Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Before you go
Your trip to Waimea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Waimea – Hawaii Destination Kauai (United States): Lihue (Līhuʻe); Hanalei; Waimea about 165 km from Honolulu
How to get there
-
Lihue Airport (LIH) Līhuʻe · 40 km
-
Port Allen Harbor ʻEleʻele · 10 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Lihue, take Highway 50, which skirts the south side of the island: about 40 km and 45 minutes by car. Island buses reach Waimea and Kekaha.
How many days
One day for Waimea Canyon and another for the boat trip to the Nā Pali coast. The town can be seen in a few hours.
When to go
Year-round: west Kauai is the driest part of the island. From May to September the sea tends to be calmer for Nā Pali boats. It is cooler at the canyon rim and clouds are common in the afternoon.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes, to drive up to the canyon, which has no public transport, and to reach the boat harbors. Drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Waimea
-
Morning
Waimea Canyon
Go up early on Highway 550 to the canyon’s main lookout, before the clouds arrive.
-
Afternoon
Town of Waimea
Go down into town, see the statue of Cook, the Russian fort and the river mouth.
2 days in Waimea
Day 1
-
All day
Canyon and town
Canyon in the morning and Waimea town in the afternoon.
Day 2
-
Morning
Nā Pali coast
Take a boat trip along the Nā Pali coast, departing from Port Allen or Waimea.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is Waimea on Kauai the same Waimea as on the Island of Hawaii?
No. This Waimea is on west Kauai, near the canyon; the other is on the Kohala plateau on the Big Island and many call it Kamuela. There is also Waimea Bay on Oahu.
Is Waimea a good base for the canyon?
Yes. The road that climbs to the canyon starts from town, and the Nā Pali boats depart nearby.
What is there to see in the town of Waimea?
The statue of Captain Cook, the ruins of the Russian fort Elizabeth from 1817, and the old wooden buildings.
Is it cold at Waimea Canyon?
At the lookout, at about 1,000 meters, temperatures are usually lower than on the coast. Bring a sweater or jacket.