Parking
Waimea Canyon Parking
| Waimea Canyon | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Parking Lot | Waimea Canyon Lookout |
| Parking Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Parking Fees | $10 / vehicle (residents free with ID) |
| Parking Permit | Yes, you need parking permits that you can buy at self-service kiosks in the main parking lots. Display prominently as instructed. |
| Other Parking Lots | Kokee Museum, other Waimea Canyon lookouts & roadside pullouts |
One of the convenient aspects of visiting Waimea Canyon in Kauai if you are driving is that there is ample parking available at the main attractions in Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park.
There is a parking fee for visitors that are not residents of Hawaii, but you pay once and it’s valid for the day at all parking areas in both parks.
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! ✈️ ✈️
Best Parking Locations at Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon Lookout (Main Lot)
The main Waimea Canyon parking is at the Waimea Canyon Lookout that offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon and surroundings, with detailed interpretive signs marking the different sights.
You simply can’t miss the lookout and parking which comes up at mile marker 10 on Waimea Canyon Drive.
The parking lot can accommodate roughly 30-40 cars, but is the most popular stopping spot – make sue you get here early (think sunrise)!
Restroom facilities are available here.
Koke’e Museum & Lodge
Though not officially in the Waimea Canyon State Park, but in the neighboring Koke’e State Park, this parking lot is large with an overflow lot and offers 50+ spots.
Your Waimea Canyon tickets also include entry to Koke’e State Park.
You will find restrooms and eating options at this location.
Pu’u Hinahina Lookout (Midpoint Lot)
Smaller, with a capacity of about 20 parking spaces, the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout parking lot is a great option if the main parking lot at the Waimea Canyon Lookout is packed.
You still get jaw-dropping views, especially of the Waipo’o Falls across the canyon.
Other Parking Options
The Pu’u Ka Pele Lookout offers about 10 parking spaces and comes up near mile marker 13.
Roadside parking is an option if you see pullouts, but note that roads are narrow, with sharp curves (be careful of parking in blind spots).
Parking at trailheads are an option as well.
Parking Cost
At the time of writing, the parking fee for Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks is $10.00 for a standard vehicle. The fee is valid for the day, and applies to both parks.
Hawaii residents are not charged the parking fee.
Where to Pay for Parking?
There are self-serve ticket kiosks located in each paved parking lot in Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park.
Kiosks only accept cards.
Parking Hours
You can park in the Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park parking lots during the time the parks are open, from sunrise until sunset.
Secret Tip: Stargazing Parking
What a casual visitor may not know – Waimea Canyon is a top spot for stargazing!
If you’re a dabbler in astronomy, you’re in for a treat – park at Pu’u Hinahina or one of the Koke’e State Park lookouts (which are higher elevation).
Skipping the Parking Spot Battle
If you are not an early bird and don’t want to be fighting for the few parking spots that typically open up late morning and afternoon, consider a Waimea Canyon tour.
Apart from being hassle-free, these tours are often structured to give you the highlights of both parks in one visit!