Mark Twain dubbed it as the “Grand
Canyon of the Pacific” but Waimea Canyon on Kauai is a tourist’s
delight for many on a Hawaiian holiday also because of the sheer
magnificence of its large size as much as the panoramic view it
affords those accessing it by foot or by bus tour.
Go West – when in the Kauai Region - and you are sure to witness
one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the shape of the
Waimea Canyon. Measuring more than ten miles long and dipping
down to nearly 4,000 feet in depth, this nature’s marvel was
formed due to rock erosions combined with the collapsing of the
very same volcano that formed Kauai.
So, if you happen to be on Kauai Island on holiday, do make it a
point to visit Waimea Canyon’s panoramic lookout zones spanning
Hanapepe, the fascinating Spouting Horn in clear view beyond and
the Poipu Resorts located in the south coast region; the last
were given its bit of fame thanks to an Elvis Presley film
titled, ‘Blue Hawaii.’
Visitors to the Waimea Canyon are also recommended to take out
some time to visit the nearby Koloa Sugar Mill for an insight
into the workings of a traditional plantation and factory life,
in addition to catching a view of other famous landmarks
bordering the Canyon, namely, Queen Victoria's profile and the
Nawiliwili Harbor. However, travelers to the Poipu area may
please note that they may not be able to view the aforementioned
sugar or the two last attractions from their point and therefore
a side-trip may be necessary. But, by itself, the Queen
Victoria's profile with the many quaint, small town south coast
resorts and cottage-stays offering a taste of paradise in the
local lodgings and cuisines provided for visitors, is a charming
drive-through route.
The Waimea Canyon is truly a dramatic sight for first-time
visitors to this largest Pacific canyon, carved out, as it was
hundreds of years ago due to river-floods flowing down from the
summit of Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale. The tremendous rainfall experienced
by the mountain’s summit – close to 440 inches – is the reason
for it being one of the wettest of all earthly spots.
It is the home of Waimea River today, named thus because of the
red hue in its waters, which have been a result of thousands of
years of rock-breakdowns in the gorge area. Thus, its creation
owes a lot to the effects of weathering and mass wasting,
similarly felt by the Grand Canyon, Arizona, wherein rainfall
and gravitational breakdowns caused immeasurable levels of
erosion in the river walls, due to which Waimea Canyon walls too
were broken down and later, carried into the sea with the
passage of time.
Even today, when viewed from space, once can see these tinted
runoff effects of the water passages marking its path to the
sea.
This makes the Waimea Canyon a highlight for geology buffs,
adventure sports lovers and all kinds of holidaymakers alike
offering as it does lots of historical value for natural land
formations, hiking and biking trails besides fantastic views
from every angle!
Its elevation affords the area to remain 10-15 degrees more cool
as compared to the rest of the valley, with a shroud of clouds
being the normal course of events as these natural billowy
beauties shield the sun from human view during the afternoons –
else it would be really warm even at its 4,000 feet height from
the highway.
