Best Order to Do Things at Waimea Canyon

Question

Hi all, I'm planning a full Waimea Canyon day and I'm wondering what the best order is to do things with parking, fog, etc.

I'd like to do all the main viewpoints and stops, plus Iliau Nature Loop, Waipo'o Falls, and Pihea Vista Trail.

Some other questions I have are where is the best place to start hiking to Waipo'o Falls (AllTrails has two options it seems) and where should I watch sunset.

Thanks!

Answer

It sounds like you have an amazing day planned for Waimea Canyon, with a variety of stops to explore! To make the most of your visit, here’s an ideal order for the main viewpoints, hikes, and key stops, along with answers to your other questions:

Suggested Order of Stops

The key to a smooth day at Waimea Canyon is to start early and plan your route to avoid the crowds and to make the most of the weather, especially with fog potentially rolling in later in the day. Here's an ideal way to structure your day:

Start at the Canyon Lookout: Begin your visit to the canyon at the main Waimea Canyon Lookout. It provides an excellent first view of the canyon, with great photo opportunities. The morning light is perfect for this view, and it's typically less foggy early in the day.
Head to the Pu’u Hinai Lookout: This lookout is another great spot to take in sweeping views of the canyon, and it’s often a little quieter than the more popular viewpoints. It's located a bit farther along the highway, and it's worth a stop before you head to the next trail or viewpoint.
Iliau Nature Loop: Next, head to the Iliau Nature Loop trail. It's a short, easy walk that takes you through a unique landscape with great views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. It's also a good place to stretch your legs after the drive, and it's usually not crowded.
Waipo’o Falls: After the Nature Loop, head toward the Waipo’o Falls trailhead. You can access this waterfall either from the Waimea Canyon Drive or by hiking the Pihea Trail. If you're planning to hike, I’d recommend the Pihea Trail (more on that below). If you prefer a quick look at the falls, there is a viewpoint from the Canyon Drive, but hiking to the falls will give you a much closer view.
Pihea Vista Trail: From the Waipo’o Falls viewpoint, continue along the Pihea Vista Trail. This trail offers spectacular views of the canyon and the Kalalau Valley. It's a moderate hike, so be prepared for some elevation gain. The trail itself is a bit muddy and rocky, but the scenery is worth the effort.

Waipo’o Falls Hiking Options

There are two main ways to access Waipo’o Falls, and both are on AllTrails. Here are your options:

From the Waimea Canyon Drive Viewpoint: This is the shortest and easiest option. From the Waimea Canyon Drive, you’ll find a viewpoint that overlooks Waipo’o Falls, with easy access to the falls without much hiking.
From Pihea Vista Trailhead: For a more immersive experience, you can hike along the Pihea Vista Trail from the Pihea Lookout. This trail gives you a closer view of the falls and takes you deeper into the canyon. It's a moderately difficult hike with some muddy areas and elevation changes. You’ll eventually reach a viewpoint that overlooks the falls, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Best Place to Watch Sunset

Waimea Canyon is known for its stunning sunsets, and there are a few spots where you can enjoy the sunset views. Here are a couple of options:

Waimea Canyon Lookout: If you're already at the Waimea Canyon Lookout, this is a great spot to watch the sunset. The canyon glows with warm light during sunset, making for an incredible view. You might want to arrive a little early to secure a good spot, as this lookout is popular during golden hour.
Puu Hinai Lookout: Another excellent option is the Puu Hinai Lookout, which offers more expansive views of the canyon. It’s a bit more off the beaten path, so it might be less crowded than the Canyon Lookout during sunset.

Tips for the Day

Arrive Early: The earlier you get started, the better, as the weather can change quickly in the canyon. Early morning tends to have the best views with less fog.
Bring Layers: It can get cool, especially at higher elevations like Pihea Vista, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Wear Good Shoes: If you plan on hiking, be sure to wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the trails can be muddy and uneven.
Stay Hydrated: It can get warm, especially if you're hiking, so make sure to bring water for your hikes and walks.

By following this itinerary, you should be able to visit all the main viewpoints, enjoy a few good hikes, and catch some stunning views of Waimea Canyon throughout the day. Have an amazing time exploring this beautiful part of Kauai!