Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Waimea Canyon State Park
Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this gorge of red, green and ochre cliffs is carved into the old volcano by the Waimea River.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Aaronbernstein, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Waimea Canyon State Park is a viewpoint in Waimea and Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi. Allow half a day; it is low cost. Non-residents pay entry and parking fees at state park lookouts; check the state parks website.
Key facts
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Area
- Waimea and Hanapēpē
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- views, nature and photo spot
- Best months
- February and April–May
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About Waimea Canyon State Park
Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this gorge of red, green and ochre cliffs is carved into the old volcano by the Waimea River. Roadside lookouts on Waimea Canyon Drive face Waipoʻo Falls, and trails such as the Canyon Trail lead to the top of the falls.
Tip: Go in the morning before clouds fill the canyon, and stop at the main Waimea Canyon Lookout and Puʻu Hinahina Lookout on the way up.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: Non-residents pay entry and parking fees at state park lookouts; check the state parks website.
- Where: Waimea and Hanapēpē, dry, quiet West Side towns at the gateway to the canyon.
Best time to visit Waimea Canyon State Park
Waimea Canyon State Park is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-February the sun sets at about 18:35 local time (calculated for Kauaʻi).
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Kauaʻi itinerary visits Waimea Canyon State Park on day 1, together with Nā Pali Coast and Hanapēpē.
- No. 2 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Kauaʻi.
Near Waimea Canyon State Park
Also in Waimea and Hanapēpē, so you can walk between them:
- Hanapēpē — 1–2 hours, free
If you like Waimea Canyon State Park
- Nā Pali Coast — North and West Shores, Half a day
- Kōkeʻe State Park and Kalalau Lookout — Kōkeʻe, 2–3 hours
- Hanalei Valley Lookout — Princeville, 15 minutes
- Spouting Horn — Poʻipū and Kōloa, 30 minutes
Staying near Waimea Canyon State Park
Stay in Waimea and Hanapēpē ($$) to walk here: dry, quiet West Side towns at the gateway to the canyon. All areas to stay in Kauaʻi.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Waimea Canyon State Park?
Plan half a day. With Hanapēpē nearby, it fits a half-day in Waimea and Hanapēpē.
+Is Waimea Canyon State Park free?
No, it is low cost. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Waimea Canyon State Park?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Go in the morning before clouds fill the canyon, and stop at the main Waimea Canyon Lookout and Puʻu Hinahina Lookout on the way up.
+Do I need to book Waimea Canyon State Park in advance?
Non-residents pay entry and parking fees at state park lookouts; check the state parks website.