Kauai’s Waimea Canyon

Most people heading for Waimea Canyon pass through Waimea rather quickly to get to Kauai’s version of the Grand Canyon. Seeing the canyon, 10 miles wide and 3000 feet deep, is one of Hawaii’s greatest experiences. After taking photos from the lookout, many visitors head further up the mountain to Kokee State Park and the Kalalau Valley Lookout. Hikers trek the trails around the canyon to Waipoo Falls or to the bottom of the canyon on Kukui Trail.

Afterwards, a visit to Waimea provides really enjoyable relaxation. Waimea has a storied past. Native Hawaiians had their first contact with Europeans in Waimea. The statue of Capt. James Cook in Lucy Wright County Park commemorates the historic event in 1778. The following year, Cook was killed after he landed at Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island.

Waimea also has remnants of its sugar plantation days. Built in 1884, the Waimea Sugar Mill looms over the town. Probably of more interest to many visitors after a long day on the mountain is the food truck usually parked in front of the mill or the nearby taco store on Kaumualii Hwy. with its delicious specialties. Nearby the Waimea Plantation Cottages tell yet another historic story. It is made up of old Kauai plantation houses from the 1880s to 1940s literally picked up from their foundations on old plantations and brought to their current location.