One of Waimea Canyon's Most Spectacular Vantage Points
- Map: Google Maps
One of the best places to appreciate the immense scale and rugged beauty of Waimea Canyon on Kauai is Puu Hinahina Lookout. Located within Waimea Canyon State Park, the overlook provides expansive views deep into the canyon and across the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests of Kauai’s interior.
With a paved parking area, restrooms and easy access from Waimea Canyon Road, Puu Hinahina Lookout is one of the two primary developed overlooks in Waimea Canyon State Park, along with Waimea Canyon Lookout. Each offers a distinctly different perspective of the canyon, making both worthwhile stops when exploring the area.
From Puu Hinahina Lookout, visitors can gaze directly down the length of Waimea Canyon, offering a distinctly different perspective from the sweeping views at Waimea Canyon Lookout. Far below, the lush green valley floor contrasts dramatically with the canyon’s rugged red and brown walls, while the Waimea River winds through the landscape like a thin white ribbon.
The lookout’s elevated position also provides a remarkable sense of the canyon’s depth and scale. Ridges, cliffs and deeply eroded valleys stretch into the distance, illustrating the powerful forces of water and erosion that have shaped this extraordinary landscape over millions of years.
A separate viewpoint near the parking area faces west toward the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, visitors may be able to see the distant island of Niihau on the horizon.
Admission to Puu Hinahina Lookout is included with the entrance and parking fees for Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park. Payment kiosks are available at the lookout for visitors who need to purchase admission.
Puu Hinahina Lookout is located along Waimea Canyon Road just beyond mile marker 13, approximately three miles past Waimea Canyon Lookout. The convenient roadside setting makes the scenic viewpoint an easy and worthwhile stop during a day of exploring Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park.
The Canyon Trail as seen from the Puu Hinahina Lookout.
Visitors interested in hiking can also access nearby trails. The Cliff Trail begins near the lookout and connects with the popular Canyon Trail, which leads hikers through the canyon landscape toward the area above Waipoo Falls.
Although the Cliff Trail provides another way to reach the Canyon Trail, vegetation can obstruct many of its canyon views. Visitors primarily interested in hiking the Canyon Trail may prefer to begin at the main Canyon Trail trailhead nearby. Portions of the Canyon Trail and the surrounding landscape can be seen from Puu Hinahina Lookout.
With its commanding canyon views, convenient facilities and easy access to nearby hiking trails, Puu Hinahina Lookout is an essential stop along Waimea Canyon Road. Whether visited briefly while touring the canyon or used as the starting point for further exploration, the overlook provides one of the most impressive perspectives of Kauai’s remarkable interior.
