Wandering Waimea Canyon

The Canyon

Dubbed as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” no other than a geological kaleidoscope of reds and browns, Waimea Canyon. The largest canyon in the Pacific stretches approximately 10 miles (16km) long, over 1 mile at its widest and more than 3,500 ft. deep with the ocean as the backdrop, located in the western side of Kaua’i.

Interesting Facts:

Many believed that American writer, humorist & lecturer Mark Twain was the first who called Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. However it is true that Twain was in Hawaii from March 18 to July 19 in 1866, but Kaua’i is never mentioned in Mark Twain’s Letters From Hawaii, because Twain never set foot on Kaua’i and never laid eyes on Waimea Canyon.

John Wesley (who discovered the area that is now called the Grand Canyon), didn’t begin his exploration until 1867, one year after Twain had stayed in Hawaii. In Powell’s Explorations of the Colorado River of the West, he does not mention the name “Grand Canyon” anywhere.

The Grand Canyon got its name when Teddy Roosevelt set it aside as a national monument in 1908, two years before Mark Twain died.

Source: hawaii-aloha travel https://www.hawaii-aloha.com/blog/2011/08/09/busting-a-hawaiian-myth/

There are several ways to explore Waimea Canyon:

• 

By Air

70% of Kauai is inaccessible by car and its breathtaking alternative way to splurge is through a helicopter tour. One of the most popular way to see the ageless beauty of the canyon. Island Helicopters Kauai, Jack Harter Helicopter, Kauai Helicopter Tours, Maverick Helicopters and Safari Helicopters are few of the helicopter tour companies that offers an incredible breathtaking view of the canyon.

By Car

Sure road trips are the best in Kauai. Especially taking off road from north to the western side of the island. Long ride but worth the view and stops to take photos. Opting this will give you a chance to visit Koke’e Natural History Museum.

Hiking

Numerous trails to traverse for everyone from casual to seasoned hikers alike. But the famous and one of the best hike is the canyon trail to Waipo’o Falls. Give hawaii-guide.com https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/hiking-trails/kokee-waimea-state-park-hiking-trails a heads up for some guided information about what is available to hike.

Personal Experience

Off we tracked the Kuhio Highway in search for our first meal of the day. Bandit found a healthy gem called Eat Healthy, Kaua’i and ordered for a toasted quddus bagel with cream cheese and a cup of brewed coffee. Meanwhile, I searched the place further to find this only Filipino food in the area but unfortunately came to find out that they are close for a special private occasion at that time. So I ended up the neighboring eatery called Super No. 1 BBQ & Chinese Food. Opt for their breakfast plate which comes with white rice, two slice of spam, 3pcs. of links and a two fried sunny side-up eggs. Settled ourselves and devour each of our food which we enjoyed to the nth level. By the way due to Covid-19 only few restaurants are opened so there is not much to choose from.

Forty-one (41) miles from Kapa’a we drove 1h11m with our 2019 Renegade that we call baby Jee (simply because it’s a jeep). Smooth amazing ride and because no crowd of tourist because of Covid-19, we got the best road trip that we can ever have in this journey.

Going to the main state park, there are numerous lookouts. Most of it are picturesque and you cannot stop not to take those stops, so get your camera ready for these lookouts. Just before entering the park small streams that come out of nowhere will be a pure bliss of scenery. It forms like a small waterfalls that make the surrounding enchanted. With the sun’s reflection and the rusted volcanic color on its soil, you cannot stop yourself not to gasp.

Canyon’s Viewpoint

The journey begin when you take Highway 550. Easy drive, paved road but not so fast. There are several meandering roads that you will take and an extra cautious driving should partake. With the help of Waze or whatever GPS navigation software you got with you, for sure you won’t be lost. Also be vigilant enough to read the signs they put along the road in going off to the canyon. It is a long road trip going to the state park deck to marvel the view. As you take the road on, altitude is slowly rising and you could feel it as the temperature is changing to its cooler level.

In some places, small panoramas will allow you to marvel and stunned. Do not dither to stop by. Parking is usually available on the side of the road enough space for you to discreetly park the car. Cliff is deep so an extra cautiousness need to be imposed.

Canyon’s Lookout

First, it is a dream come true for anyone who stepped “The Garden of Isle”. Second, the Waimea Canyon is one of a kind therefore visiting it is a must and should be on top of your itinerary. If you don’t opt for a hike, the Waimea Canyon Lookout is the main viewing area and just like us you will be in an awe and leave you speechless of how the formation of the canyon was. Undoubtedly, the lookout alone will surely quench your thirst of a microadventure you are looking for a day.

Juander Tips & Reminders

1. Better come prepared especially if you plan to hike. Bring hat & sunglasses to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun. Wear a pair of good hiking shoes.
2. Bring water with you to keep your body hydrated.
3. Have some trail mix or granola bar with you to ease a grouching tummy.
4. Waimea Canyon is best to take landscape photography, so better have a full battery camera with you.
5. Keep on trail. Stay away from cliffs if you still want to live longer.
6. Last but definitely not the least, please observe the number one principle at all times, the “LEAVE-NO-TRACE POLICY”.

A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree, one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander.

Roman Payne