| Accounts for about 65% of the total area
of Kauai and is widely known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and
although only a fraction of the size of the Grand Canyon it is over
3,000 feet deep. Waimea canyon is a fantastic place to walk, photograph,
see exotic wild birds, or take a rented mountain bike. Proceed west
on highway 50 and turn tight onto 550 at Waimea and follow the winding
road up to Kokee state park which will much cooler than at sea level.
Kokee state park has a multitude of trails and a very good park center
with trials maps and helpful guides. Make an early start as clouds often
form in the afternoon and obscure some of the incredible views. Waimea
canyon offers direct exposure to tropical vegetation, solitude and the
opportunity to see (beside the incredible views) wild pigs, goats, deer
and chicken. |