As we return to Waimea town, there is a great little shave ice called Jojo’s Shave Ice. They have a wide range of tropical and traditional flavors. Add ice cream with condensed milk for a sugar rush!

In 1778, Captain Cook became the first Westerner to discover Hawaii. The place where Cook first set foot in Hawaii is right here in Waimea, so there’s a statue of him in the middle of town.

This unassuming block in the back of town has two really cool spots to check out: an ancient ditch and a swinging bridge. If you park before the bridge, the bridge will be on your right (you can’t miss it) and the ditch is on your left at the base of the mountain.

You might be thinking to yourself, what’s so cool about a ditch? Well, we’ll tell you the story of the men that made this ditch thousands of years ago. After, go for a walk on the bridge and feel the foundation swing beneath your feet!

Here in Hanapepe there are a few quaint art boutiques, restaurants, and an interesting little bookstore called Talk Story. In fact, it’s the western-most bookstore in the United States! Feel free to stop anytime as we do a quick drive through the town.

Start your day with a local cup of coffee made right here in Kauai. The rich volcanic dirt and cool trade winds on this island make for ideal coffee growing conditions. While you’re here, check out the visitor center for free coffee samples in a variety of flavors. You can also go for a walk through the coffee farm to learn about how this local java is made.

The lodge and museum at Koke'e are located at a small plateau in the mountain. The lodge is a sit-down restaurant with decent food if you are hungry. If you are lucky, sometimes they have live music! At the museum, there is a display of native plants, animals, and birds. You’ll also learn some history about the region. If you are interested in other hiking trails in the area, the museum staff are knowledgeable, so feel free to ask them questions.

Non-residents must pay a $5 per-person admission fee to get into the park, along with a $10 parking fee. 

Entry to the museum is free, but donations are accepted.

This is our first hike of the day. It is just a third of a mile long, but it offers some awesome views of Waimea Canyon. While you're on the trail, look out for place cards that describe the native plants. The trail is actually named after a rare plant -- ‘Iliau’ -- that is found nowhere else in the world, but here on Kauai.

Alltrails

The Canyon Trail is our first major hike for the day! There are two trailhead options, and two popular destinations along the Canyon Trail. No matter which option you choose, the views of Waimea Canyon will be amazing.

Pu’u Hinahina Lookout to Cliff View Point:

This steep, moderately challenging trail is about 1.5 miles out-and-back and takes about an hour to complete. Park at the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. From the parking lot, take the Canyon Trail to the junction with the Cliff Trail. Follow the sign to the Cliff View Point, and turn right. This short side trail leads to a stunning view of the canyon. When you finish, head back to the main trail. You can return the way you came or continue on the Canyon Trail.

Halemanu Road to Cliff View Point:

For a less strenuous option, park down the highway by the Koke’e State Park entrance sign and hike about ¾ of a mile down Halemanu Road to the Canyon Trail trailhead. Starting from the highway, this option is about 1.8 miles roundtrip and takes about an hour. From the trailhead, take the Canyon Trail to the junction with the Cliff Trail. Follow the sign to the Cliff View Point, and turn right. This short side trail leads to a stunning view of the canyon. When you finish, head back to the main trail. You can return the way you came or continue on the Canyon Trail.

Cliff View Point to Waipo’o Falls:

Follow the directions to the Cliff View Point. From the trail junction, continue on Canyon Trail for about another mile to the top of Waipo’o Falls. While you can’t see the main falls from the trail, you can walk a couple hundred yards upstream to a sweet little swimming hole and a smaller set of falls. Bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip! Going to the falls adds another hour or so to the total hike time.

Note: We highly recommend wearing hiking boots for all of these hikes.

This is the first of two lookouts of Waimea Canyon. This lookout has some of the best views on a clear day. Stand atop the lookout to take in the expansive views of this natural wonder.

Please Note: Entry to Waimea Canyon State Park costs $5 per person and $10 per vehicle to park. 

We’ll guide you to pull into a small parking lot for a view of an 800-foot waterfall that cascades into the canyon.

Note: depending on the season, this waterfall can be dry. If so, just move onto the next stop.

This is the second of the two lookouts for Waimea Canyon. Here at the end of the parking lot is the trailhead for the Canyon Trail. The trail signs are a little confusing, so read the description under Best Hikes in our app before hiking. If you are lucky, there is a little fruit stand here for some cold, fresh-cut fruit.

From this lookout, you get a view of the iconic Na Pali coast. You can also see the peak of Mt. Wai’ale’ale. and a swamp called Alaka’i Swamp - one of the wettest places on the entire planet, with about 450 inches of rain a year.

Nearby, there’s a hike called Pihea Trail. This trail is relatively flat and is considered family friendly. The hike is 4 miles round trip, but you can hike as far as you’d like and return the way you came. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with some amazing views of this Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali coast.

This spot can also experience dense fog, so be mindful as you’re hiking. Depending on the weather you might just get a nice walk, but no views of the Na Pali Coast. Also, be aware that if it has rained recently, this trail can get pretty muddy!

Alltrails

Here you will find your first view of the glorious Na Pali Coast. However, don’t be upset if dense fog prevents you from seeing any views, it’s typical at this altitude. Try waiting it out a few minutes, as the fog tends to come and go in waves.

Looking at this structure now, you probably just see a pile of rocks. But 100 years ago, this fort was an armory, barracks and officer’s quarters in the shape of a star with walls 20-feet high and 17-feet wide. The backstory about this place is way more interesting than the structure itself!

Make a quick stop for a view of some beautiful scenery. You can even see the Russian Fort from this vantage point.

If you’ve been to Hawaii, you’ve probably seen a few waterfalls. But, this waterfall is particularly unique. It runs through Kauai’s red dirt, instead of lush green jungle, which is what you normally see. Stop by for a quick picture, and then continue into the park.

Note: This waterfall is sometimes dry.

If you’re interested in checking out yet another swinging bridge, stop here. You can compare which one has better views and feels more sturdy! This bridge is much more accessible and well maintained.

If you are here on a Friday night, this sleepy little town comes to life with a vibrant art scene.