Day 2 on the Island of Kauai started out slow and relaxing. We didn't have a full day here, so we decided to focus our travel efforts of the day entirely on seeing Waimea Canyon. Waimea Canyon is on Kauai's western side and is nicknamed "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
The canyon is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep. Along the road to the canyon there are various lookout points. To the left and down below, you are viewing the main lookout.
Also from this view, you will see a the 800 foot Waipoo Falls in the distance. A piece of the canyon is blocking the bottom of the waterfall, so it is difficult to see just how far down it goes.
However, there is a small stream that appears to run throughout the bottom of the canyon. Perhaps this waterfall is the source.
As you continue along the road you will make it to the Kalalau Lookout. This spot has some great photo ops.
There really isn't any historical facts to this place that I was able to find. However, there is a museum at the Kokee State Park.
Kokee State Park spreads over 4,345 acres on a plateau and is 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level.
At this state park, if you wish, you can rent out cabins as well. Check out the Kokee Natural History Museum if you get the chance as well. You can see all of the wild life that is there, learn more about the birds, and find some hand-made souvenirs, as well as a few camping things that you may have forgotten to pack such as flashlights, ponchos, binoculars and more.
Here you see the Wailua Falls. These falls were featured in the 1970s show of Fantasy Island.
When I saw the fallen tree sticking out from the top of the waterfall, all I can picture was Pocahontas racing to the end of the tree and diving off the cliffs into the deep pools of the waterfall. Yes, I do realize - wrong place for her.
These waterfalls are a short drive-by spot and is right on Mä‘alo Road (Hwy 583) and is 4 miles off of the major highway 56.
Along Highway 583, you can also see the Opaekaa Falls - which we didn't have time for, but is about equally impressive. These two falls range from 80 to 100 feet.
One thing I wanted to mention about Kauai specifically that makes it different from the other islands. It is one of the most laid-back, and least commercialized of all of the islands. Because of this, you will see so many free-range chickens and roosters just about everywhere you go. In addition, you may see the random wild pig as well. These animals appear to be human-friendly, but still take care approaching the pigs especially.
The canyon is 14 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep. Along the road to the canyon there are various lookout points. To the left and down below, you are viewing the main lookout.
Also from this view, you will see a the 800 foot Waipoo Falls in the distance. A piece of the canyon is blocking the bottom of the waterfall, so it is difficult to see just how far down it goes.
However, there is a small stream that appears to run throughout the bottom of the canyon. Perhaps this waterfall is the source.
As you continue along the road you will make it to the Kalalau Lookout. This spot has some great photo ops.
There really isn't any historical facts to this place that I was able to find. However, there is a museum at the Kokee State Park.
Kokee State Park spreads over 4,345 acres on a plateau and is 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level.
For the hikers, bird watchers, those wanting to take helicopter tours - this is the place for you. You will see the park covered in forest and wild flowers, see native plant life and Hawaiian forest birds that are endemic such as the Moa, Iwi and Apapane.
From this picture you can see the cliffs of the Napali coast line - the mountains we hiked to the day before.
At this state park, if you wish, you can rent out cabins as well. Check out the Kokee Natural History Museum if you get the chance as well. You can see all of the wild life that is there, learn more about the birds, and find some hand-made souvenirs, as well as a few camping things that you may have forgotten to pack such as flashlights, ponchos, binoculars and more.
On our way back to the airport, we had very little time to spare, but I insisted that we stop and see another waterfall - on the eastern side of the island. I was assured by my handsome tour guide that if we moved quickly enough that we would still make our plane to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Here you see the Wailua Falls. These falls were featured in the 1970s show of Fantasy Island.
When I saw the fallen tree sticking out from the top of the waterfall, all I can picture was Pocahontas racing to the end of the tree and diving off the cliffs into the deep pools of the waterfall. Yes, I do realize - wrong place for her.
These waterfalls are a short drive-by spot and is right on Mä‘alo Road (Hwy 583) and is 4 miles off of the major highway 56.
Along Highway 583, you can also see the Opaekaa Falls - which we didn't have time for, but is about equally impressive. These two falls range from 80 to 100 feet.
One thing I wanted to mention about Kauai specifically that makes it different from the other islands. It is one of the most laid-back, and least commercialized of all of the islands. Because of this, you will see so many free-range chickens and roosters just about everywhere you go. In addition, you may see the random wild pig as well. These animals appear to be human-friendly, but still take care approaching the pigs especially.
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