Best Way To See Waimea Canyon
Best Way to See Waimea Canyon
Looking for the best way to see the Waimea Canyon of Kauai? This natural wonder is called “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and it is truly an awe-inspiring sight.
There are several ways to enjoy the beauty and the majesty of Waimea Canyon.
You can drive to Waimea Canyon from other parts of the island of Kauai. You can hike along its rim and down to the bottom. And you can even see it from the air on a helicopter tour!
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide for all the details you need to plan!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Driving to Waimea Canyon
If you are a visitor to Kauai planning to rent a car, driving to the Waimea Canyon is the best way to visit.
You don’t have to hike to view the grandeur of the canyon.
Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke’e Road run right through Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park, with many roadside lookouts from where you can see the canyon and appreciate its colors and textures.
Look for the two-tiered Waipo’o Falls on the far wall of the canyon — unless it’s the dry time of the year, you can see it flow from Waimea Canyon Overlook near mile marker 10 and then from the Puu Ka Pele Lookout near mile marker 13.
Waimea Canyon Lookout is arguably the best lookout in Waimea Canyon State Park, allowing you to get a full-on view of the massive canyon.
Adjoining Koke’e State Park offers two lookout points over the Kalalau Valley of the remote Na Pali Coast. If it’s clear when you visit, these lookouts are a must!
Hiking Waimea Canyon
Active visitors that enjoy hiking have additional options for views of the Waimea Canyon.
While there are several hikes in Waimea Canyon from which to choose, the best trails to actually view the canyon are the aptly named Canyon Trail, and the Kukui Trail.
Hike the challenging Kukui Trail in Waimea Canyon State Park to go all the way to the Waimea River at the bottom of the canyon and then back up.
This hike offers up close views of the red and green walls of Waimea Canyon and the opportunity to look up at the walls from below. But know that the climb back up is very difficult and allow plenty of time so you can get back up while it’s still light out.
Further up the park, the very popular Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls, and the short Cliff Trail spur off the Canyon Trail, offer spectacular views of Waimea Canyon.
The moderately challenging Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls does not actually offer views of Waipo’o Falls, but it does offer great views of the canyon. And there’s a little cascade and pool at the end where you can take a dip if you like.
Helicopter Tour over the Waimea Canyon
One of the best ways to see the Waimea Canyon is to soar over it on a helicopter tour!
On a whole island of Kauai helicopter tour, you get to fly over the most amazing sights on Kauai, and one of those sights is the Waimea Canyon.
Depending on weather conditions, your helicopter pilot will fly low through the canyon, allowing you to snap incredible photos of the red and green contours of the walls.
From a helicopter, you get one of the best views of Waipo’o Falls. It’s perfect to appreciate the full length of the magnificent cascade.
You can choose from a doors-on tour with large windows, or, for an unforgettable experience, pick a doors-off tour!
If you don’t enjoy being in a helicopter, you can opt for a flightseeing tour instead, to still appreciate Waimea Canyon from above.
Planning your Kauai itinerary? Also consider:
a sunset cruise of the Na Pali Coast ⛴️ 🌄
a guided kayaking + hiking trip to Secret Falls on the east side, 🛶 🥾 🛶
or an airplane tour over Kauai! ✈️ ✈️