Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Near the end of Koke'e Road in Waimea Canyon are two lookouts that are easily accessible by car and that overlook the dramatic scenery of the Na Pali coast rather than the canyon itself. The Kalalau Lookout affords amazing views down the Honopu and Kalepa ridges that form the deep valley thousands of feet below. The cool breeze rushes up the valley walls, providing relief from the hot tropical weather. Just a quarter of a mile up the road is the Pu'u O Kila Lookout, where similarly amazing views can be seen of Kalalau Beach, the terminus of the famous Kalalau Trail. Here a sign marks the altitude at roughly 5,100 feet. Follow a few hundred yards down the Pihea Trail for a cliffside vista where the red clay seemingly drops away just inches from where you can stand and snap some truly inspiring photos of the entire valley below. Just make sure you remain sure-footed, as a slip from these high cliffs would surely be fatal. 

Both lookouts have restrooms and picnic tables, which makes them perfect for a family outing. Bring some water, snacks, and sunscreen to continue along the Pihea Trail to the Alakai Swamp Trail through the second wettest place on Earth, where over 450 inches of rain falls per year.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Amazing views. Easily accessible.

Cons

Often in the clouds.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

ADA accessible
Family friendly
Flushing toilets
Geologically significant
Big vistas
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

06/28/2019
If you're up for an early adventure, arrive here before sunrise to have the place to yourself as the light reveals some amazing views!
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