Want to visit the United States‘ other Grand Canyon? Travel to Kauai to experience Waimea Canyon. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers baby boomers photographic opportunities along with numerous hiking adventures. Or you can just stand at one of the lookouts to marvel at the beauty of the lush green foliage punctuated by red cliffs, with waterfalls that form long, white ribbons down the canyon’s steep sides.
Since we were with a friend whose mobility had been hampered by an injury, hiking wasn’t on the agenda the day that Alan and I visited Waimea Canyon. We limited our exploration to the paths along the lookout area at Waimea Canyon State Park. A humid haze filled the air, challenging our photographic skills. As we looked for the perfect camera angle, an occasional helicopter buzzed in and out of the canyon giving its passengers a close-up view.
I’ve been doing a little research to see what adventures that we missed. On our next visit to Kauai, we’ll include Kokee State Park, located at the end of Waimea Canyon Drive. And we’ll be sure to include a hike. I’ve found some good resources from the blogging world:
For detailed advice on where to go and what to do, I like this Go Visit Hawaii post.- The family hike that Sheila from Family Travellouge wrote about sounds doable for an easy baby boomer adventure.
- At Traveling Mama’s, Mudslide Mama describes another hike that’s an easy one for baby boomers.
- The photographs on Randy Hanna’s blog give boomers an idea of what to expect.
- Finally, check out this slide show at Morphination that takes readers on a Waimea hike.
After exploring Waimea Canyon, we stopped at Kauai Coffee Plantation for a coffee tasting located in a coffee grove bordering the Pacific. We thought it was the perfect way to end our Waimea Canyon day.
Have you hiked in Waimea Canyon? Post a comment to tell me about your adventure. I’ll be hiking on my next trip to Kauai.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I just loved Waimea Canyon, and I'm so glad you did too! I'm guessing it wasn't raining on YOUR hike adventure.
Twitter: pen4hire
July 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm
So glad that you found a sunny day for photography. When I was there, the fog was so thick that we couldn't see the edge–let alone beyond the edge. We waited around, but it didn't lift, so we gave up.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
July 3, 2009 at 8:02 am
Yes, Vera, we were lucky. I’ve learned from my research that the best time to see a sunny view is earlier in the morning rather than later. We were there mid-morning and it was already hazy. Luckily, it wasn’t foggy like you’re experience.
We hiked the Kukui trail to the bottom of the canyon -and then climbed the 2000 feet back up to the top! Very steep, but rewarding hike. Halfway down we heard a clatter and looked to a sheer side cliff where two tiny black goats were effortlessly scampering along!
Twitter: DonnaLHull
July 3, 2009 at 7:57 am
Heather, your hike sounds awesome. Thanks for telling me about it. It’s on the list for next time.
This looks gorgeous. It amazes me how many different landscapes there are in Hawaii.
It looks like a greener wetter version of the Grand Canyon. I'll put it on my list.
This looks pretty amazing!!
I'll be Kauai in a few days and this is on my to do list. I'd like to know more about the coffee plantation visit. Did you try mountain tubing? I wonder if that'd be fun for baby boomers…
Twitter: DonnaLHull
July 3, 2009 at 7:56 am
Jennifer, the coffee plantation had videos to watch, a glass-enclosed demonstration room and lots of coffee to sample. On the same trip, we also took this tubing excursion. That’s our favorite. We also enjoyed a ziplining/kayaking/hiking safari. Plus you shouldn’t miss a snorkeling excursion along the Na Pali coast.
I know that whatever you do, you’ll have fun. I’d love to be in Kauai right now. Safe travels.
Twitter: kerrydexter
July 5, 2009 at 10:04 am
thanks for the phots Donna. they give a great idea of the place.
Hi Donna,
Glad you liked the kid's hike post, and yes, it would be fine for reasonably fit and agile boomers. I have a bum knee (old torn ACL) but as long as I was careful in a couple of spots (slide-y downhill sections of trail) I was fine.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
July 6, 2009 at 11:16 am
Thanks, Sheila. It’s always good to hear a first-hand account of a travel experience. That’s what this blog is all about.
Swoon! Waimea Canyon is gorgeous. We hiked in (can't recall the name of the trail off the top of my head) and have some amazing shots from within the canyon. Made it all the way in to one small waterfall and my husband and son ventured out to the TOP of another. Too high up for me! The hike was probably 5 miles round trip, and *steep* coming out. Bring plenty of water, and make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen – much of the trip was in the hot sun.
I've never been to Hawaii, but this makes a trip very temping. Would love to do the coffee tasting.
I've never been to Hawaii, but this makes a trip very temping. Would love to do the coffee tasting.
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