This State Park In Hawaii Is So Remote, You'll Practically Have It All To Yourself
By Megan McDonald|Published June 20, 2022
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
The Hawaiian islands are home to some of the most beautiful state parks in all of America. Waimea Canyon State Park is a little off the beaten path and is located in Kauai. This beautiful place overlooks one of Kauai’s treasures: the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon. While it’s well-known among locals, it is a vast expanse that is well worth a visit the next time you’re on the island!
Waimea Canyon State Park is located on the mesmerizing island of Kauai.
Well known for its jagged cliffs and rugged coastline, Kauai is nicknamed "The Garden Isle" because of the famous stunning greenery that grows all year long. And Waimea Canyon is another great reason to visit this beautiful island.
Waimea Canyon was created when the Waimea River carved grooves into the basalt and lava formations in this area.
Nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this stunning canyon boasts the bright colors of the central volcano that lay on the canyon, and collapsed 10 million years ago; helping to form what is now Waimea Canyon.
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The Canyon is well known for its incredible hikes.
You’ll find four very popular hikes that offer some of the best sights in the area: Kukui Trail, Black Pipe Trail, Canyon Trail, and Cliff Trail. Make sure you choose one that suits your experience level, and enjoy!
We love Puu Hinahina Lookout, Kalalau Lookout, Puu o Kila, and the Waimea Canyon Lookout. All offer panoramic views of Waimea Canyon, and some even offer glimpses of the Na Pali Coast.
You can also arrange for a guided tour of Waimea Canyon if you’d rather visit with a more experienced traveler.
However you want to experience it, it will absolutely blow you away. If you really want to avoid any crowds, visit in the summertime early in the morning. You may very well be the only people there!
Adult non-Hawaiian residents need to pay a $5 per person fee.
Whether you’re going for the great hiking, the colorful rock formations, or the panoramic views, this place deserves a spot on your bucket list. And since it’s not visited too often, you may just have the state park to yourself.
Have you ever visited Waimea Canyon State Park in Hawaii? What did you think? Would you recommend it to others? Let us know in the comments!
