This Enchanting Hike Takes You Straight Through Hawaii’s Very Own Grand Canyon
By Megan Shute|Published February 12, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Located in western Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and though the expansive canyon is not as big — or as old — as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls; it is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty. It also just so happens to be home to some of the Aloha State’s best hiking trails.
While we love the Canyon Trail as much as the next person, today, we’re taking a look at a lesser-known trail that takes you on an incredible journey to the canyon floor you will never forget: the Kukui Trail.
With brilliant shades of red, brown, green, blue, gray and purple, Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses approximately 1,866 acres, and is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations.
While the various lookout points no doubt provide some stellar views of the canyon, the views found on the always-enchanting Kukui Trail are truly second to none.
Let’s start by saying that the Kukui Trail is not for everyone. The entire trail is approximately five miles, and descends nearly 2,000 feet into the bottom of Waimea Canyon before ending at the Wiliwili campsite on the canyon’s floor.
Don’t let the five-mile trail fool you: the steep descent can be exhausting, and the sunny and hot conditions certainly don’t help. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and never wander off the trail — we’re told the forested area can become disorienting.
The trail is rated as difficult, likely due to the extreme elevation change, and is accessible on the right side of the road as you drive from Waimea Canyon State Park into Koke’e State Park between mile markers 8 and 9. If you’re up for it, however, the views of Waimea Canyon can’t be beat.
Stop for the night at the canyon floor if you have a permit for the Wiliwili campground, head on back up to the canyon’s rim, or follow the Waimea River back into town if you’ve arranged for transportation.
