Waimea Canyon State Park - Hawaii

Address:3060 Eiwa St. Room 306
Lihu'e, Hawaii

Mark Twain nicknamed it "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and this canyon is a definitely tough act of nature to follow with its blazing colors and unique geological history. All the rich colors of Hawaii come together in this natural wonder. Waimea canyon was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods from the summit of nearby Mt. Waialeale and its cliffs are composed of thin lava flows that ran down the surface of the Kauai volcano. The intense sunlight here, combined with the peaks and valleys and resulting shadows give a feeling of nature's infinite expanse to those who come here. The wilderness area of the park provides fantastic and some strenuous hiking trails, and the neighboring Kokee State Park offers campsites for interested visitors.

Waimea Canyon State Park begins about 6 miles up the road from Waimea. At the 9-mile marker you will find the trailhead for the Iliau Nature Loop, a 10 minute walk that will give you some great views down into Waimea Canyon. If you're lucky enough to arrive after some heavy rainfall you will be treated with the site of waterfalls gushing over the sheer cliffs of the gorge. The Waimea Canyon Lookout is another great spot to stop and gander at the Waimea Canyon from a height of 3400 feet. Also keep an eye out for the Waipoo Falls, they fall an incredible 800 feet and can be see around the 12 to 13-mile marker.

Rim overlooks of one of the State's scenic treasures--the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon. Also viewpoint of Ni'ihau Island, wildland picnicking and short nature trail. Adjacent forest reserve with long, strenuous hike into and out of the canyon. Seasonal trout fishing. Pig and seasonal goat hunting nearby.