Driving to Waimea Canyon: Best Kauai South Shore Stops En Route!
Driving to Waimea Canyon is the easiest way to visit this incredible Kauai attraction.
Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke’e Road wind through Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park, allowing easy access to several scenic lookouts and trailheads.
Whether you are based in the Poipu area on Kauai’s south shore, or in Kapaa on the east side, or in Princeville on the north shore, you can drive to Waimea Canyon, and make a day of it by taking in some sights en route!
We’ve detailed below some of the best places to stop along Kauai’s south shore as you drive to (or from) Waimea Canyon.
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!
Places to Stop on Kauai’s South Shore
To get to Waimea Canyon, which is located along Kauai’s west side, you’ll take Highway 50 West along the scenic south shore of the island.
Visit Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park in the morning, and on your way back, if you have the time, these are the best places to stop on your way back to Poipu or Koloa.
Waimea Town
Waimea Town is very near the place where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.
The small town of Waimea has a number of shops you can browse. Be sure to stop for a refreshing scoop of Hawaiian shave ice at JoJo’s!
Hanapepe Town
Famous as the inspiration for the town in Lilo and Stitch, Hanapepe has a fun swinging bridge you can visit and historic plantation-style buildings to admire along the main street.
There are many art galleries and boutiques you can browse, including Talk Story Bookstore, the westernmost bookstore in the US!
Salt Pond Beach Park
One of the less crowded beaches on Kauai’s south shore, Salt Pond Beach Park has protected areas perfect for beginner snorkeling.
The beach park offers amenities and there is a lifeguard on duty if you want to bring your beach gear and enjoy a few hours in the sun. Sunsets here are spectacular as well.
Hanapepe Valley Lookout
Just a short drive from the town of Hanapepe is one of the best viewpoints on Kauai.
From the roadside lookout, you can view Hanapepe Valley, where red cliffs form the backdrop for fields of sugarcane.
It’s a quick stop if you enjoy landscape photography!
Port Allen
Planning to split your day between a visit to Waimea Canyon and a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast?
Boat tours depart from Port Allen year round and the marina is conveniently on the route back from Waimea Canyon.
You can choose a catamaran sunset cruise or an exciting raft tour.
Kauai Coffee Company
Kauai Coffee Company is one of the largest coffee growers in the US, and you can visit the estate to stroll the coffee orchard.
Depending on the time of year, you may see the coffee trees in bloom, or you may see the coffee cherries on the trees.
Enjoy a coffee tasting, and order coffee to be shipped to your home!
Spouting Horn Blowhole
One of the most spectacular blowholes in Hawaii, the Spouting Horn Blowhole is located along the south shore of Kauai, along the route between Poipu and Waimea Canyon.
When it’s in action, you can see water spraying as much as 50 feet into the air!
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! ✈️ ✈️