while you are on the island.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue S
Kingston, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
We were lucky to have a sunny day to view the canyon and all the valley lookouts. The drive up is a bit dicey especially at the top where the potholes are massive!! The views are jaw-droppingly stunning! The parking lots were full in the middle of the day on a Sunday but we only had to wait a few minutes for a spot to open up. There is a fee for parking ($10/car and $5 pp entrance fee) but it covers all the lookouts on the drive up. Tip- 1) make sure to bring some water, since the first few stops have toilets but the water is not drinkable. Kokee Lodge is the first stop on the drive up where there is a restaurant and gift shop. 2) ideally go early in the day, when it's more likely you will have clear weather. Apparently, it can get quite foggy and misty in the afternoons. This drive was definitely worth it!!
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dracis
Detroit, MI
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Amazing views. Overall good road with few potholes after Keokis lodge. Restrooms in major overlooks, $5 car pass covers all lookouts.Some of the lookouts have locals selling water, fruit, snacks. Would recommend visiting in the morning- before tour buses
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LarsieB
Denver, Colorado, USA
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
So many people say to get to Waimea Canyon early and even though we tried to do this (getting there by 10.30am/11.00am) it wasn't early enough. The heavy fog moved in between the time we parked our car and got our tickets ($30 for our car and family of four) the view was obscured by the fog. We stayed in Princeville which was about a 1 1/2 hour drive to the canyon and we should have left earlier. We drove in expecting to pay at the entrance but didn't have to pay until we go close to the top of the canyon and parked. It was very busy with tour buses and other cars by this time of the morning. We were able to see into the canyon on our way out and the further down we went when we left the park, the clearer the views became of the canyon. It's a lovely canyon with some great views, although many of my photos contain quite a bit of fog. We loved seeing the wild goats and I'd recommend making sure you have a full tank in the car, some snacks and drinks on board and if anyone gets motion sickness have some tablets for that. And if you have time after visiting Waimea Canyon I'd recommend driving to Midnight Bear Bakery (for great coffee, paninis or a loaf of sour dough), or Ku'uleis Gourmet for excellent Hungarian soup, Macaroons and customer service.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CMelam
Eugene, OR
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The drive up to Waimea Canyon State Park is an experience itself, with winding narrow roads, but well worth the drive. Once there, you'll experience the most incredible views and wide open spaces imaginable. The roadside parking is limited so you may have to be patient and hit some stops on your way down rather than on your way up. The photo opportunities are breathtaking and I've seen nothing like this on any of the other Hawaiian islands. Head on up to the end of the road and you'll find a small restaurant and museum. The traffic can be quite heavy, so I'd recommend going early in the day. We had pretty bad weather much of the day we went, but had no trouble seeing the amazing panoramic views.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

624gerrih
Cambridge, MA
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
Beautiful views and a must see when in Kauai. We’ve been here two times before on other trips and always enjoy seeing. Though, on previous trips I do not remember having to pay to park at the lookout sights. Currently you have to pay 10$ per car and 5$ per person to take in the designated views. Or, there are some roadside stops for view opportunities of free. We also visited the museum and gift shop further up. Masks are required inside and there is plenty of hand sanitizer. There is also a nice looking cafe there as well, though we did not try it out.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Our guide was funny, kind, and full of information that was always told in a great story. He gave us good advice about food and other events keeping everything on a positive, vacation vibe. This is worth the price and shows you many places you may want to come back to. For this reason, I would recommend you do this toward the beginning of your vacation.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cherylfitz1980
Torrance, CA
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021
Breath taking!! Get a rental car and drive on up. Stay for hours so you can see the affect of the shadows on the canyon. My husband (63) and I (58) did the "Canyon Trail" just up the road from Waimea Canyon State Park. Super glad we did. Check out the views at the look out for the State Park, pay the fee to park at any lot and head on up , It is rated as moderate by AllTrails and you must have good hiking shoes and some hiking or long walk experience but if you do and are FIT you are in for the views of a lifetime that you could only imagine from the look out. The Falls were super full of water due to heavy showers about four days ago.

We are here during the pandemic and feel very safe due to how Derek, the Mayor is handling the process here on the island. Did the EMQ/resort bubble where we COVID tested before and then 72 hrs after arrival while staying at a county sanctioned property. Here for a total of 21 days so it was fine to stay on hotel property for three days.

Started at the Kaua'i Marriott Resort and since I have Titanium Elite status with Bonvoy the "Owner Relations Pre-Arrival Specialist, Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club", Chyson Aguano took GREAT care of us and got us an ocean front room! The front desk staff there is handling lots of new challenges including the very glitch AQUA App and are doing a great job... notably, Susan, Denney and Kaneohe (sp?).

So glad we came now. It is not at all crowded and we are seeing the true nature of the island.
Written February 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ruksanapapa
Barrington, IL
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Family
Worth the winding drive up and the admission ($10/car plus $5/person in the car - automated machine, pay with credit card and display ticket on dash.)
Incredible views from the Canyon Lookout. Surreal and sublime, like the Grand Canyon but GREEN. Can find hiking trails too if you have the stamina.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bernard G
Cornwall, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
Beautiful sightseeing of the canyon. Great for hikes as long as you are fit. Some paths are very abrupt and could be dangerous on or after a rainy day. It's a day long excursion with the morning being the best time as the climate can change rapidly.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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