Kauai is tagged as “Hawaii’s Island of Discovery” for valid reasons.
There are many aspects to the island and as small as it is, taking the time to fully explore it will reap multiple gorgeous views and soul-changing experiences. Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, which makes sense given the low population and abundance of wilderness and park areas—it’s very much like exploring a large garden.
Waimea Canyon State Park
This is the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and the views are as enticing as those of its namesake. There’s no sign at the start of the road telling you you’re headed to this park. Simply make the turn onto Highway 550 from Waimea or onto 552 from Kekaha and drive for 17 miles. At the juncture of 552 and 550, there’s a park sign for both Waimea and Koke’e Parks. The views along the way make the meandering, climbing drive well worth it.
Waimea Canyon Lookout is at 3,400 Feet
The waterfall in the distance looks like a slivered slip of an artist’s pen dripping down the otherwise striated canvas.
If you’re lucky, there will be a young Hawaiian man in vintage garb standing on a bench, statue-like at first. Then he’ll begin telling you the history of the place, answering questions. Drop a couple of bucks in the basket in return for the lessons.
Falls at Waimea Canyon, Kauai Hawaiian telling us facts
The Waimea Canyon Trail doesn’t have any markers along the way letting you know where you are in the scheme of the path. It’s an easy to moderate trail even though it’s not well groomed, as the sign at the trailhead notes. You walk in and out of the forest, so some shade, some sun. As always, take a hat and lots of water. On a clear day, you can glimpse the island of Niihau in the distance. This is one island not accessible to visitors, with 200+ Hawaiians in residence.
Places to see on the Island of Discovery
The NaPali Kona Forest Reserve Pihea Trail is near here and takes you over the edge.
Keep in mind that it is very wet here, so even though the rocks may appear dry to your eye, they are slick to your feet. Tread slowly and pay attention.
In Koke’e State Park, there is a lodge, museum, lookout and a campground. Don’t skip the Kalalau Valley Lookout! The Wai’ale’ale is one of the wettest spots on earth at 5,148 feet. Your skin gets a nice moisture-refreshing cloak on it.
Rising above the clouds, the coastline view may be obstructed but what you can see against the background of white are dragonflies! Dozens and dozens of dragonflies dancing about with the grace of mini helicopters. What a dazzling thing to see!
On the rocky ledges below, look closely and you may glimpse mountain goats nibbling their way along the ridges.
When the clouds part from time to time you’ll catch sight of the coastline and the deep blue of the water.
One of the wettest spots on earth Dragonflies & Goats Mountain goats on Kauai 
Living on the Edge
In Koke’e, there is the Iliau Nature Loop & Kukui Trail
Note that it might be hunting season, so stick with both brightly colored clothes and to the trail. Although there are signs on the nature loop that describe some of the plants you’re seeing, there aren’t any trail signs indicating your location on the walk.
The views of the canyons are outstanding—the blending and meshing of the orange and greens look more like a Hollywood backdrop than reality. Find a trail map before going or wander as long as much as you want and turn back. The beauty is so relaxing that you won’t feel any stress even if you don’t know right where you are in the scheme of things.
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Read: More Kauai blogs
Hi Rose, wow it looks like you really got to explore the Hawaiian islands! What a trip. Must have been great fun and adventure.
Molokai is next, Susan. No idea when, but I’m totally game for continuing to explore these beautiful islands.
I cannot properly describe how amazing the view is from the Na Poli ridge at the top of the Waimea Canyon. One side looks down to the Na Poli coast and the other side looks down the Waimea Canyon. This is the spot where the helicopters fly over from the coast to the canyon. You can see the helicopters approach from the coast, rise up over the ridge line and proceed down into the canyon. You can almost touch them as they pass over the ridge. We saw one helicopter ‘pretend’ to be on a combat flight. As he cleared the ridge, the helicopter did a nose dive into the canyon. That must have be an amazing adventure for those passengers!
Glad to hear that you got to be there, too, Bill. It is full of amazing, amazing views. Waimea Canyon is breathtaking.
This all seems like it would be especially beautiful. I think one of the greatest rewards of a long hike would be a great view of a waterfall. I really enjoy hiking, so I imagine that hiking in Hawaii would be an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing the pictures!
You’re right, Erica, the Hawaiian hiking is unique to anywhere else I’ve been. Next time, the waterfalls!
Waimea Canyon State Park looks like a blast, though hiking into a canyon always plays with the brain a bit since it’s more typical to have the downhill part for the return trek rather than heading in.
You’re spot on, Jeri, and that’s a reason we didn’t make it to the other canyon bottom! I’d love someone to plop me on the canyon floor some time and let me wander back up!
Hi Rose. I love Kauai. The highlight of my visit was definitely taking the helicopter ride over that scenic canyon. The colors were truly magnificent.
That’s it, Doreen, between you and Marquita, I SO have to do the helicopter tour next time. You are right about the colors–the vibrancy is stunning.
I have only been to Hawaii once and I did not do much hiking when I was there. I was only on the main island which is also beautiful. Your post is very enticing and I would like to go back to Hawaii again someday to see some of the beauty I missed. I also enjoy hiking. Thanks for your post.
When you have time, Michele, please check out the Oahu post–Sights and Sunsets. I’ve been to three islands so far and they are each unique and utterly lovely.
Boy, If I went on a hiking expedition, I could not think of any better place to go then there.
This is another place I need to add to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Happy to entice you to explore Hawaii, William. It is a unique and gorgeous place to hike.
Hawaii is on my “places to travel to” list. I have had a keen interest in Hawaii since a child. It oozes tranquility and has an exotic air about it. These photographs are beautiful and remind me of why I am so drawn to this country.
Phoenicia, I’m glad that you are stockpiling these blogs for the day you get to take a trip to Hawaii! I, too, ponder being drawn to these small islands in the middle of no where. Is it because they’re in the middle of no where? That God plopped these down (or rose these up, is better) and made them utterly beautiful?
Wow, that’s so beautiful. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon a few times now and I can see why they call it that.
I will be adding this to my Hawaii trip! I love looking at nature and all its glory.
The Grand Canyon is so immense–it shocks me each time I get to see it. This one, while smaller, was utterly striking in the vibrancy of the colors. It was a wow-moment, Sabrina!
Great photos Rose! Kauai is the one Island I haven’t hiked, but I have toured it by helicopter several times. I don’t not everyone is comfortable riding in a helicopter but it is an amazing way to see the Islands. 🙂
I would have done the helicopter this trip, Marquita, just to get a different glimpse of the coastline–let alone fly over the Waimea Canyon. I can only imagine how many times you end up holding your breath as another gorgeous view unfolds!
I love hiking along with you. I don’t think anything can be more relaxing that the beauty of nature and you sure have captured that in your photos. I got a kick out of the second picture at the top with the sign post and the smaller sign at the bottom – start here. I was looking for the ‘you have reached the end’ sign but didn’t find it.
That was a hike we didn’t see the “you’re halfway” sign either, Lenie! We walked quite aways and thought, hm, maybe it’s time to turn around!
I’m glad you are enjoying these hikes. I love looking at the pictures and remembering–even though it was only last month!
Waimea Canyon really looks like an idyllic place for a hike.
Ken, it was surreal…like seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. The colors were intense and stunning. Yes, a good place to hike!
Wow. The views and scenery in Kauai are absolutely stunning. I think my neck would be as tired as my feet after these hikes from trying to see everything.
You’re right, Donna. Swivel head really describes what happens as you try to see it all!
Kauai is a favorite! Waimea Canyon Lookout was spectacular! I didn’t get a chance to see the others. Wonderful pics!
Kauai is very laid back. We laughed because one local we talked to and asked about something on the other side of the island said: Oh, that’s a half hour drive so I never go there!
Perspective!