Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai

The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

 

Waimea Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the island of Kauai. Its tremendous size of 16 miles (16 km) in length and over half a mile (800 m) in depth prompted the revered writer Mark Twain to dub Waimea the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

 

It is indeed the largest canyon found in the Pacific and was carved by sheets of rain that cascaded down the sides of Mount Waialeale over a period of many centuries. Waimea Canyon’s lush valleys and gorges, its rugged outer surface and layers of colorful rock are testament not only to its astounding natural beauty, but also to its age and geological history.

 

Kokee State Park

 

The canyon is situated within Kokee State Park, which encompasses an area of over 4,300 acres (17.4 sq km). In addition to exploring Waimea Canyon, visitors can check out the Kokee Museum and hike the plentiful trails located throughout the park. There are over 45 miles (72.4 km) of hiking trails, some of which are reserved for experts, but most of which can be enjoyed by hikers of all skill levels. Visitors can pick up trail maps at the Ranger’s Station near the museum.

 

Travelers to Kokee will arrive via the main access road, Waimea Canyon Drive, which has several lookout points along the way, offering a lovely scenic experience in and of itself. Visitors should be sure to bring a camera and a light jacket to account for chilly high-altitude weather. Also, there is no gas station in the area, so visitors should come with a full tank of gas and plan to bring some food.