Waimea Canyon Drive (HI-550)

Waimea Canyon Drive (Route 550, also called Kokee Road) climbs 18 miles from the town of Waimea on Kauai's southwest coast to Koke'e State Park at over 4,000 feet, tracing the western rim of Waimea Canyon — a 3,600-foot-deep gorge known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' Multiple paved lookouts appear roughly every mile along the ascent, with the main Waimea Canyon Overlook (mile marker 10) offering the deepest views into the red-walled canyon. On clear days the distant island of Ni'ihau is visible from the upper lookouts. The road is well-paved and manageable but narrow in places; morning arrivals are essential as clouds typically fill the canyon by late morning.