Waimea Canyon + Waipoʻo Falls: Worth the Hike
After Nāpali's green coastal cliffs, Waimea felt like another island: red canyon walls, waterfall terrain and a fun hike with a completely different personality.
The Canyon Trail toward Waipoʻo Falls is one of the obvious hiking choices in Waimea Canyon, and for good reason. Expect red dirt, canyon-rim views and a trail that can feel much slicker and harder after rain than its mileage suggests.
The waterfall is not the whole point
Do not expect the classic distant frontal view of the full waterfall from the trail endpoint. For us, the fun was the hike itself and the red-and-green canyon scenery. The canyon was such a contrast with the Nāpali Coast that it deserved its own day.
Pair the hike with the drive
Give yourself time for Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe overlooks instead of racing directly to the trailhead. The road climbs into dramatically different terrain, and the viewpoints are part of the experience.