Waimea Canyon - The Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai (USA)

For today we had planned an island tour on Kauai, which is often referred to as “Garden Island” due to its lush vegetation. The main attractions on Kauai are Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and the famous Napali Coast on the North Shore.

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Der Waimea Canyon

The first thing we wanted to do was drive from our Hotel Kauai Inn in Lihue to Waimea Canyon. The distance of about 55 kilometers can be done in just over an hour.

Via the main road, Waimea Canyon Drive, we have come to various vantage points. From the main viewpoint, Waimea Canyon Overlook, you have the best view of the canyon with its mountain peaks, rugged crevices and deep canyons.

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Der Waimea Canyon in Google Maps

The canyon is a total of 16 km long and up to 900 meters deep. In the canyon you will also find the waterfall, which is known from the movie Jurassic Park. In general, many parts of the film were shot on Kauai. On Youtube you will find a very nice compilation, where which scene of Jurassic Park was filmed on the island.

The entrance to the National Park

The view of the canyon

Der Waimea Canyon

The view of the canyon

Der Waimea Canyon Overlook

The view of the canyon

The view from Overlook Point

Waterfall in the canyon

Selfie at Overlook Point

Kokee State Park & the Napali Coast

The road then continues into the mountains and ends at Kokee State Park, from which numerous hiking trails depart. From here you can also get a view of the Napali Coast. At the very end of Waimea Canyon Drive you will find The Mountain Wai’Ale’Ale – “One of the wettest spots on earth”. It didn’t rain, but everything was completely covered in thick fog and the view was = 0.

The entrance to Kokee State Park

View of the Napali Coast

Mount Wai'Ale'Ale

After leaving the canyon, we drove along “Waimea Canyon Drive” to the east. Here there is a small waterfall on the road, which is embedded in incredibly red sandstone hills.

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Small waterfall in red sandstone hills

All travelogues from Hawaii (2015)

Our world trip led us after almost 2 months from the American mainland to Hawaii. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3,600 kilometres away from the US mainland, the 50th state of the USA. For many, it is the epitome of the South Seas. During our two-week stay in Hawaii we visited four of the six main islands: Kauai, O'ahu, Maui and Big Island. Each of these islands has its own personality, nature and sights and offers different activities for all tastes: From the big city Honolulu with the famous Waikiki Beach, the fascinating Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking Napali Coast on Kauai, the famous Road to Hana on Maui to the most active volcano in the world on Big Island. The islands radiate a unique flair and have enchanted us very quickly with the famous Aloha charm.