Scenic Waimea Canyon Drive
Waimea Canyon Drive
Waimea Canyon Drive (which later becomes Kokee Road) is an unforgettable scenic drive through the heart of Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park.
The drive through Waimea Canyon offers an easy and reasonably quick way to explore the two state parks, and you do not need to lace up those hiking shoes if you don’t want to!
Stretching for 19.1 miles from the town of Waimea on the coast to Puu O Kila Lookout in Koke’e State Park, the Waimea Canyon drive is narrow and winding, but incredibly picturesque.
Visit and you’ll realize that the incredible Waimea Canyon is definitely worth the drive!
Along the scenic road, which runs along the west rim of the canyon, you can take in spectacular views while driving, or stop at the many well-positioned lookouts and trailheads to foray deeper into the canyon, forests and more!
Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke’e Road are paved, so you don’t need a 4WD. You can do this scenic Kauai drive in a regular passenger sedan.
Read our detailed guide below to the best things to see and do along the Waimea Canyon Drive.
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide for all the details you need to plan!
Looking for the best way to visit the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? A catamaran cruise with a local guide is a great option, with snorkeling in summer and whale-watching in winter. You may see dolphins and turtles as well! ⛴️ ⛴️
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!
Mile Marker 8.75: Iliau Nature Loop & Kukui Trail
The Iliau Nature Loop is an easy 0.3 mile hiking trail with beautiful views of the Waimea Canyon and interpretive signs describing native upland plants.
The Kukui Trail is a hard, out and back, trail to the canyon floor, about 2.5 miles one way, but with an elevation change of 2000 feet.
A beautiful scenic hike, but you have to be physically fit and will need to conserve energy for the hard climb back.
Mile Marker 10: Waimea Canyon Lookout
While the climbing and winding road offers glimpses of the canyon through breaks in the forest, your first stop, the Waimea Canyon Lookout, reveals the grand majesty of the canyon in its full glory!
Stunning views to say the least, you can see the vast expanse of the canyons, and many waterfalls dotting the landscape including the 800-foot majestic Waipo’o Falls directly in front of you across the canyon.
A must-stop for all first-time visitors to Waimea Canyon!
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! ✈️ ✈️
Mile Marker 13: Puu Ka Pele Lookout
The Puu Ka Pele Lookout near mile marker 13 is an unsigned pullout that offers a unique perspective into Waimea Canyon: you can really see the gorge in between the canyon walls.
This lookout is also where you can get the closest view of the 800-foot Waipo’o Falls, although the view is partial and it’s still far way.
Mile Marker 13.5: Puu Hinahina Lookout
Another great overlook of the Waimea Canyon, this one providing a better cross-sectional view, so you can fully appreciate the forces of nature that carved this canyon all the way to the ocean.
At this lookout you can also catch sight of Ni’ihau, the Forbidden Isle, which lies a few miles offshore.
Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
A moderate, 1.8 mile (one-way), out and back trail to the top of Waipo’o Falls. The trailhead is at the Puu Hinahina Lookout parking lot.
For the most part, the Waimea Canyon Trail winds along the rim of Waimea Canyon, with spectacular views of the canyon along the way.
Note, you are at the top of Waipo’o Falls, so all you can see of the waterfall is the stream at the top plunging down the cliff.
Mile Marker 17: Awa’awapuhi Trail
The Awa’awapuhi Trail is a moderate to difficult trail that takes you through a rainforest jungle to lookouts overlooking the Na Pali Coast and the lush, emerald valleys.
Note, you are hiking down about 1,300 feet for 3.1 miles, when you return you will be climbing!
Mile Marker 18: Kalalau Lookout
The Kalalau Lookout offers spectacular views of the Kalalau Valley, a lush, emerald green valley that was inhabited by the ancient Hawaiians who grew taro on the valley terraces.
Kaluapuhi Trail
An easy 1.6 mile (one-way) forest trail, a quick way to stretch your feet at the Kalalau Lookout.
Mile Marker 19: Puu o Kila Lookout
The Puu O Kila Lookout is the furthest lookout in Koke’e State Park. This is the very end of Koke’e Road (Highway 550).
When it is clear and bright, the Puu O Kila offers a breathtaking view over the Kalalau Valley of the Na Pali Coast, the endpoint of the famous Kalalau Trail.
Pihea Trail & Alakai Swamp Trail
The Pihea Trail offers superb views into the Kalalau Valley at the start before entering the forest and eventually into the Alakai Swamp, where it becomes a boardwalk trail.
The Alakai Swamp is the highest elevation swamp on the planet and stretches right up to Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest places on earth.
The Pihea Trail meets up with The Alakai Swamp Trail, and both trails offer excellent birdwatching and opportunities to observe native flora.
The Return Waimea Canyon Drive
Koke’e Road comes to a dead end at the Puu O’Kila Lookout, so after you are done exploring here, you turn around and drive back to the coast.
While Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon Road) is the popular route for heading into the canyon, Highway 552 is an alternate route into the parks. Eventually both routes converge into one, Koke’e Road.
If you like, you can drive in on Highway 550 and drive out on Highway 552, or stay on Highway 550 for both in and out. Highway 550 is the more scenic route.
Renting a car for your Kauai trip? With limited public transport options on the island, a car offers the flexibility to explore! Check out DiscoverCars.com, where you can pick from a range of vehicles across rental car companies from brand to budget.
Waimea Canyon Drive Map
The below map shows the locations of the various lookouts and the best hiking trails.
Waimea Canyon Drive Time
How long does it take to drive up Waimea Canyon? Short answer: it can take from 3 hours to a full day, depending on what you will do en route!
Mostly driving through and back? It will probably take you about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on how long you stop at each lookout.
Must-stop lookouts include the Waimea Canyon Lookout and the Puu o Kila Lookout.
Want to stop at all the lookouts, spend some time taking pictures and walk around a bit? You’re looking at about 4-5 hours.
Planning to hike a trail or two? Plan on a full day.
Is Waimea Canyon Drive Scary?
No, the Waimea Canyon drive is not scary, but remember you are on mountain roads that turn and wind regularly.
Obey the speed limit, and drive carefully. If you’re the driver, keep your eyes on the road and stop at the lookouts to admire the views.
Things to know before you do the Waimea Canyon Drive
- Red Dirt Waterfall, the photogenic small waterfall set against a backdrop of dramatic red Kauai dirt, is located along Highway 550. This is good to know if you plan to take Highway 550 one way and Highway 552 the other.
- If you have the time, stop at the Kekaha Lookout (see map) for views over the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. The lookout is located about two miles north of Waimea Town.
- Waimea Canyon Drive and Koke’e Road are winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to take medication as directed before you head out.
- Note that there are no gas stations along the drive. Fill up in the town of Waimea, before you head up Waimea Canyon Drive.
- If you plan to hike, visit after a dry spell for less muddy and slick trails. Wear appropriate footwear and bring trekking poles for the more challenging hikes.
- Use sunscreen, and bug spray if you plan to hike.