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.
