Waimea Canyon Trail Hike

The Waimea Canyon Trail is one of about 24 hikes traversing Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park on the West Side of Kauaʻi. The trailhead is located at Puʻu Hinahina Lookout, where it follows the canyon's ridgetop to the top of Waipoʻo Falls. It is a moderate, 3.6-mile round-trip hike with views of Waimea and Poʻomau Canyons. If you are looking to get a feel for hiking in this area without committing a whole day to a single trail, this is a great place to start.

Highlights

• Easily accessible from the parking lot at Puʻu Hinahina Lookout

• Panoramic views of Waimea and Poʻomau Canyons

• Finishes at the top of Waipoʻo Falls, where a small pool offers a refreshing cool-down before the hike back

• Open and accessible year round

• Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities of the canyon and forest

• The relatively short hike takes about two to three hours to complete round trip

Waimea Canyon Trail is a relatively popular trail, so you'll likely pass other hikers along the way. If it has recently rained, the trail will be muddy in spots, especially at the start. Don't be deterred, you won't be walking through mud the entire time.

Plan to arrive at Puʻu Hinahina Lookout just after sunrise or by 8 a.m. The parking lot starts filling up around 9 a.m., so arriving early ensures you secure a spot. Before hitting the trail, take in the views from the lookout. On a clear day you can see all the way to Ni'ihau. There is also a restroom at the edge of the parking lot. Bring plenty of water, as the water at this elevation is not potable.

Before you start, pay the admission and parking fees at the paybox in the parking lot and display your receipt on your dashboard. Your receipt is valid at any of the lookouts for the rest of the day, no need to pay again.

The trail can be slippery in spots, especially where you cross Kōkeʻe Stream. Wear hiking shoes with good traction that can get wet and muddy. Hikers with balance concerns should bring a walking stick.

If you don't have time for the full hike, you can walk the trail for about 30 minutes — until you reach the large boulder blocking the trail — and turn back. You won't see canyon views from this point, but you'll enjoy a lovely forest walk and a good workout.

If you continue to the end of the trail, you will arrive at the top of Waipoʻo Falls. The park recommends not crossing the stream if the flow is heavy during or after rain. To the left, a short trail leads to a small pool and falls. Do not jump into the pool or stand on slippery rocks.

• There are multiple areas where the trail is muddy, slippery and uneven. Proceed with caution.

• The most dangerous section is the drop down to Kōkeʻe Stream. Watch your footing, the trail is slippery with loose, pebbly soil.

• The trail once continued from here to Kumuwela Lookout, but erosion in recent years has made this section too narrow, with sheer canyon wall drop-offs. It is extremely dangerous. Per the park: "Do not pursue this path, even if you have a guidebook telling you to do so."

Note: There are no park rangers on duty. Per the park: "Rescue response time is a minimum of one to two hours depending on where you are in the park. If it is close to dark, you may have to wait overnight for help."

Hike Hawaiʻi Safely: Tips Everyone Should Know

• Trail Name: Waimea Canyon Trail

• Location: Puʻu Hinahina Lookout, Waimea Canyon State Park, West Side, Kaua’i

• Trail Length: 1.8 miles each way (takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop

• Difficulty: Moderate, slippery in some areas, some shade

• Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet

• Kid & Pet Friendly: Not suitable for small children, No animals allowed, except service dogs.

• Best Time to Hike: Morning, arrive by 8 a.m. to ensure you find a parking spot

• Hours: Sun-up to sun-down, daily

• Parking: $10 at trailhead (Puʻu Hinahina Lookout), free for Hawaiʻi residents

• Admission: $5 per person, Hawaiʻi residents and children under 3 free

• Restrooms: Yes

• Cell service: No

• At least 1 liter of water — Fill up your reusable water bottle before arriving, you cannot drink the water here.

• Hat

• Rain jacket

• Sunscreen

• Snacks

Heads up

• No bikes allowed.

• Do not remove anything from the trail. Eg. rocks, plants.

• Wipe your shoes before and after hiking the trail at the designated cleaning station.

• Ongoing roadwork at Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks may cause traffic delays.