Experts' Choice Award Waimea Canyon State Park
What the experts agree on
Waimea Canyon's rust-colored walls shimmer with jewel-toned hues, carved by ancient rivers from Mount Waialeale's summit. This dramatic gorge rivals the Grand Canyon in grandeur, offering spectacular vistas, native koa and ohia trees, and backcountry
“In addition to jaw-dropping canyon vistas and ocean views, you can also see several fine specimens of native trees, including koa and ohia, as well as invasive species such as kiawe.”
– Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet Top Choice
" The canyon running in an easterly direction off Waimea Canyon is Koaiʻe Canyon, an area accessible to backcountry hikers.
" Full review
Fodor's "Carved over countless centuries by the Waimea River and the forces of wind and rain, Waimea Canyon is a dramatic gorge nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"." Full review
Where "Rusty hues of red, brown and purple wash over the valleys, which were carved by the ancient rivers and floods that flowed from the rains atop Mount Waialeale’s summit. " Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The deeply scarred canyon walls, carved from rivers that pour down from Mt. Waialeale's wet summit, shimmer and shine in the sunlight like a palette of deep-hued jewels." Full review
Frommer's "Often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific—an analogy attributed to Mark Twain, although there’s no record he ever visited—Waimea Canyon is indeed spectacular, albeit on a smaller scale" Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Of all Kauaʻi’s unique wonders, none can touch Waimea Canyon for grandeur." Full review
Lonely Planet "Ging, rainbow-walled chasms, dramatic skysces and gushing waterfalls are yours for the viewing via myriad lookouts in this state park. At 0.3 miles north of the 10-mile marker, and an..."
Lonely Planet "As of 2020, it's $5 per person and $10 to park just to view Waimea Canyon from the overlook at Waimea Canyon State Park"
12 best free things to do on Kauaʻi
March 18, 2022
Lonely Planet "Visiting Waimea Canyon is one of the most popular visitor attractions on Kauaʻi – and rightfully so. Aptly nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," this 14-mile-long, 2-mile-wide and..."
Your guide to the best state parks in Kauaʻi
April 16, 2022
Lonely Planet "Beginning in Lihue, head to Waimea Canyon State Park, a mini version of the Grand Canyon. The 3600ft-deep gorge is a mix of crested buttes, waterfalls and jagged crags often punctuated by..."
5 of the best road trips in Hawaii
January 9, 2023
