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. 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 but strenuous hiking trails (if hiking down towards the canyon bottom), and the neighboring Kokee State Park offers campsites for interested visitors. With its breathtaking lookouts and views, this park will carve itself into your memory like Waimea canyon itself.

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.