Pu'u Hinahina Lookout from my POV, is the 2nd best lookout located within Waimea Canyon State Park. The most well known overlook is Waimea Canyon Lookout...located at Mile Marker 10 of the park. This Pu'u Hinahina is situated on the right hand side of Koke'e Road at Mile Marker 13.5. It can't be missed. And just like at Waimea Canyon Lookout, there is plenty of parking here as well. Now...I'd like to point out how tricky all these lookouts and vista points are here, not just among Waimea Canyon, but in this Pu'u Hinahina area. Let me try to explain... So, there's actually no Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, there are two observation points within Pu'u Hinahina. They are... - Canyon Viewpoint - magical! One of the superior perspectives representative of Waimea Canyon. - Ni'ihau Viewpoint - waste of time. Nothing to see. You need 15 seconds at this overlook before turning around. Both Canyon Viewpoint and Ni'ihau Viewpoint are short walks on paved pathways. Also within this Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, you have the prominent Canyon Trail leading to Waipo'o Falls. Canyon Trail is the most popular hike at Waimea Canyon. I noticed there's a separate Yelp category for writing about Waipo'o Falls and I'll delve more into the hiking experience over there, but let me at least start here with the basics... After checking out Canyon and Ni'ihau Viewpoints, the next logical step while at Pu'u Hinahina Lookout is to hike the 1.8 mile (each way) Canyon Trail. The estimated hiking time is 2 - 3 hours. I'll just sum up the hike right now... There's not much to see along the way to Waipo'o Falls. I started daydreaming about my next activity while at Waimea Canyon. Overall, it's a casual walk downhill among a tropical rainforest. This means that the return trip back uphill to the trailhead is moderately strenuous. I actually never discovered the real Waipo'o Falls. Supposedly it's one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii, yet instead I arrived at two small pools with mini trickledown waterfalls. I spoke with fellow visitors and they said this Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls is deceiving, and that at the end of the hike, you're actually standing on top of Waipo'o Falls. And if you'd like to get real views of Waipo'o Falls, you have to do some intense rock repelling down the cliff faced walls which is dangerous. Ultimately, Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls was disappointing especially with the bar for it set very high. Lastly, just to mention, it doesn't happen often, but there were threatening clouds in the sky as I started along Canyon Trail. And me thinking I'm in a Hawaiian paradise and impervious to weather conditions, what could go wrong? Well, yes, I got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm without rain gear. I was drenched for the remainder of the day. This was for the middle of August. Just something to keep in mind because the weather can swiftly change. And finally, lol, gotta put this out there. The island of Kauai is home to roosters and chickens all over the place. During my visit I had never seen anything like it. Returning back to the parking lot, I had some leftover pancakes from breakfast and fed them. They're pretty much waiting and anticipating you'll approach them. They'll gladly eat out of your hands too as they aren't shy. Overall, Pu'u Hinahina Lookout has its up and downs. Canyon Viewpoint is a masterclass setting. Ni'ihau Viewpoint needs a makeover. Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls was a letdown. Still, in the grand scheme of exploring Waimea Canyon, stopping by here at Pu'u Hinahina is a Must Do because of its accessible location inside the park. read more

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Views of Waimea Canyon from the opposite side. November 2021. Saw a long trail alongside a cliff on the opposite side of Waimea Canyon and put it on my bucket list to hike it. March 26, 2022, started the Canyon hike from the Puu Hinahina Lookout. We had previously that morning done 2 hours of hiking the Pihea Trail off of the Puu o Kila lookout in Kokee Park, 7 miles away. Had started this hike in November 2021 but turned back after 30 minutes. This time we came prepared with hat, hiking poles, hiking boots, long sleeve pants, long sleeve shirts, water, hat, granola bars and fruit sticks. The first 45 minutes of the hike are the toughest part, steep downward hike over muddy terrain, broken by deep ruts and cuts into the surface. Dense tree cover means the trail never dries out, even though it had not rained in weeks. Slippery even with hiking boots and hiking poles. Tree roots ready to trip you with every move. And no view, as the tree cover prevents you from seeing Waimea Canyon. Eventually the trails levels out, with a parking lot for those who have joined the trail a mile farther up from the Kokee road at the Halemanu road, shaving an hour off the hike. Dense jungle gives way to peeks of Waimea Canyon, and finally on a spur to the right the Cliff overlook, where we see goats scrambling on the cliffs nearby. In a distance, the long trail alongside a cliff on the edge of Waimea Canyon. Trail continues downward, through water ravaged terrain, tree roots at every corner of the trail. Boulders start appearing, and finally an opening, a long plateau leading to the falls. This is the long trail alongside the cliffs with panoramic views of the Waimea Canyon, but from the opposite side. Don't get too close to the edge, as steep drop-offs along the canyon rim. More boulders, and boulder hoping down the steep trail, and then a fast-running stream. On the left is a walk to a large pond, and mini waterfalls, and on the right is the top of the Waipoo Falls. Cliffs of stone formations in the distance. No view of the falls themselves, as you are literally on top of the falls. Took 4 hours to do the complete hike, probably a record slow time, as we were passed by numerous toddlers, and at least two different encounters with hikers going barefoot! read more

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It's too bad this listing has been mostly ignored, with very few reviews. The views here are not extensive but this lookout provides a great jumping-off point for a trail that leads to Waipo'o Falls. On a clear day, there is also a viewpoint that looks out on Ni'ihau Island, located 17 miles west of Kauai. The Canyon Trail takes off from the eastern edge of the parking lot. The trail to the falls is about 2.5 miles, although it seems longer. Be careful if it's wet, the trail can become slick. Besides the falls, the trail comes out along the edge of the canyon wall, providing breathtaking views. It's well worth the time and effort. It takes two to three hours round-trip to make the trek. read more

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Located at mile (13) on HwY 550. This location gives you a parallel view of the Waimea canyon. Below, you can see the winding river as it makes its way through the rocks of canyon to the sea read more

Amazing views and location. Elevation is high so keep that in mind. Beautiful trees and mountains. Great spot for pictures. read more

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This is the perfect jumping off point to a hike on Canyon Trail to Waipo'o falls. This review focus mainly on that hike. There is a well signed lot around mile marker 14 with ample parking (we had to do a lap but found a spot pretty quickly.) There are two scenic lookouts but the main attraction here for me was the Canyon Trail. You'll see a sign for the trail the end of the lot-take a left and you're immediately in a canopy of trees. There is some down hill which is slippery both in wet and dry conditions (we had both,) as well as the feeling of "well it's all uphill at the END of the hike-yikes!" In all honesty, if you're in decent shape, the incline back isn't so bad. What I enjoyed most about this 4 mile (maybe a tiny bit less) hike is the varying terrain and scenery. It really has it all-lush trees, canyon views and waterfalls. As you follow the Canyon trail, you'll find a short spur trail to the Canyon Overlook-it's worth the .1 mile or so detour to have the Waimea Canyon vistas. It is one way so once you return back to the main trail go right for more downhill. At another split you'll see Pipe trail to the left-for the falls and more canyon views, go right. Eventually you will be on a wide rim having Instagram worthy canyon views as well as gawking at the helicopter tours hovering over the canyon. Careful at this section and stay well away from the ledge. You'll have the opportunity for panoramic shots no matter what. The final stretch will take you to the top of Waipo'o falls. Just before you arrive you will hear a smaller waterfall to the left. If it's not raining (and risk of flash flood,) take some time to climb over a few small boulders and sit near these small but active falls. The smell of ginger was fresh in the air from the nearby flowers and it was one of the more magical spots on the trail. Walk back to the main trail and head to the top of the main falls. These are the falls you will see from the main Waimea Canyon overlook from a distance. Hiking here, you are actually at the top of the falls looking down. Still, it's a great place to pause and take in what an amazing spot you're in. Since this is an out and back trail, you'll have to return the way you came. I was able to notice sights on the way back that I hadn't on the way in. Lots of tree roots to be careful of so wear sturdy shoes. Taking us about 2 hours, the hike departing from this lookout is a great shorter hike to do if you want to sample multiple trails in one day and don't want to commit to a longer single hike. Perfect way to see Waimea Canyon from different angles-a short but sweet scenic, calorie burner of a hike. read more

Great lookout between mile marker 13 and 14. Fabulous views of the canyon over 3000 feet. A bit of a windy drive to get there so take something if you feel car sick. read more

This is the first hike I ever did on the island and it did not dissapoint. Ranging from rain forest, to desert, to tropical lush, and what seemed like the Pacific Northwest at times, this trail snakes down into the canyon, back up to a sheer drop off section, eventually dumping you out at a waterfall. The elevation changes keep this one challenging especially on the way out, climbing back to the parking area. Also, with muddy sections and the ability for a cloud structure to roll in at any moment and completely obliterate any view, at all, this hike keeps you guessing. My hike in was completely different than my hike out because of the clouds that rolled in. Take water, a camera, and enjoy yourself. Mahalo and namaste read more

Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There are various lookout points along Kokee Road (Highway 550) to enjoy the canyon and Kokee State Park. The first major lookout is Waimea Canyon Lookout. It is where you will find the location for most of the iconic pictures of the canyon. In the distance to the left, you will also see Waipoo Falls. If you are looking for a hike, I definitely recommend the Canyon Trail. I started at the Puu Hinahina Lookout, which is approximately at the 13.5 mile marker. There is plenty of parking there. The trail begins at the end of the parking lot. From there, it is approximately 4 miles round trip and takes a little over 2 hours to complete. Parts of the trail are steep but I have been on much steeper hikes. In addition, I found the trails well defined and pretty smooth to hike. There is also a lot of tree cover so I did not feel too hot during the hike. Overall, I rate the hike as a moderate. Near the end of the hike, there is a large clearing where you will be treated to more great views of the canyon. You can also climb down to rocks that hang over the edge. Although I saw other hikers do it, I personally thought they were nuts and reckless. I would advise staying back and being cautious. Any slips will lead to death. The trail ends at the top of the Waipoo Falls. You can only see the top so do not try to climb rocks in attempt to see more of it. Before the final stretch to the Falls to the right, you can also make a left and climb over some minor boulders to see a much smaller waterfall that flows down to the Falls. It provides a small pond where you can go in the water if you like. If you want to cut half and the steepest parts out of the hike, you can drive down Halemanu Road and park in the parking lot that connects to the trail. However, you will definitely need a 4X4 to drive back up the dirt, steep road. If you continue down Highway 550, you will enter Kokee State Park. There are lookout points where you can see lush, beautiful valleys on the Na Pali Coast. I did not get a chance to drive down there. I also saw them via boat and helicopter so I did not feel the need to return to finish the drive. Nevertheless, the views of the valleys are definitely worth it if you have the time. If you are visiting Kauai and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me through Yelp and I can share my itinerary, which includes my Yelp reviews. The information for an electronic copy can also be found in the link via my Yelp profile. read more

Oh my goodness, I can't believe we just did the canyon trail hike with a 4 year old! We totally didn't plan to hike it but decided on a whim to just do it. It is supposed to be 2-3 hours round trip, 1.8 miles down and then you take the same way out. It took us 3 hours. The trail is uneven, sometimes muddy, sometimes rocky. After you get to the very large open area of the lookout (at this point I was holding on tight to my 4 year old's hand), go further down the trail and you come to a sort of crossroad (trail), go left and climb over some boulders on the trail and you get to the small waterfall. The pool of water looks dark and reddish brown from the iron in the mud but it is swimmable and we took the very refreshing and chilly plunge. At that crossroad, if you go right and climb down over a fallen tree trunk you are supposed to get to a view of a very big waterfall. We decided to just stick to the small one. It was a great hike! Be sure to bring water and snacks or a lunch so you can take your time and have a little rest along the way. read more