Waimea Canyon

Post by Johanna

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Located west of Kauai, Waimea Canyon’s interior surprises visitors with its depth and colors, that look more as if belonging to a place like Arizona than a tropical Pacific island. In fact, Mark Twain, the famous American author of such books like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, was so impressed when he saw it that he called it the Grand Canyon of the Pacific in his diaries, in reference to the Grand Canyon in Colorado.

You can reach the summit of Waimea Canyon through a splendid route where you will be able to stop on various occasions to admire the landscape throughout the long road. On a sunny day, you may admire the Prohibited Island of Niihau at the end of the road, which is only inhabited by 100% Hawaiian people and cannot be visited without special permission. Even if some tours may reach the island’s territory, visitors may not spend the night.

The western part of Kauai has a beauty practically pastoral, which generates a complete contrast with the tropical forests of the North Shore and the green tropics of the East Shore. Starting at the south of the island, the vegetation begins to change and you will be able to admire a climate that most people do not expect in Hawaii. The West offers one of the driest regions in the world and it is truly impressive, given the fact that Kauai, with only 30 miles in diameter, is also home to the most humid place in the world, the Waialeale Forest.

When you explore the Canyon, take the whole day. On the peak you may be able to visit a small natural museum where you will learn about the local flora and fauna. Given the distance that separates these islands from any continent, which make this the most isolated place in the world, there are species that are only found on these islands. The Museum is part of Kokee Park and will offer you endless opportunities to explore this marvelous place. You will be able to learn about the Iniki Hurricane, which devastated the island in 1992, which is why it is remembered as an event that changed the face of Kauai for many years.

If you are hungry, the restaurant at Kokee provides breakfast and lunch services. The soup or chowder is exquisite, as well as, the famous corn bread. If you want to go hiking, the personnel can provide you with maps of the different routes. Take something warm with you, especially if you spend the night; since the temperature goes down many degrees during winter.

On the other hand, if you want to explore the more isolated routes by automobile, I recommend do it only if you have a 4×4 vehicle, since if it has rained during the night, the mud will be an adventure; one that is better to avoid.

Finally, if you want to spend the night, Kokee park has rustic cabins that offer you the opportunity to enjoy a side of Hawaii that few people know. The park sells lumber in case you want to warm yourself at night and enjoy its wonderful fireplaces. It is, undoubtedly, a romantic place that will give you many opportunities for relaxation and adventure. The cold morning air will wake you up and refresh you during the day. If you are going walking, the routes offer you the Mokihana berries, a delicate fruit that the locals enjoy during the spring season.

Image: Taringa

Blogalaxia Tags: Hawaii, Waimea Canyon, United States, Tourism, Photos, Nature, Beaches.