Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
About 0.5 miles from the Kukui Trail in Waimea Canyon State Park is the Koaiʻe
Canyon Trail, a moderate, 11-mile round-trip hike that takes you down the south side of
the canyon to some reportedly hazardous swimming holes - including
Lonomea
, the last
of the bunch, fed by a cascading waterfall.
Staying the night is an absolute must; this trail offers three camps. After the first,
Kaluahaʻulu Camp
, stay on the eastern bank of the river - do not cross it. Later you'll
come upon the overgrown Na Ala Hele trailhead for the Koaiʻe Canyon Trail. Watch for
greenery and soil that conceals drop-offs alongside the path. Next up is
Hipalau Camp
.
After this camp the trail seems to disappear and can be tricky to find. Keep heading
north, do not veer toward the river, but continue ascending at approximately the same
point midway between the canyon walls and the river. Growing steeper, the trail then
enters
Koaiʻe Canyon
, recognizable by the red-rock walls rising to the left. The last
camp is the aforementioned
Lonomea
. Find the best views at the emergency helipad, a
grassy area perfect for picnicking. When ready to leave, retrace your steps.
Cycling
Coast downhill for 13 miles, from the rim of Waimea Canyon (elevation 3500ft) to sea
level with Outfitters Kauaʻi (
Click here
), which will supply necessary cruisers, helmets
and snacks. Remember, you'll be a target for the setting sun during the afternoon ride.
Tours cost $104 for adults and $84 for children.
Mountain bikers can also find miles of bumpy, 4WD hunting-area roads off Waimea
Canyon Dr. Even when the yellow gates are closed on non-hunting days, cyclists are still
allowed access - except for Papaʻalai Rd, which is managed by the Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands and open for hunting, but not recreational use.
Sleeping
All four camps on the canyon trails are part of the forest reserve system. They have
open-air picnic shelters and pit toilets, but no other facilities; all freshwater must be
treated before drinking.
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Kokeʻe State Park
The expansive Kokeʻe State Park is a playground to those who revere the environment.
Home to inspirational views, it offers an abundance of animal and plant life - everything
from native timber to patches of non-native but still gorgeous California redwoods grow
