Waimea Canyon, Kokee State Park, Kauai
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Waimea Canyon,
Kokee State Park
Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park - The canyon was nicknamed by Mark Twain as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Head to Kokee for hiking; the museum has maps and more.

One of the most scenic drives in the state is up Highway 552-Kokee Road. Combine visits to two Kauai attractions: Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Plan a long, half-day; mornings have better visibility.
Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, a mile wide and over 3,600 feet deep. This mammoth chasm struts its rainbow of red, purple, green and blue as you ascend into a blanket of gauzy clouds.
A great opportunity to get into the canyon is between mile markers 8 and 9 in Waimea Canyon State Park. A small parking area marks the Kukui and Iliau Loop Trials. The loop is an easy 15-minute quarter-mile nature walk with identified dry land forest plants. It offers a great view looking up the canyon and has a covered picnic area.
Kokee Natural History Museum, at a crisp 4,000 feet, has displays on plants and animals. The staff can advise you on the park’s many seasonal activities. Behind the museum is a quick nature trail with 35 marked plants; a brochure is available at the museum. Next door, Kokee Lodge has a warm hearth and serves breakfast and lunch.

Drive up Highway 552 further and find two grand overlooks that have views of the Na Pali Coast: the Kalalau Valley Overlook and Puu O Kila Lookout. The lofty perches, in a rainforest habitat, are in the clouds.

Camping is available by permit. For Waimea Canyon, (808)274-3433; for Kokee State Park, (808)274-3444.

WHAT YOU NEED

  • At least three hours
  • A full tank of gas
  • Food and drinks: Waimea Canyon Plaza in Kekaha
  • Camera and film
  • Layered clothes to keep warm, comfy footwear, rain gear; binoculars optional

BEST VIEWS

  • Canyon: Waimea Canyon Overlook- mile 10
  • Niihau and Ocean: Puu Hinahina-mile 13
  • Kalalau Valley: Puu O Kila-end of road
    MILE MARKER VIEW SPOTS ON THE WAY UP
  • mm 10– Waimea Canyon Overlook
  • mm 13– Niihau and Ocean– Puu Hinahina
  • end of road– Kalalau Valley

BIRDS YOU’LL SEE

  • Red apapane
  • Yellow-green anianiau
  • White-tailed tropic bird
  • Nene-state bird
  • Jungle fowl

TREES ON ROADSIDE

  • Koa-prized hardwood has crescent-shape leaf
  • Ohia-Gray bark, red pompon flowers
Copyright 2006
This Week Magazines

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