Waimea Canyon + Kōke'e State Park

Happy Honeymooning, day 2! 

The breathtaking vistas of Waimea Canyon can be seen from different vantage points on Route 550 (Kokee Road). While these were no doubt spectacular you really don't need to set aside all that much time to see them. I recommend making a day of it, that is, to spend time on one or two of the many hiking trails in the high, cool, mountain heartland of the island, away from the crowded overlooks.  

We stopped at the visitor center (about 3/4 of the way up Rt 550) to plan our route and grab a map. The woman at the counter was not the friendliest (and to be quite honest, gave us some bogus information) so we were thankful to have chatted with a local photographer in his art gallery the night before and had a solid idea of what trail we should hike. We continued up the road past the famed Kalalau Lookout to the final lookout accessible by car Pu'u O Kila Lookout. From here we began our journey into the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on foot. 

Kauai's untamed back-country is said to overlook some of the islands most spectacular scenery. Well, I am certain that it does, because we experienced these sights yesterday on our helicopter tour. Today we would not be so fortunate as to have the clouds part and give way to clear ocean vistas.

There were moments you could faintly make out the ocean far below between the fast moving clouds. I have a feeling that's par for the course when you decide to hike one of the wettest places on Earth!

Make no mistake, we were not disappointed. We were rewarded with a beautiful journey as we hiked the Pihea Trail to the Pihea Vista Junction. From here we doubled back and cut onto the Alakai Swamp Trail to the Kilohana Lookout and back. I believe we hiked just over 8 miles.

The hike wasn't of significant elevation gain but it was technically challenging, incredibly so because of all the slippery red clay mud. It was raining a light to moderate rain on and off for about 70% of the hike. We felt well prepared with light rain coats, hiking poles and snacks. 

On the Pihea Trail you are hiking near cliffs which are seriously steep so approach the edge with caution. We hung out at the Pihea Vista Junction watching the clouds roll in an out and snacking on Spam Musubi from Ishihara Market in Waimea Town. A stop at this grocery store to stock up on local goodies is a smart move even if you're not hiking into the edge of the Hono'onapali Natural Reserve Area.

On the Alakai Swamp trail you are mostly on a boardwalk as you cross the middle-of-nowhere, beautiful, otherworldly and eerie swamp! You do forge a river (and there is a rope to help you cross it) so if your feet were not completely soaked up to that point, they probably are now! 

Below at the end of the Alakai Swamp Trail's Kilohana Lookout....absolutely nothing to see here!

But there was something to be seen on our drive back down the canyon!

A rainbow and some cool views of Waimea town.

And soon after a gorgeous sunset on nearby Kekaha Beach, complete with Poke Bowls and Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale. We stopped back at Ishihara Market for Poke but they were out, thankfully Big Save Market across the street saves the day!

 Hawaii day two, another one for the books!