Waimea canyon on Sunday Oct 12

Question

We are planning to start at the last lookout and then stop at other lookouts on the way back.

Is that a good idea?

How early should we plan to get to the last lookout?

What short hikes would you recommend?

Do we need hiking boots or sturdy sneakers alright?

What's good place to stop for lunch?

We will be driving to LIH for 7:40 pm flight - no check-in bags, so would 6:15 pm be fine?

Thanks!

Answer

Yes — starting at the last lookout (Kalalau Lookout / the end of the road in Kōkeʻe) and then working your way back toward the Waimea Canyon lookouts is a great plan. It can help you avoid the worst of the crowds and — because clouds often roll in from the ocean — you’ll give yourself the best chance to see the Na Pali cliffs and the valley from the clearest vantage before mid/late morning cloud build-up.

How early to get to the last lookout

If you’re coming from Līhuʻe or the east side, expect about 1¼–2 hours of driving to the Kōkeʻe/Kalalau area; from Poʻipū/Waimea town it’s shorter but still roughly 1–1¾ hours depending on exact start point and traffic. Plan your drive time conservatively because the road climbs and has winding sections.
For best light and clearest views, aim to arrive at the Kalalau Lookout between sunrise and mid-morning (roughly 7:00–9:00 AM) if you can. If sunrise is too early for your party, getting there by about 9:00 AM is a good compromise — you’ll beat a lot of tour-bus traffic and often beat the low-cloud layer. If you can only visit later, it’s still lovely but be prepared for occasional cloud cover.

Short hikes I recommend (kid- and time-friendly)

Iliau Nature Loop — very short (≈0.3 mi), easy boardwalk/loop good for a quick nature break and a look at native plants. Great if you only want a 15–30 minute walk.
Canyon Trail → Waipo‘o Falls (partial) — moderate, scenic rim trail; you can do an out-and-back to viewpoint(s) rather than the full descent. The short rim sections give spectacular canyon views without a long commitment (trail info on Kokee trail maps).
Puʻu o Kīla / Puʻu Hinahina short walks — these are drive-up lookouts with short paved/unpaved walks to viewpoints; quick and very rewarding for photos. (Good if you want minimal walking but great views.)
If you have more time and kids who like hiking, a short section of the Pihea/Alaka‘i Ridge area gives panoramic vistas — but note some segments can be muddy or exposed, so check conditions before you go.

Footwear — boots or sneakers?

For the short lookout walks and the Iliau Loop, sturdy sneakers are perfectly fine.
If you plan to do any longer or steeper hikes (parts of Canyon Trail, Pihea, or trails that cross streams), or if it has rained recently, hiking boots or shoes with better ankle support and aggressive soles are a safer choice because trails can be muddy and slippery. Bring a light rain jacket — weather up high can be cool and changeable.

Good places to stop for lunch

Kōkeʻe Lodge — convenient, rustic lodge with a café/restaurant near the trails and lookouts. It’s the most natural stop if you’re already up in Kōkeʻe and want a sit-down lunch without driving back down the hill. (Check hours before you go.)
Waimea town — if you plan to descend from the park for lunch, Waimea town has small cafés, markets, and plate-lunch options. It’s a good mid-route stop if you want more variety or to stretch legs in town.
Picnic option: pack sandwiches/snacks and eat at one of the lookout picnic areas if you prefer to maximize time in the parks. There are restrooms at major lookouts but limited food services up on the ridge.

Timing for your flight from LIH — will arriving at 6:15 PM for a 7:40 PM flight be OK?

If you’re already in Waimea town (closer to the coast) the drive to Līhuʻe Airport is roughly 35–50 minutes; arriving at the airport around 6:15 PM for a 7:40 PM flight (≈1 hour 25 minutes before departure) is usually acceptable for domestic travel when you have no checked bags — but it’s a bit tight if anything runs late.
If you are leaving from the Kōkeʻe/Kalalau area (higher up the mountain), the drive back to Līhuʻe is significantly longer (plan on roughly 1¼–2 hours depending on traffic/conditions). In that case you should plan to leave Kōkeʻe much earlier — often around 3:45–4:15 PM to comfortably make a 6:15 PM airport arrival target. Allow extra time for rental-car return, fuel, traffic, and any last-minute security lines.
Practical suggestion: unless you’re staying in Waimea town, try to end your park time by early afternoon so you can descend leisurely, stop for lunch in Waimea or at Kōkeʻe Lodge, and still have plenty of buffer for the drive to LIH. If you prefer less stress, aim to be at the airport 90–120 minutes before departure (especially in high season or if anything delays you).

Extra tips

Check the official DLNR / Kōkeʻe & Waimea Canyon pages for any road or lookout closures or temporary parking restrictions before you go — roadwork and lookout closures do happen and can change access/parking. If a preferred lookout is closed, the next pullout may be the pedestrian access point.
Weather is famously variable up there: bring layers, sun protection, and rain protection. If a lookout is socked in with clouds, wait 10–20 minutes — the view often clears.
Fuel up at Waimea or lower-altitude towns before driving up; services are limited on the ridge.

Waimea canyon on Sunday Oct 12

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