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The Waimea Canyon Lookout has two levels of observation platforms, and it serves as the primary lookout offering panoramic views of the main canyon and waterfall in the distance. I think it's definitely worth spending some time here.
Just as amazing as that first glimpse into the Grand Canyon! Not just the physical beauty but the location. When you realize you've just wound up the narrow road from the beautiful tropical beach area below and this desert like area is here,well,it's mind boggling.. Even more so after you continue up the mountain to the top and find yourself in a cloud forest in the wetest place on earth, well you're in love! So,after the initial lookout,I just had to return and do the trail to the waterfall. Not recommended unless you're ready to work for it but,it fills in all the blanks the initial questions The Lookout elicits. Go!
Waimea Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and the views definitely did not disappoint! The drive there is windy, but it's worth it--there's tons of scenic lookouts and spots to stop at along the way, trails to explore, great photo opportunities, and just breathtaking views to enjoy and take in! There are kiosks to pay for parking, bathrooms, and staff on site for any questions. Best time to go is early in the morning to beat the crowds and clouds from coming in. This is definitely a must-see when in Kauai!
Waimea Canyon is breathtaking!!! The road up the mountain is super windy and seems awfully treacherous. We were there on a clear day and took a moment from driving to our destination atop the mountin to stop and enjoy the lookout and the lovely views especially of the canyon! It was a work trip with some fun mixed it and it was beyond excellent to get to work on Kauai. I highly recommend Waimea!!
This is a top thing to visit while in Kauai. The drive can be far and boring but it's definitely worth it to check out the beautiful view. People say it's the Grand Canyon of Hawaii and I agree. It's really breathtaking looking into the valley. I'm glad I took my family here. Definitely a 5/5 experience on this island.
What a beautiful lookout. Definitely reminds me of the Grand Canyon. The lookout is an easy stroll, even a toddler can do it. Everything is paved. There's some stairs, but with a bit of a walk around, it's wheelchair/stroller accessible. Since you're so high up, it can get a bit windy. This is my first time here and won't be my last.
Such a breathtaking view. I haven't been here since I was in middle school, and to be back here, I've learned to appreciate it more. The drive up here took about 30-40 mins from Hanapepe side. My daughter did get a little car sick, but then again she's kinda prone to motion sickness. Once we got here, we were able to find parking easily. I know for tourist there is a fee for cars parked AND a per person fee, so make sure you bring $$$. Kamaaina, bring your Hawaii ID, as you get to enjoy the benefits of being a resident. The walk up to the scenic point is very veryyy short. There's also a wheelchair accessible ramp making it possible for everyone to enjoy the view. Once up, there's a lot of space to enjoy the view. Make sure you capture pictures because it's sooo beautiful. There are bathrooms available near to parking lot, so make sure you stop there before heading out. Can't wait to visit again with my family.
Best spot for views of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. While the whole park is amazing and offers stunning views, this was the magical spot that offered the most breathtaking views! Get your cameras ready! There's also mountain goats!
This is a very fun activity to do on your own without a guide and if you have rental car. Me being a car guy loved the steep twisty drive up and especially down the mountain, just wish I had my sports car instead of the Honda civic rental I had. The views at the top are fantastic, bring a light jacket as it is cold up there. There are a few lookout points as you drive up, when you see a lot of cars parked on the road stop and check them out. There a few small trails with great views. Defiantly a must do.
Not everyone has an opportunity to visit Grand Canyon in Arizona. If that's the case for you and you live in Hawaii or even better in Kauai, you can visit Waimea Canyon Lookout instead and you can get the gist of it. Even better, Waimea Canyon Lookout offers beautiful waterfall but you may have to take a helicopter to get real close. This is a State park. Entrance fee is $10 for non residence and it's charged by per vehicle. If you're Hawaii residence, entrance is free with ID. There is no official entrance or gate just two nice people monitoring. Public restrooms are available but don't expect first class bathroom stalls. I did noticed light brown color water in the toilet and at the sink. I thought someone didn't flush the toilet but that's just how it is. I think water is probably transported up here. If the weather is good you will be blessed with an awesome view. Drive up here can be nauseous with whining road. Plan accordingly and drive safe.
Waimea Canyon Lookout is not only at the top of the canyon, it's also at the top of the charts when you look up "VIEWS" ... This lookout gives you a chance to see the dramatic canyon, gorge & waterfall views from 3 viewing platforms. It's an easy find at mile marker 10. There is a concrete path & gives ADA accessibility as well.
This Waimea Canyon Lookout is the star of the show! It is by far and away the best overlook at Waimea Canyon State Park. In my opinion, it's the views and perspectives at this marvelous panoramic observation point that make Waimea Canyon the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". My best and #1 suggestion for visiting, and although this may be sort of backwards thinking...you cannot come here in the morning time. Absolutely not! The sun will be staring you straight in the face. And that'll create disruptive glares and shadowy points which can make the overall experience not nearly as dramatic as you'd expect. But...if you stop by this lookout in the afternoon time, the sun will be at your back and colorfully shine down on the lush green and smoky orange landscape. In fact, I think it's imperative for you to visit in the afternoon! That's how adamant I am about the 180 degree sightseeing difference you'll uncover. Now here's the bit of quandary you may encounter... When entering Waimea Canyon State Park, this Lookout is the first overlook you drive past and it's so tempting to immediately stop and start enjoying the sights no matter how they may appear. But, I'm just saying it's your choice for how you reflect upon your photos... Memorable with an asterisk? "Because of the sun..." Or memorable being the "best vantage point on the island of Kauai"! Lol, there's only so much I can convince you. Regardless of my assertiveness, lol, here are some facts... - At this Lookout, it's here where you'll pay $10 entrance per car, plus $5 per person. You pay fees at a do-it-yourself, metered machine with a credit card only. Then instructions say to place your receipt on your dashboard. There are parking attendants who do monitor people's payments. - The Overlook offers 2 tiers for which to view Waimea Canyon. I liked the top level as it gives more of a balanced glance at the entire canyon. Plus, when no one is standing at the lower level section, you can really capture phenomenal angles from the higher above level as if you're alone exploring untouched surroundings. - One last thing about visiting in the afternoon time... I'd skip stopping by in the morning and instead...drive the 23 mile Koke'e Road into Koke'e State Park (which is right beside Waimea Canyon) until you reach Pu'u o Kila Lookout (Mile 23), and then work back down towards here (at Mile 10), and leaving it for the last activity of the day. - The other overlooks around Waimea Canyon don't nearly offer the spacing and walking accessibility as this Lookout. I discovered that a lot of the viewpoints in the park left me with no alternative other than to take a redundant selfie picture. It was only at this Waimea Canyon Overlook where you can snap that pinpoint shot to brag with friends and family about. - This is the one part of the park where there's strong cell phone reception. The remainder of Waimea Canyon and into Koke'e State Park offered no service. - It's pretty crowded at all times of the day except mornings (sun issue), but I waited 90 minutes (5pm - 6:30pm) in the afternoon for tourists to start leaving before getting the undisturbed pictures I was hoping for. Talk about being a little too nit-picky for my own good, lol. Waimea Canyon Lookout is the main event highlight of the park. It's where most of the perfect postcard moments occur. Hope I didn't go overboard with incessant talk and details and steered ya in the right direction.
It's $10 per vehicle to park plus $5 per person for the entrance fee. You buy at the ticket machine. There was a ranger in a booth when we went on a Sunday around 11am checking. The parking lot was full but after waiting about 5 minutes we found parking. You really don't need to spend more than 30-45 minutes here. There are 2 levels for viewing. Of coarse the first level has the most people at but when you go up to the 2nd level it is a lot more open. You can take your photos without other people in it.
Don't let the unassuming road through the heart of Waimea fool you--this drive is pure magic. The long, winding road delivers one stunning view after another of the mountains and the ocean far below. Once you reach the lookout, parking is plentiful. They charge per person rather than per vehicle, but it's completely worth it. Even better, the parking pass you get at one scenic overlook covers the other nearby lookouts too. There are several different viewing areas, including options that work well for those with limited mobility--perfect for my mom. Locals rightly call this the "Grand Canyon of Kaua'i," and the photos (and selfies) you'll take here will make everyone back home jealous. An absolute must-see. read more
Photos really don't do this place justice. Waimea Canyon Lookout is a must-stop! Just keep in mind that non-residents pay a parking day fee to see all 5 lookouts in the canyon. (I think it was $10 per vehicle, $5 per person) Just a heads up, depending on the time of day you may or may not get the view of a lifetime. We heard from a few different people that the clouds were too low at different points in the day. We felt like we got the full experience around noon! There are bathrooms at each lookout and plenty of parking. If you want to see the Grand Canyon of Kauai, you've got to stop here. read more
The Waimea Canyon Lookout has two levels of observation platforms, and it serves as the primary lookout offering panoramic views of the main canyon and waterfall in the distance. I think it's definitely worth spending some time here. read more
Just as amazing as that first glimpse into the Grand Canyon! Not just the physical beauty but the location. When you realize you've just wound up the narrow road from the beautiful tropical beach area below and this desert like area is here,well,it's mind boggling.. Even more so after you continue up the mountain to the top and find yourself in a cloud forest in the wetest place on earth, well you're in love! So,after the initial lookout,I just had to return and do the trail to the waterfall. Not recommended unless you're ready to work for it but,it fills in all the blanks the initial questions The Lookout elicits. Go! read more
2 months ago
Waimea Canyon is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and the views definitely did not disappoint! The drive there is windy, but it's worth it--there's tons of scenic lookouts and spots to stop at along the way, trails to explore, great photo opportunities, and just breathtaking views to enjoy and take in! There are kiosks to pay for parking, bathrooms, and staff on site for any questions. Best time to go is early in the morning to beat the crowds and clouds from coming in. This is definitely a must-see when in Kauai! read more
Waimea Canyon is breathtaking!!! The road up the mountain is super windy and seems awfully treacherous. We were there on a clear day and took a moment from driving to our destination atop the mountin to stop and enjoy the lookout and the lovely views especially of the canyon! It was a work trip with some fun mixed it and it was beyond excellent to get to work on Kauai. I highly recommend Waimea!! read more
This is a top thing to visit while in Kauai. The drive can be far and boring but it's definitely worth it to check out the beautiful view. People say it's the Grand Canyon of Hawaii and I agree. It's really breathtaking looking into the valley. I'm glad I took my family here. Definitely a 5/5 experience on this island. read more
What a beautiful lookout. Definitely reminds me of the Grand Canyon. The lookout is an easy stroll, even a toddler can do it. Everything is paved. There's some stairs, but with a bit of a walk around, it's wheelchair/stroller accessible. Since you're so high up, it can get a bit windy. This is my first time here and won't be my last. read more
Such a breathtaking view. I haven't been here since I was in middle school, and to be back here, I've learned to appreciate it more. The drive up here took about 30-40 mins from Hanapepe side. My daughter did get a little car sick, but then again she's kinda prone to motion sickness. Once we got here, we were able to find parking easily. I know for tourist there is a fee for cars parked AND a per person fee, so make sure you bring $$$. Kamaaina, bring your Hawaii ID, as you get to enjoy the benefits of being a resident. The walk up to the scenic point is very veryyy short. There's also a wheelchair accessible ramp making it possible for everyone to enjoy the view. Once up, there's a lot of space to enjoy the view. Make sure you capture pictures because it's sooo beautiful. There are bathrooms available near to parking lot, so make sure you stop there before heading out. Can't wait to visit again with my family. read more
2 years ago
Best spot for views of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. While the whole park is amazing and offers stunning views, this was the magical spot that offered the most breathtaking views! Get your cameras ready! There's also mountain goats! read more
This is a very fun activity to do on your own without a guide and if you have rental car. Me being a car guy loved the steep twisty drive up and especially down the mountain, just wish I had my sports car instead of the Honda civic rental I had. The views at the top are fantastic, bring a light jacket as it is cold up there. There are a few lookout points as you drive up, when you see a lot of cars parked on the road stop and check them out. There a few small trails with great views. Defiantly a must do. read more
Not everyone has an opportunity to visit Grand Canyon in Arizona. If that's the case for you and you live in Hawaii or even better in Kauai, you can visit Waimea Canyon Lookout instead and you can get the gist of it. Even better, Waimea Canyon Lookout offers beautiful waterfall but you may have to take a helicopter to get real close. This is a State park. Entrance fee is $10 for non residence and it's charged by per vehicle. If you're Hawaii residence, entrance is free with ID. There is no official entrance or gate just two nice people monitoring. Public restrooms are available but don't expect first class bathroom stalls. I did noticed light brown color water in the toilet and at the sink. I thought someone didn't flush the toilet but that's just how it is. I think water is probably transported up here. If the weather is good you will be blessed with an awesome view. Drive up here can be nauseous with whining road. Plan accordingly and drive safe. read more
Waimea Canyon Lookout is not only at the top of the canyon, it's also at the top of the charts when you look up "VIEWS" ... This lookout gives you a chance to see the dramatic canyon, gorge & waterfall views from 3 viewing platforms. It's an easy find at mile marker 10. There is a concrete path & gives ADA accessibility as well. read more
This Waimea Canyon Lookout is the star of the show! It is by far and away the best overlook at Waimea Canyon State Park. In my opinion, it's the views and perspectives at this marvelous panoramic observation point that make Waimea Canyon the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". My best and #1 suggestion for visiting, and although this may be sort of backwards thinking...you cannot come here in the morning time. Absolutely not! The sun will be staring you straight in the face. And that'll create disruptive glares and shadowy points which can make the overall experience not nearly as dramatic as you'd expect. But...if you stop by this lookout in the afternoon time, the sun will be at your back and colorfully shine down on the lush green and smoky orange landscape. In fact, I think it's imperative for you to visit in the afternoon! That's how adamant I am about the 180 degree sightseeing difference you'll uncover. Now here's the bit of quandary you may encounter... When entering Waimea Canyon State Park, this Lookout is the first overlook you drive past and it's so tempting to immediately stop and start enjoying the sights no matter how they may appear. But, I'm just saying it's your choice for how you reflect upon your photos... Memorable with an asterisk? "Because of the sun..." Or memorable being the "best vantage point on the island of Kauai"! Lol, there's only so much I can convince you. Regardless of my assertiveness, lol, here are some facts... - At this Lookout, it's here where you'll pay $10 entrance per car, plus $5 per person. You pay fees at a do-it-yourself, metered machine with a credit card only. Then instructions say to place your receipt on your dashboard. There are parking attendants who do monitor people's payments. - The Overlook offers 2 tiers for which to view Waimea Canyon. I liked the top level as it gives more of a balanced glance at the entire canyon. Plus, when no one is standing at the lower level section, you can really capture phenomenal angles from the higher above level as if you're alone exploring untouched surroundings. - One last thing about visiting in the afternoon time... I'd skip stopping by in the morning and instead...drive the 23 mile Koke'e Road into Koke'e State Park (which is right beside Waimea Canyon) until you reach Pu'u o Kila Lookout (Mile 23), and then work back down towards here (at Mile 10), and leaving it for the last activity of the day. - The other overlooks around Waimea Canyon don't nearly offer the spacing and walking accessibility as this Lookout. I discovered that a lot of the viewpoints in the park left me with no alternative other than to take a redundant selfie picture. It was only at this Waimea Canyon Overlook where you can snap that pinpoint shot to brag with friends and family about. - This is the one part of the park where there's strong cell phone reception. The remainder of Waimea Canyon and into Koke'e State Park offered no service. - It's pretty crowded at all times of the day except mornings (sun issue), but I waited 90 minutes (5pm - 6:30pm) in the afternoon for tourists to start leaving before getting the undisturbed pictures I was hoping for. Talk about being a little too nit-picky for my own good, lol. Waimea Canyon Lookout is the main event highlight of the park. It's where most of the perfect postcard moments occur. Hope I didn't go overboard with incessant talk and details and steered ya in the right direction. read more
2 years ago
It's $10 per vehicle to park plus $5 per person for the entrance fee. You buy at the ticket machine. There was a ranger in a booth when we went on a Sunday around 11am checking. The parking lot was full but after waiting about 5 minutes we found parking. You really don't need to spend more than 30-45 minutes here. There are 2 levels for viewing. Of coarse the first level has the most people at but when you go up to the 2nd level it is a lot more open. You can take your photos without other people in it. read more
2 years ago
Nice photo op but better to wait for a clearer day. Sprinkling, windy and cold today. Also, be aware there is a $10 parking fee and $5 per person fee - not to mention the long winding road to the top. read more
2 years ago
Mesmerizing view, worth the long winding drive, wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain read more
À stunning panoramic view of the massive Waimea Canyon. So often, panoramic viewpoints promise sights that don't live up to the hype. But this one does! Photos cannot do it justice. There is a parking fee for the lot which is paid at the shack beside the lot upon arrival. Was not too busy when we arrived. For context, Waimea Canyon is so large that it would take 56 billion horses to fill it right up to the brim. Or, if you prefer, 117 panda gallbladders. The volume of spite it would take is not quantifiable, but Bing chat estimates it as a large volume of spite. Beyond the lookout, apparently, are a museum and a lodge that are reportedly delightful - we didn't go there. But it is a majestic and incredible vista over over one the most gorgeous chasms in the Pacific. read more
How can you give this location anything but 5 stars? It is not only accessible for those who need it; it is beautiful. The staff that they have there is accommodating and friendly. The bathrooms are clean and exactly what you should expect when going to a public park. I cannot recommend this location enough. The drive is quite a drive to get to the lookout parking lot and make sure that you have your card because they do not take cash. read more
1 year ago
Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and words can hardly describe its beauty. The first time I saw Waimea Canyon in 2012 I was mind blown. In 2014... Mind Blow 2016....MIND BLOWN 2018...you get the idea. Yes, I have had the privilege of going to Kauai every 2 years as my sister has a condo in Poipu and graciously allows us to come enjoy her little slice of paradise when we have the courage to ask her if we can use it. The entire island of Kauai is absolutely stunning, but Waimea Canyon is nothing but pure extraordinary beauty. The views, the cliffs, the foliage all tell a story of time and how mother nature has molded this perfect piece of paradise over Millions of years of erosion, volcanic activity and lots and lots and lots of rain. The canyon itself can be hiked by designated trails and of course can be seen by helicopter which I highly recommend. (Check our my Jack Harter Helicopter review). The Waimea Canyon lookout sits at 3,400 feet and is apart of the Hawaiian State Parks. It's a beautiful drive to the lookout, make sure to have your camera ready for some awesome photo ops there and along the way. Have fun and Enjoy the beauty! read more
Honestly, I saw pictures of the canyon online in advance and I was kind of like "meh", but we decided to stop by this lookout on our way to the Awa'awapuhi Hike and WOW. The view was breathtaking. The colors of the canyon were gorgeous and you get to see a sliver of the Waipo Falls. The lookout is super safe with railings to prevent you from falling as you snap pictures. The stop also featured multiple bathrooms, perfect if you need to go before a hike. read more
1 year ago
Waimea Canyon is stunning and the views from the lookout are absolutely spectacular. my knee was tender after a (softball) base-running mishap and i had more than a few misgivings about taking a hike. but preoccupied with the gorgeous scenery, i scampered up the concrete stairs barely thinking about it. we also stopped at a couple of turnouts up the road (past the more formal parking lot and railed deck) for more great looks. the trip up (and down) was not too bent (father and son don't do particularly well on twisty, mountain roads) and the views made the drive well worth it. read more
This canyon is beautiful and you don't even need to hike to see it! There were plenty of lookouts, so you can take photos without people getting in the way. Waimea Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, so once you see it in person, you'll know understand why. There were a couple of vendors selling snacks near the parking lot, so we decided to buy some after we were done looking at the views. We shared the apple banana lumpia, papaya, and mango. The lumpia was crunchy and delicious. I also enjoyed the mango slices, but the papaya was a little too ripe for me. Overall, a nice place to see some stunning views of nature. read more
Truly amazing to see in person. The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is breathtaking. I have never been to the actual Grand Canyon so seeing this while in Kauai was a must for me. We drove from Lihue to Waimea and made the climb. We left Lihue around 8am. It was about an hour to get to the first/main lookout (elevation 3400 feet) and that's with getting gas and a couple of musubis in Waimea town before making the climb up the canyon. The Shell station in Waimea is the last gas station you will see before turning up towards the Waimea Canyon Dr. FYI. There are a total of 4 lookouts. Weather permitting, you will be treated to spectacular sites. It's $5 to park so when you get to the first of the lookouts, pay and keep the ticket to display at the other ones. Paying with cash was tough. Bring a CC to pay at the machine. You just have to pay once per day for all the parking lots for Waimea Canyon Lookout and Koke'e State Park as we were told by the park ranger. There are clean restrooms at each of the lookouts from what I saw. That's a needed convenience cause it's definitely much cooler up in the canyon and you are far from the nearest public restrooms... At the first lookout, there are 2 observation levels. Perfect for panoramic views of the canyon. There is a great view just up the road and a closer look at the main waterfall that was also visible from the lookout. You just have to stop over along the side of the road. Make sure your vehicle is totally out of the way from traffic. It's worth the stop so make sure you see it. Pu'u Hinahina lookout is the next one and it gives you a different vantage point of Waimea Canyon and a separate lookout for the island of Ni'ihau. It was too foggy to see the Forbidden Isle. That was too bad. We struck out at the Kalalau Valley Lookout and the supposed more impressive Pu'u O Kila Lookout. I really wanted to see that Jurassic Park view but it was too foggy. The fog was on it early that morning. I was pretty bummed. We hung out about 45 mins waiting to see if the fog would be clear but it never did. Driving back down the canyon and passing the first lookout for Waimea Canyon, you could see that the fog even down there was starting to obstruct the view. You really gotta get on this drive and climb pretty early. Next time, I will head to the higher elevation lookouts first and make my way down. I need to see the Kalalau Valley ending into the ocean the next time I'm on Kauai. Im determined to... The only negative for me in my visit to the canyon is the disruption of the peace and quiet of observing the immensity of the place by the many tourist helicopter that go into the canyon. They are far from you but their propeller sounds echo big time in the valley walls. That was my least favorite aspect by far. Yes, there are chickens all over the parking lots. It's Kauai. They run this island. Ha! Until next time, Waimea Canyon... So beautiful. read more
We didn't do any of the hikes here (not super into hiking tbh), but the views were definitely awesome and worth checking out! Main callout is it was hard to park up here, and hard to get phone signal as well since you're so high up. Good thing is, there's lots of big and clear signs which will direct you to the Waimea Canyon Lookout. read more
Check the weather report before headng up if forecast is rain, you won't get a good view. Try another day then you can enjoy the other lookout plus Kokee. There are two restroom areas. Also there was a vendor selling snacks to tourists. There is a ramp path and one with stairs. Several people hesitated then turned around. Perhaps 11 years ago it looked very different. Hubs who is a Kauai boy said there are different lookouts. read more
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