Waimea Canyon

[catsarecute]

In regards to my last post (travel anxiety), I've decided that if my husband doesn't want to go see things in Kauai, I'll go alone in the mornings so he can sleep in and relax.

Anyways, I don't want to hike Waimea Canyon (don't have hiking shoes, etc) but if I drive up through the park, are the lookout points accessible by car? The park websites aren't very clear on this.

Thanks!

[misshark122]

The look outs are accessible by car. The road is really windy and twisty! it made me super dizzy! Even my husband got really dizzy at one point from it - and he never does!

[catsarecute]

Jun 15, 2012 13:36:13 GMT -5 misshark122 said:

The look outs are accessible by car. The road is really windy and twisty! it made me super dizzy! Even my husband got really dizzy at one point from it - and he never does!

Good to know! Thanks. Even if I can only make it to one look out point before getting car sick, I'll be happy.

[keweenawlove]

See my post below. The picture of the canyon was taken from the main lookout. Our friends went further and had an amazing view of the Na Pali Coast from the lookout at the end of the road.

[misshark122]

I didn't get sick though, it was definitely doable, just a warning

[Deleted]

Yes, there are many lookout points that are accessible by car. The view from the top is amazing! This is probably something your H shouldn't sleep through imo. Remember to bring water and there are not many restrooms. Oh yeah, and watch out for the speed traps. The speed limit will go from 45 mph to 30 mph every 20 yards or so. We got stuck with a $100 ticket that we call our "donation" to Kuaui.

[catsarecute]

Jun 15, 2012 14:49:52 GMT -5 @missy1 said:

Yes, there are many lookout points that are accessible by car. The view from the top is amazing! This is probably something your H shouldn't sleep through imo. Remember to bring water and there are not many restrooms. Oh yeah, and watch out for the speed traps. The speed limit will go from 45 mph to 30 mph every 20 yards or so. We got stuck with a $100 ticket that we call our "donation" to Kuaui.

He has no interest in sightseeing, sadly. I'm done trying to convince him but maybe when we get there he will change his mind. I'm perfectly happy going alone. I'm pretty good company.

[Deleted]

We Are not hikers and just did the scenic drive. The views are gorgeous, with plenty of places to pull over and get out. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

[basilosaurus]

Yes, it's very easy to pull over at the many lookouts. At one of the last ones there's a loop trail. We didn't go very far (maybe 30 minutes) but the views kept getting better. You can easily leave your H at a picnic table and take a short walk by yourself if you want.

I didn't think the road was that windy or difficult, but I also have lived in the mountains. I'm lucky I didn't get caught speeding b/c I was having too much fun racing around the turns

[redheadk]

Even if he's not a sightseer, it's actually a pretty fun activity and doesn't take that long. Afterwards, we normally stop for Shave Ice. If you go to JoJo's (either of them) in Waimea, walk back around the building towards the ocean. There is a "black sand" beach there and you can walk out onto the pier while you enjoy your shave ice. I have no idea why people hover around the buildings to eat their shave ice instead of making the very short walk to the beach!

[Deleted]

Jun 16, 2012 9:33:34 GMT -5 redheadk said:

Even if he's not a sightseer, it's actually a pretty fun activity and doesn't take that long. Afterwards, we normally stop for Shave Ice. If you go to JoJo's (either of them) in Waimea, walk back around the building towards the ocean. There is a "black sand" beach there and you can walk out onto the pier while you enjoy your shave ice. I have no idea why people hover around the buildings to eat their shave ice instead of making the very short walk to the beach!

We hovered at the building both times we went to JoJo's! We had no idea that the beach was so close. We'll just have to go back to Kauai so we can do it right

[misshark122]

Jun 16, 2012 10:47:49 GMT -5 @godawgs said:

Jun 16, 2012 9:33:34 GMT -5 redheadk said:

Even if he's not a sightseer, it's actually a pretty fun activity and doesn't take that long. Afterwards, we normally stop for Shave Ice. If you go to JoJo's (either of them) in Waimea, walk back around the building towards the ocean. There is a "black sand" beach there and you can walk out onto the pier while you enjoy your shave ice. I have no idea why people hover around the buildings to eat their shave ice instead of making the very short walk to the beach!

We hovered at the building both times we went to JoJo's! We had no idea that the beach was so close. We'll just have to go back to Kauai so we can do it right

\ditto this I had no idea! but I loved that shaved ice. so yummy!

[catsarecute]

I left my hotel at 5:30 am and drove up to Waimea Canyon. Well worth the hour drive. I went all the way up to the final look out point which was just breathtaking! Thanks for all the advice.
We are on our way to Hanalei right now despite heavy winds and clouds!