What time should I go to Waimea Canyon?

The light is better in the early morning or late afternoon depending on which lookout so being able to visit twice is ideal. By 11 am you start getting the crowds and parking can be an issue at some the lookouts. Late afternoon is also a great time for sunset views.

Can you drive through Waimea Canyon?

There are two highways you can take- The Waimea Canyon Road (Highway 550) that starts from Waimea Town and Kokee Road (Highway 552) starting from Kekaha which meets into 1 in just a few miles from the start. The Waimea Canyon road is comparatively easier to drive and is more scenic.

How much time do you need at Waimea Canyon?

Traveling across the Waimea Canyon will take you approximately two hours if you spend some time at each stop. If you are planning to travel through the canyon without breaks, you will finish the journey in an hour. Two roads drive up to the canyon, meeting at a common point.

How high up is Waimea Canyon?

Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is a large canyon, approximately ten miles (16 km) long and up to 3,000 feet (900 m) deep, located on the western side of Kauaʻi in the Hawaiian Islands of the United States….

Waimea Canyon State Park
Website Hawaiʻi State Parks

How long is the drive through Waimea Canyon?

The road winding through Waimea Canyon is one of the most scenic roads on the island making a visit to the park in a 26 miles (return trip) scenic drive. There are plenty of other things to do other than sitting in your car tough. Here are the main activities to enjoy while visiting Waimea Canyon: Scenic drive.

Do you need a reservation for Waimea?

Hawaiʻi residents continue to enjoy free access without reservations, but entry may depend on parking availability. Commercial tour and trolley patrons must have a reservation. Registered PUC carriers will have access to a PUC-only reservation portal.

Are there bathrooms at Waimea Canyon?

The first overlook is Waimea Canyon Lookout, on the right hand side between mile markers 10 and 11. This has lots of parking, bathrooms, and a fruit/drinks stand.

Why is Waimea Canyon Red?

The red soil is a natural byproduct of the dark, iron-rich basalt rock that surrounds Waimea Canyon. These rocks have oxidized over time, giving the soil various shades of red. In fact, it may be these rocks that gave Waimea Canyon its name.

Is Waimea Canyon a volcano?

The canyon has a unique geologic history—it was formed not only by the steady process of erosion, but also by a catastrophic collapse of the volcano that created Kaua’i. Like the other Hawai’ian islands, Kaua’i is the top of an enormous volcano rising from the ocean floor.

What does Waimea mean?

Reddish Water
Waimea, town, Kauai county, southwestern Kauai island, Hawaii, U.S. Waimea, whose name means “Reddish Water,” is situated on Waimea Bay at the mouth of the Waimea River.

How cold is the water at Waimea Falls?

Waimea Bay/Pinballs water temperatures peak in the range 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F) on around the 15th of September and are at their lowest on about the 9th of February, in the range 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F). Year round warm water temperatures at Waimea Bay/Pinballs climb to their highest in mid September.