Cliff Trail
Cliff Trail Waimea Canyon
Quick Stats
Length: 0.1 mile, out and back, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Negligible
Time Taken: About 5-10 minutes, depending on how long you spend admiring the view of Waimea Canyon and taking photos
The Cliff Trail is one of the shortest and most popular hikes in the Waimea Canyon. It leads to a lookout that offers a fantastic view of the famous canyon.
A spur trail off the Canyon Trail, the Cliff Trail is just 0.1 mile long, but to get to the start point of the Cliff Trail, you have to hike a part of the longer Canyon Trail.
It’s a quick and worthwhile add-on to the Canyon Trail, or you can do it on its own if you are looking for a great view of Waimea Canyon without too long of a walk.
You can get to the Cliff Trail from one of two places in Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks.
Your first option is to park at the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout and take the New Spur Trail (which may also be signed Waipoo Falls Trail or the Canyon Trail). At the fork, take the path to the right to do the short Cliff Trail.
Your second option is to look for a small dirt road called Halemanu Road near the entrance to Koke’e State Park. There is a small parking lot at the head of Halemanu Road where you can park.
Walk down the dirt Halemanu Road to a clearing / dirt parking area at the end, where you will find the trailhead for the Canyon and Cliff Trails on your left. Take this trail to the fork, where you will turn right to do the spur Cliff Trail.
Halemanu Road is a dirt road that is a rough drive, so we recommend walking it rather than driving it. Your rental car agreement may not allow you to drive on dirt roads, and the road may be slick after rains besides being rough and rutted.
The path, and the viewpoint, can be very muddy and slick after rains. Wear shoes with good grip.
Read our complete guide to Waimea Canyon for all the details on how to visit this awesome Kauai attraction and what not to miss here!
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! ✈️ ✈️