Waimea Canyon State Park
Grand Canyon of the Pacific — go early before clouds roll in.
The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, 3,600 feet deep. Nothing else in Hawaii looks like this. Layers of red, rust, and green canyon walls carved by the Waimea River over millions of years. The scenic drive up Waimea Canyon Drive (Hwy 550) takes you past multiple lookouts — the main Waimea Canyon Lookout at mile marker 10 has the most dramatic panoramic views (NOTE: this lookout was closed for safety construction through early January 2026 — check current status at dlnr.hawaii.gov before your visit, it may have recently reopened). Puʻu Hinahina Lookout (mile marker 13-14) is excellent too and on clear days you can see Niʻihau island. Keep driving into Kōkeʻe State Park for the Kalalau Lookout — jaw-dropping views down into the Nā Pali Coast valley. PRO TIPS: Go early (before 9am) — clouds roll in fast and can completely obscure the canyon by midday. Fill your gas tank before you start (no gas stations up there). The round trip is ~36 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation change. It's noticeably cooler up top — bring a light layer. Budget 3-4 hours for a drive-and-lookouts visit, a full day if you want to hike. Combine with a Hanapepe stop on the way. No cell service for much of the drive.
Waimea Canyon Dr (Hwy 550), Waimea, HI 96796