Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls

The Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls traverses the dramatic interior of Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. At roughly 3,000 feet deep and 14 miles long, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific Basin, carved by the Waimea River over millions of years through the ancient shield volcano that forms Kauai. The trail descends through layers of red and orange volcanic rock before arriving at Waipo'o Falls, a two-tiered waterfall plunging 800 feet into the canyon below. Along the route, hikers encounter native Hawaiian plants, wild chickens, and occasional nene geese. The canyon walls glow in shades of burgundy, ochre, and green depending on the light, creating one of Hawaii most photogenic landscapes. Morning hikes offer the best lighting conditions and views. Seasonal rains can make portions of the trail muddy and slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The dramatic scale of the canyon makes this one of Kauai premier hiking experiences.