Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for the Department of Land & Natural Resources in the past. For the last couple of years
an ambitious and altruistic local crew has taken it upon themselves to annually repair it.
Note that there aren't any car-rental vendors who offer insurance for visitors to drive
here. In fact, some make you sign a special document swearing that you drive here at
your (and your rented axle's) own risk. Truthfully, the road is not the island's most
treacherous, and even low-riding rentals can almost always make the trip out and back
unscathed. It's a no-brainer for high-clearance vehicles.
Whether you decide to drive here for a day trip or more, it's worth remembering that
camping is, at times, allowed with a permit. However, the entryway, toilet and shower
access is inconsistent - and finding a ride back should your rental transport fail is a risky
proposition.
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Waimea Canyon State Park
Of all Kauaʻi's unique wonders, none can touch Waimea Canyon for utter grandeur.
While one expects to find tropical beaches and gardens here, few expect a gargantuan
chasm of ancient lava rock, 10 miles long and 2500ft deep, which Mark Twain first
called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Flowing through the canyon is the Waimea
River, Kauaʻi's longest, which is fed by three eastern tributaries that bring reddish-brown
waters from the mountaintop bog, Alakaʻi Swamp.
Waimea Canyon was formed when Kauaʻi's original shield volcano, Waiʻaleʻale,
slumped along an ancient fault line, creating a sharp east-facing line of cliffs. Then an-
other shield volcano, Lihuʻe, developed the island's east side, producing new lava flows
that pounded against those cliffs. Thus the western canyon walls are taller, thinner and
more eroded - the contrast is most theatrically apparent while hiking along the canyon
floor. The black and red horizontal striations along the canyon walls represent successive
volcanic eruptions; the red color indicates where water seeped through the rocks, creat-
ing mineral rust from the iron ore inside.
Drives on a clear day are phenomenal. But don't be disappointed by rain, as that's
what makes the waterfalls gush. Sunny days following rain are ideal for prime views,
though slick mud makes it a challenge.
The southern boundary of Waimea Canyon State Park is about 6 miles up the road
from Waimea. You can reach the park by two roads: Waimea Canyon Dr (Hwy 550),
which starts in Waimea just beyond mile marker 23, and Kokeʻe Rd (Hwy 552), which
starts in Kekaha off Mana Rd. They merge between mile markers 6 and 7.
