Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon — often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific — is a fiercely colorful gorge carved across Kauaʻi, framed by dramatic cliffs and lush forested ridges. Expect spectacular vistas from Lookout points, and trails that descend toward the canyon floor.
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Geography
| Address | Waimea Canyon, HI, USAWaimea Canyon Drive |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Pacific Islands |
| Subregion | Hawaiian Islands |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Kauaʻi County |
| District | Waimea-Kōkeʻe |
| City | Līhuʻe |
| Neighborhood | Waimea |
| Postal Code | 96737 |
| Timezone | PacificHonolulu |
| Latitude | 22.2283 |
| Longitude | -159.713 |
| Maps |
4:15 PM LOCAL TIMEWaimea Canyon is a spectacular natural sculpture on Kauaʻi where vivid red and purple volcanic rocks contrast sharply with lush green terraces and forested walls. Formed by ancient erosion and dammed streams, the canyon carved a wide, layered gorge that sustains native forests and rarer plant species. The main Waimea Canyon Drive summit area features several lookout points where clear days reveal steep walls and distant ocean glimpses; below, short paved trails and interpretive stops introduce visitors to native geology and flora. For a more immersive experience, longer hikes descend toward the canyon floor or connect to nearby trails in Kokee State Park, rewarding careful planning and respect for remote terrain. Historically, the canyon and surrounding highlands were vital to native Hawaiian settlement and remain important cultural sites; today, they serve as a showcase for island geology, high-elevation ecology, and panoramic mountain scenery.
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