Waimea Canyon

The canyon, within the purview of the free-to-access Waimea Canyon State Park, is best seen on a tour, which allows you to gaze over the cliff edges without having to also navigate a vehicle along the winding, canyon-hugging route or deal with parking fees. Take a 4WD tour on Kauai's backroads and past popular attractions like quaint Old Koloa Town, the Spouting Horn blowhole, the artsy town of Hanapepe and its famous Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, the Kauai Coffee Plantation, and the old Russian Fort before skirting the canyon.

Alternatively, follow the Wailua River—coupling boat or kayak rides to the jungle of Fern Grotto—with a journey west for comparatively dry river views. Most Waimea Canyon tours continue to Kauai's northern coast, stopping at Koke'e State Park and the Kalalau Overlook for sweeping views of the undulating Na Pali Coast. Adventurous visitors can opt for a helicopter tour to see the canyon and the coastline of this lush Hawaiian island.

• Waimea Canyon itself is dry and dusty, but the Na Pali Coast can be foggy and wet. Be prepared and dress in layers for whatever the weather may bring.

• Although the canyon trails aren't generally wheelchair accessible, the many lookout points are.

• For experienced hikers, longer treks—including guided multi-day hut-to-hut hikes—are an option. Trail maps and additional information are available in the Kokee Natural History Museum and Visitor Center north of the canyon.

• There are no gas stations and only one restaurant along Waimea Canyon Drive—a route that, depending on how many stops you make, could take all day. Choose a tour that includes lunch or snacks, or pack food.

Access Waimea Canyon along scenic, in-and-out Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550) in southwestern Kauai, Hawaii. There are several lookout points and trailheads along the route. You can access the road from coastal Highway 50 in the town of Waimea, or from farther west at Kekaha, via Kokee Road. On the return journey be sure to look for glimpses of distant Niihau, the Forbidden Island.

It's best to head to Waimea Canyon early in the day (before 10am) or in the late afternoon (after 3pm), when the fog that regularly rolls off the sea is less likely to obscure views along the route. Very early morning and at sunset, the canyon's colors come alive and make for great photographs.

There are dozens of pull-offs along Waimea Canyon Drive, but don't miss sights like the Waimea Canyon Lookout at mile marker 10, the Kalalau Lookout, the Puu Hinahina Lookout, or Waipio Falls, best seen from a small lookout around mile marker 13, opposite a picnic area with restrooms and water fountains. The Iliau Nature Loop is a flat and easy (though dusty) trail with signage on local flora and fauna, as well as some great canyon views; look for it just before mile marker 9. The restaurant at Kokee State Park, north of the canyon, serves local-style meals—try the loco moco, a hearty Hawaiian dish of white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy.

Visitors typically spend two or three hours exploring Waimea Canyon. However, the length of time you spend here depends on your interests and what activities you want to do. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.

Yes, Waimea Canyon is definitely worth seeing. At 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) long and 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) deep, Hawaii's version of the Grand Canyon is filled with stunning natural features, including waterfalls and crested buttes. Visitors can experience its majestic beauty from several different lookouts and trails.

The best time to go to Waimea Canyon is early in the morning. The temperatures are more comfortable earlier in the day and the views are clearer before clouds obscure the valley and peaks. Seasonally, it is best to visit Kauai during the dry season from April to October. You do not need to purchase Waimea Canyon tickets to visit the area any time of year.

Tours of Waimea Canyon typically visit the state park's lookouts to take in the views of the canyon and waterfalls. Some tours also include a short walk on a nature trail toward the canyon's edge. Specialty tours on offer include biking excursions around the canyon with a tour guide.

It depends on which trail you take. One of the most popular trails is the Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls, a moderately challenging trail that typically takes around three hours to complete. There are also shorter trails that take under an hour and longer, more challenging trails that take all day.

Yes. At each main lookout in Waimea Canyon, you will find accessible public restrooms that the State Parks manage. There are also typically a few food vendors set up at the main Waimea Canyon Lookout, serving small snacks, cut fruit, water, and soft drinks.