Unreal. I actually enjoyed Waimea Canyon more than the Grand Canyon, which I honestly didn't expect to say. The colours here are just insane with all the different shades of red, orange, green and brown throughout the canyon. It almost doesn't look real. I also love that you don't have to be a hiker to experience it. There are so many different lookouts and trails around the area, so you can make it as easy or as hard as you want. It's also so wild and untouched looking, with the waterfalls, mountains, greenery and all the different layers of the canyon; very similar to the overall vibes of the island of Kauai. read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

The new spur trail connects the Puu Hinahina Lookout to the Waipoʻo Falls Trail and Cliff Trail. It provides a scenic view along the way, and relatively short but slightly steep. The view is beautiful, and I've spotted wild animals like goat and chicken along the hiking. read more

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If I could only visit 1 spot during my time in Kauai, I would without any hesitation choose Waimea Canyon State Park. Affectionately nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", it is easy to see how this canyon gained its affectionate moniker. Stretching 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon provides breathtaking panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. Even at the first rest stop you come across, you are already high enough that the view would have made the trip worthwhile. There are 5 rest stops on your way up to the top, each offering restrooms, trash cans, and their own respective viewing points; each stunning in its own rights. You can choose to simply stop at each stop on your way up like we did, or drive all the way to the top and work your way back down. Keep in mind it takes almost an hour to drive up to the very top without stopping. And the fog starts rolling in later on in the day obscuring visibility into the canyon. So you'll want to make sure you start your day off early if you're opting for the later strategy. For us, we started on the bottom and worked our way back up. We never made it all the way to the top as the fog had already rolled in by the time we hit the higher levels which made viewing anything on those levels impossible. There is now some construction being done for safety improvements and roadwork patching. Much of which is past due and much needed. As we started to encounter quite a few gigantic potholes on the higher elevations that often required either maneuvering around into oncoming traffic or traversing very slowly over the shallower parts of the potholes. We were quite thankful we were in a SUV because we were fairly certain we would not have made it past some of the potholes if we were in a lower profile vehicle such as a sedan or convertible. While driving the canyon is free (outside of parking), you can also splurge and view the canyon unobstructed from an ariel vantage through either a chartered plane or helicopter ride. read more

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Beautiful drive up, and fabulous views. If you opt to visit one of the paved viewpoints you have to pay for/wait for a parking spot. However afterwards as we drove on we realized we could get the same and then better views just pulling off at one of the many stops along the road without paying and fighting the crowds at the main ones. It was nice to have the bathrooms available, although no soap? Booooo. Still, beautiful area to visit. read more

Fantastic views - sometimes can be cloudy at the top $10 a vehicle and $5 a person but stunning views ! Spectacular ! The road going up is quite windy - give your self some time to get there it takes a bit but breathtaking read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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It is quite a drive if you are on the east side of the island but had to check it out. It was a very hot day but going up in elevation made it quite comfortable. It is a very windy road so if you have motion sickness it may be an interesting ride. There are many areas to pull over and take pictures but some parking areas require you to pay a few which is good for the day at several of the stops. As we got closer to the end of the road fog started to come in so the weather dictates the views. A beautiful area to visit so highly recommend as it does look like the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. read more

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The view is breathtaking & I have been to the Yellowstone "grand canyon" and have hiked the actual grand canyon. This is the lush, green version of them all. You can see waterfalls in the distance, rivers below & cliffs ahead. There are two official lookouts with paid parking & access. There are many smaller pullouts along side the road up, just be very careful as the road is narrow & busy. $10 for parking & $5 per person - support your State parks! read more

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Photos won't do this place justice. The greenery is just vibrant! Took a bus excursion through my cruise and was my favorite experience! read more

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Unfortunately the first lookout was closed so we had to drive to the next one. Hiked the Canyon Trail and saw some amazing plants and views. Drive to Koke'e Park-- beautiful too-- unfortunately the museum and store and restaurant had already closed ( we arrived after 4) Parking is $5 pp and $10 per car. A MUST SEE! read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Gorgeous ! ( Koke'e Park) - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Go early! Pass everything up and go to the top before the clouds roll in. Pick a dry day!!! Amazing view of clear. Note 15 min makes a difference! $10 per car and an extra $5 per person. So not cheap! read more

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Didn't get to do a full hike here as it had just rained and was very slippery. However, what I was able to see was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! This is the kind of place that will impress no matter how many times you come here. One of the best state parks I've visited in my whole life. Don't miss out if you get the chance! read more

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The drive and the views, absolutely stunning.. it truly is the 'Grand Canyon of Hawaii' there are several lookouts and ample 'shoulder' areas to get out and see the amazing terrain. If you're on the South Side of Kauai, you need to take the drive.. ALL the way to the end of the road. read more

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Wow -- just wow. If heaven had a view, this is it. I drove up the winding road full of skepticism (because I've been burned by "scenic overlooks" before), but the moment I reached the lookout, all doubt evaporated. The canyon just smacks you with color -- deep reds, lush greens, sharp ridges, dramatic drops. It's like nature was flexing. The panorama at the main lookout feels cinematic. You can see far, you can see depth, and you can feel very small (in the best way). Parking was decent (though busy), and there are well-placed pullouts so you can hop out without playing Frogger on the road. The paths to the viewpoints are easy enough for casual walkers -- not a hardcore hike, but enough to feel like you earned the scenery. Also: the light changes fast. I showed up late afternoon, and the shadows made everything pop even more. Got some killer photos (my camera is jealous). Bring a layer -- up that high it's cooler and breezy. If you're in Kauaʻi and skip Waimea Canyon, I'll personally question your commitment to nature. Go. You won't regret it. https://linktr.ee/reessroots read more

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This was a great hike! Challenging, a little dusty, and some excellent views. I can see this area being harder to do if there happened to be rain, but otherwise just be prepared to get dirty. It's going to happen no matter what. I suggest coming on the early side; we got there at 8am and the parking lot only had 4 other cars. What it lacked in cars, however, it more than made up for in chickens. Chickens that want to approach you, talk to you, and even give you a friendly peck. Chickens that have no fear rule this parking lot. By the time we left, around 11am, there were a lot more people on our return hike and the lot was super full. Also, it was getting much hotter, which made the early hike that much more worth it. Wear GOOD hiking boots / sneakers, and bring a walking stick. I found it pretty helpful on some of the steeper parts. Enjoy the view! read more

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The trip to Waimea canyon is totally worth it! Definitely go early. We got to the top around 1pm and the fog had already rolled in. Thankfully we had already seen the Napoli coast on a different tour or we would have been very disappointed. read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Pretty view 2 - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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GO! GO! GO! If you don't go, you will definitely be missing something spectacular! It is VERY high up while you're driving and you should bring a sweater because the higher you go, the colder it is. Plus we went in January, so there's that. There are many places you can stop along the way to take awesome scenic landscape photos. Also, take a good pair of sneakers with grip on the bottom. There are plenty of rails and I'm not one to lean on them, but I'm always extra careful about what shoes I'm wearing. Don't go with sandals here! Please! Please don't wear sandals here! The drive to go to Waimea Canyon State park is SO worth it. You won't be disappointed at all. There are many waterfalls as well (see my photos). This place is truly breathtaking. If we were to visit Kauai again (I really hope so), we would do this all over again. read more

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Monday, 8/4/25 - beautiful park. There is construction going on. But not too bad. Roads narrow in some spots. But beautiful canyon view!! Took my breath away. Don't miss this area when you're in Kauai. read more

We came in mid-march in the morning but unfortunately the weather wasn't the best since it was a rainy day. We got to the lookout, paid for our passes and walked to see the view. Very beautiful even on a cloudy/foggy day. I'd imagine on a clear day it would have been stunning! Maybe if we had gone later in the day it would have been better, but it really just depends on the weather. We saw cute little goats hanging out on the cliffs. Driving further in, we did a mini nature trail and then decided just to head back since it was muddy and the weather wasn't the best for us to keep going. read more

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Even with all the people, this is still a stunning and peaceful place. So many colors and textures. I've been here 3 times that I can remember....and it's been cloudy each time. And I still love staring at its beauty. Note.... there are not any stores or gas at the lookouts, turnouts. So.... stock up on water, snacks, etc before heading up to the canyon. Also.... bring a light jacket, windbreaker, rain coat.... it's about 20 degrees cooler up there than down at the beach. Oh....and if you plan on hiking. Wear appropriate footwear and plan to get a bit or a lot muddy depending how much it's raining. read more

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Absolutely astonishing! Great way to break up your trip to this island! So many places to pull over and snap pics. Plenty of restrooms inside the park. The designated parking lots have loads of room but the other places (like the nature loop trail) parking is a smidge of a pain. Idk why but it reeked of porta potties while hiking the entire nature loop trail. Would absolutely go back! read more

Stunning views on both the hikes and the drive up. My family and I did the Waimea Canyon Trail (#3 on their map). We went on a dry and busy time, but there was plenty of shade along the trail. There are two waterfalls at the end of the trail, make sure to see both! Great for adventurous people, but not too difficult. Towards the end of the trail it gets fairly steep, which led to one of us falling. There are parts where you're climbing over and under tree branches, easy enough for most kids. There aren't many signs going up the road / mountain to the initial rest stop, but expect about 30 minutes until reaching it. Credit card only, $10 per vehicle and $5 per person. Also, beware Waimea Canyon Trail on Apple Maps, it's not the trail that's at the State Park, just some random river by homes. read more

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Ever wonder where the best mother nature has to offer might be? Look no further than Kauai's Waimea Canyon State Park !! There are no words to describe its natural beauty. Even the movie Jurassic Park doesn't do this place justice. Look it up. Read about it. Study it. The only way to truly appreciate this gift is to come see it. You will never forget the experience read more

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The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is beyond grand. The Earth is amazing! Dress for a windy and cooler environment compared to the lower elevations. I've been to both Grand Canyons. Each one created through different geologic forces but shaped by the same force. Erosion. A must see when you're on Kaua'i read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Waimea Canyon State Park - A must see! - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

One of my favorite state parks! It's like the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. The views as you're driving up is out of this world. I didn't imagine Kauai to have this or have something that looked like this. It's so beautiful! The pay part is a little weird. There's no entrance, so if you never pull over you can miss paying. The pay is per vehicle and per person. The hikes are pretty difficult. We drove all the way to the end and tried to hike that trail to see the Pali Coast, it was just too clay muddy. It was hard and so wet and sticky that we didn't want to fall. It literally took us 30 minutes to go like .25 miles, so we gave up. Some people were falling down on their butts! You really need hiking shoes with spikes! read more

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Waimea Canyon State Park is a great day trip from any part of the island. With plenty of overlooks and hikes, there's much to see and do. Before or after your day at the park, stop at one of the several restaurants in Waimea to refuel. read more

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Such a beautiful overlook! If you are anywhere in the area, I would highly recommend stopping in. It's easy and the view is so worth it! read more

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Great drive to Waimea Canton State Park. Drive up Waimea Canyon Drive up 550. Will take about an hour to get to the State Park. It's about 20 minutes further to get to the Nepali Coast Lookout. It's just simply stunning and beautiful. read more

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10/18/22 Coming from Princeville, it was a good 2 hour drive. It's a long windy uphill ascent. We've been here more than a dozen times over the years & it never gets old. Today we skipped the actual lookout that was the main one that had 2 decks to see the spectacular Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It was way too packed & parking was impossible. What's new, parking fees. It used to be free. Now it's $10 per vehicle AND $5 person. There are other entry points to lookouts & countless hiking trails, hunter check points. The highlight for me is the Kalalau Lookout, reminds me of Lost & Jurassic Park. This is the drier side of the island & it's a good twenty degrees cooler than the rest of the island. It was 64 degrees up there & by the time we got down the mountain it was 88 degrees. There's no wi-fi up there. If you get car sick, this is not for you. It's worth the trip to see spectacular & breathtaking views. It's best if you wear shoes with some good grip or hiking sandals. Slippers not really ideal. It could get really slippery when it rains, and muddy. read more

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This place is beautiful! When you get to the fork in the road toward Waimea canyon lookout, guide right instead of left. Everyone is right you lose cell service at some point. I love how the lookout was ADA accessible. Lots of restrooms at every stop. Keep going up after the first lookout and there's a picnic area on the left side. Got all the way to the top but unfortunately that lookout was completely clouded. Either way it was so stunning and a great experience. Forgot to mention we got to see some goats, even a baby goat running around. Didn't try any hiking trails today as it was misty and the mud was very slippery. read more

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My friends and I visited Waimea Canyon on a Saturday in February. I was a bit concerned about parking because we were coming from the other side of the island and arrived around 1pm. There wasn't any parking available at the first garage we checked, but fortunately, we were able to park at the second one. You do have to park for parking, but it is worthwhile, given it allows you to park at various stopping points throughout the park. We ended up taking the Canyon Trail, which I highly recommend. Note that some of the hike can be a bit slippery, especially after it has rained. For most of the hike, you didn't get any views, but once you reached the end, it was breathtaking. There was also a nearby waterfall and swimming pool, where a few people were taking a dip. read more

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I had sky high anticipation for Waimea Canyon. Seeing photos on the internet combined with being recognized as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific", I thought this park would be a grand slam home run visit. But having some time to reflect on the experience, it wasn't nearly as thrilling as I had forecast. Let me explain and provide details... Waimea Canyon is located on the western side of the island of Kauai. Waimea Canyon Drive will take you into the park from the local town. Basically, Waimea Canyon unofficially (imo) starts at Mile Marker 10 - WAIMEA CANYON LOOKOUT - the main event highlight. This viewpoint epitomizes everything. It's the grand overlook. I must say, visiting here in the morning time can be a MISTAKE! The sun starts rising above the canyon floor and makes for difficult photography moments accentuating shadows and glares. Although everyone wants to reach the best parts of the park as quick as possible, I discovered that revisiting this lookout in the afternoon time with the sun at the opposite side of the sky was much more rewarding. Then the colorful landscape shines better. And even still, if there are clouds out in the the afternoon, more shadows can get cast down on the canyon. Finding that perfect moment here was not easy but it is the premier spot at Waimea Canyon. The other big highlight is at Mile Marker 13.5 - PU'U HINAHINA LOOKOUT. Within this area, you have 2 different perspectives... - Canyon Viewpoint - scenic spot, but with a waste high fence and the canyon situated down below, you may be relegated to selfie pics. - Ni'ihau Viewpoint - can be skipped. Also at this Pu'u Hinahina Lookout is the well talked about Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls. I would temper excitement for this hike. The trail along the way goes throughout the forest. You may feel like you're wasting time getting to nowhere. Waipo'o Falls isn't nearly as accessible as expected. Unknowingly, you may be standing on top of the falls rather than beside it looking up. That's what appeared to confuse not only myself, but other people as well. Waipo'o Falls may be considered one of the "tallest waterfalls in Hawaii", but finding it at the end of Canyon Trail looked like a strenuous last leg of the journey, even for experienced hikers. There were no trail signs to assist you. I didn't press my luck and had to turn around. After this Mile Marker 13.5 - continuing on, you now actually (and surprisingly) enter Koke'e State Park. Waimea Canyon is connected with Koke'e State Park (like brother and sister), so you get to explore 2 parks together. In my head I thought..."so that's the end of Waimea Canyon?" Yes it is, unless I navigated things incorrectly. Now Waimea Canyon Drive turns into Koke'e Road leading towards the conclusion at Mile Marker 23 - Pu'u O Kila Lookout. You can spend the 2nd portion of the day at Koke'e SP and finish both parks in enough time from sunrise to sunset. You can complete things in half a day if you're just checking out the overlooks. If you do plan on hiking, then you'll probably need 2 days for Waimea and Koke'e. I found the hiking to be okay. And I thought most of the vista point lookouts were good, but I expected better. And when trying to compare Waimea Canyon to the real Grand Canyon of Arizona, I believe it's not a close race. The Grand Canyon offers endless glances and hiking trails that transcend you among some of the greatest scenery in the world. Here at Waimea Canyon, the viewpoints were a little distant. Finding that spiritual connection never felt inline with expectations. But, this is just my opinion, lol. Entrance prices are $10 per car plus $5 per person within your group. There are toll machines in the parking lot at a few of the popular spots like Waimea Canyon Lookout and Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. The machines accept only credit cards and then you place the receipt in the front dashboard of your car. There are security lot attendants that walk around and inspect to ensure you've paid. Extra notes... Even before arriving at the climactic - Waimea Canyon Lookout (Mile Marker 10)...there'll be unnamed observation points along the drive into the park if you're really antsy to start seeing the sights ASAP. You can pull off the side of the road for all of them. They take a minute or two before returning to your car. And if you follow Google Maps, they're named... - Kekaha Lookout - Ni'ihau Lookout - Stream and Canyon Lookout - Hohonu Awawa Lookout In between Waimea Canyon Lookout - Marker 10 and Pu'uHinahina Lookout - Marker 13.5 is PU'U KA PELE PICNIC AREA which appeared to go unnoticed and skipped by anxious park visitors. If you leave your car on the left hand side and cross the street, you'll uncover some dramatic canyon views. I didn't notice any sort of Waimea Canyon Visitor Center to pick up brochures, park pamphlets or souvenirs. Though Koke'e State Park has the Museum and Lodge to buy gifts and keepsakes. Since I've run out of room, I'll end things here. Thanks read more

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Awesome. Not really sure what else you can say about the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Endless amounts of gobsmacking scenery Lots of little trains and hikes Lots of turnouts so you can take in the view. Very little in the way in services so stop and pick up a picnic lunch and make a day out of it. read more

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Be prepared .. the 3.4 miles round trip hike to the bottom of the waterfall is not an "easy stroll". Hiking shoes are greatly recommended, lots of slippery muddy areas, plenty of steep up and down hills. Bring enough water/snacks. read more

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Simply beautiful! We didn't have any time to do any hikes, but we did drive up to some lookout points which were worth the drive. If you have time to hike, definitely take advantage!! read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

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Highly recommend purchasing the Shaka app so that you can enjoy the drive up to the canyon, while listening to the history along the drive. Such amazing views for me it was the richness of the red dirt and lush sh green and waterfalls. read more

This is a long trip from where we stay. You have to commit a full day The lookout points are pay once for the day. 5.00 PP AND 10.00 per car. Great views with small crowds. read more

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A must-see area of Kauai when on the island. It's not a bad drive from most parts of the island, with the road being well-maintained. You can choose to do hiking of gorgeous trails in the area (varied in terms of difficulty), or stop by many of the lookouts along the way). Stunning scenery! We went earlier in the morning and avoided some crowds we saw on the way back down. read more

Waimea Canyon State Park - Parks Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

The drive up here is no joke. The road is super long and super windy. Once we got to the top, parking was $10 per vehicle and $5 per guest. Seems a little steep but locals / hawaii residents are able to visit free of charge. The area is well maintained and they have decent bathrooms which was nice. Once you get to the lookout point, the view is beautiful. We heard and saw some local goat on the cliffs edge, that was a bit exciting. While looking down in the canyon, we did notice a bit of rubbish left behind by other visitors which was sad to see but it is very minimal. In my opinion, the location is close to the parking lot and perhaps they shouldnt be allowed to take anything back there. We saw a few helicopters in the cnayon and that was cool to put a perspective of size. Overall, a must see. read more

I wasn't going to say it because I got tired of hearing the phrase when we were there, but this is the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Waimea State Park is one of the greatest places I have ever seen. If you only have 1 day on Kauai, this is the must do. If you have a couple of days, try to pick the day with the least amount of clouds with high viability. Words can not describe how great this State Park is. The best advice I received was to get there as early as you can on a clear day. As you enter the park, you begin to travel on a long and winding road. The first few miles, the best view is the ocean behind you. However, that will soon change when you get looks of the canyon through the trees. We couldn't resist and stopped at a few of the small parking areas along the main road to get a better look. When we arrived at the main parking area we had to go to the machine to pay for parking which is good for all the parking areas on the road. MONEY WELL SPENT! A short walk from each parking area showed natural beauty in a different and incredible way. People with disabilities are able to enjoy these views, too. There are ramps to the major viewing areas. When driving to the top, make sure you see all the stops. Don't stop until you reach the end of the road! You'll know it's the end because there are potholes that can eat most small cars. My family each had their favorite spots, and others we talked to on the cruise we were on had family members who couldn't agree on which area was the best either. This is the number one thing to do on the Island of Kauai. Considering Kauai may be the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian Islands that's saying a lot. read more

Coming to the Canyon during the waning days of the delta variant. Drove 1 hour from Poipu in a tiny Kia Soul rental car to get here, on the first clear sunny day. And, the rental car company classifies the Kia Soul as a compact car. Would hate to be inside their smaller economy class car. GPS directed me on highway 50 to take Waimea Canyon Drive, while signs said stay on 50 for 3 more miles and take Kokee Road.   The first time I was here, I took the Kokee Rd up the mountain, which is longer, with more 180 turns, and even a few short stretches of single lane road.   This time almost missed the Waimea Canyon Drive in downtown Waimea, the easier route to the park. Don't like driving the 20+ miles of tight curvy mountain roads like my sister? Sit in the front shotgun style, and make the third person sit in the back, and get dizzy, in this case my wife. Wife says next time I'm sitting in the back! The first time here, made the mistake of stopping at the Waimea Canyon Lookout and then the Puu Hinahina lookout, the Kalalau lookout, and finally the Puu o Kila lookout on Kokee road.  By the time I got to the Kalalau lookout at noon, the mountains in the background were covered with fog. Now, I always bypass all the lookouts in Waimea Canyon state park, and drive 25 miles straight to the very end of the road in Kokee State Park to Pua o Kila Lookout. The road in Kokee Park narrows considerably to the point where two large SUVs encountering each other will require one vehicle to pull off to the side of the road. Puu o Kila lookout has no more than two dozen parking spots, and fills up fast. It is also the starting point for a number of hikes. You will have to go to the much larger Kalalau Lookout parking lot with 50+ spaces to use the bathrooms. A daily $10 fee for each car and $5 fee for each visitor from the credit card machines at the parking lot of each of the main lookouts. Tourist fee, as Hawaii residents can get a permit at the Waimea Canyon lookout, to avoid this fee. If you don't want to pay the fee, you can go to the several informal lookouts on the side of the road between the Puu Hinahina lookout and Waimea Canyon Lookout to take pictures of the canyon, without stopping at the fee enforced main lookout parking lots. No guardrails everywhere, and one slip and it's a 3000 foot drop to the bottom of the canyon! Since the pandemic started, there is no longer a food truck, but we ate lunch at Bobbie's in Hanapepe, which closes at 3pm. Lots of color in the 10 mile long canyon, with green lush vegetation covering most of the walls.  Areas of weathered stone cliffs, where you can see the different brown, red and orange colors of layered stone, just like in the Grand Canyon.  At least two waterfalls visible, one a double stage falls. Bathroom facilities on the dirty side, even compared to my home bathroom, which my ex said was dirtier than BART bathrooms.  People trudging mud on their shoes onto the floors.  Another reason not to wear light colored shorts, should you have to do a sit down job! I did not see any enforcement of the parking fees. No parking tickets being written, but I wasn't taking any chances with a red colored rental car! Besides, the park needs all the revenue they can get, with all the potholes in the road! 2 videos attached viewable through the business photos read more

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