Directions
Driving Directions to Waimea Canyon
Poipu to Waimea Canyon
From Poipu, take Highway 50 West to Waimea (12.7 miles). At Waimea, turn right onto Highway 550, also known as Waimea Canyon Drive.
This road, which becomes Koke’e Road, will take you past the various lookouts in Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park. It dead ends at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout.
There is actually a second road that leads into the parks, Highway 552 (Koke’e Road) that is accessed at Kekaha, further up the west side of the island along Highway 50.
If you choose, you can drive in along Highway 550 and return via Highway 552 for slightly different scenery.
The total drive, from Poipu up to the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, is about 36.6 miles, and should take you about one hour and 15 minutes without stops, in normal traffic.
Lihue to Waimea Canyon
From Lihue, take Highway 50 West to Waimea, where you will turn onto Highway 550 into Waimea Canyon State Park.
The total drive, from Lihue up to the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, is about 42.4 miles, and should take you about one hour and 25 minutes, without stops and in normal traffic.
Cruising Hawaii? The distance from the Kauai Cruise Ship Terminal in Nawiliwili Bay (Lihue) to the Pu’u O Kila Lookout is 43.7 miles and should take you about an hour and 25 minutes without stops, in normal traffic.
If you are a cruise ship visitor and don’t want to rent a car, this guided tour allows you to conveniently visit Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks and stop at the Spouting Horn Blowhole en route as well.
Princeville to Waimea Canyon
From Princeville, take Highway 56 South to Highway 50 West to Waimea, where you will take Highway 550 or Waimea Canyon Drive.
The total drive, from Princeville up to the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, is about 72 miles, and should take you about 2 hours and 10 minutes without stops, in normal traffic.
Waimea Canyon Location
Waimea Canyon is protected by Waimea Canyon State Park, located along the west side of the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
You can access it by traveling north either from Waimea or Kekaha on Kauai’s west coast.
Can you drive to Waimea Canyon?
If you are a visitor to Kauai and plan to rent a car, driving is the best way to visit the Waimea Canyon. Note that there is a parking fee of $10.00 per car for day use of the parks.
Driving gives you the greatest flexibility as to when to go, and how long to spend at Waimea Canyon.
You can stop at all the lookouts along the drive to appreciate the grandeur of the canyon, to enjoy the views and snap photos.
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide for all the details you need to plan!
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! ✈️ ✈️