I had been to Kauai many times but never taken this hike till now. This hike had so much to offer I can't imagine spending a day without this in it. We set off early from Princeville area, made the hike and had time to spend the late afternoon hanging out at Poipu. Pros-The hike was relatively easy. There was not much incline and it was not far to the jaw dropping views, vistas and the waterfall. The biggest pro is that I simply cannot imagine another experience quite like this one. Cons- Slippery in spots, some of the directions were a tad confusing and there is that business where you are hiking on the edge of a cliff...I get a tad wobbly in the knees with such stuff and can say it is NOT that bad. Bottom line...pack some snacks and plenty of water and figure out a way to include this in your trip...you won't be disappointed.
Short hike if you keep a decent pace. Took us half an hour to get to the end from the car park, so an hour an a half all up return with some time at the end. Great views for such a short walk. The walk back is a lot tougher as it gets a little steep and involves abit of up hill climb. If you are reasonably fit, you will be ok. We are late twenties and active and it was an easy short walk to finish the day.
Canyons trail is great for sure but the view and waterfall are all at the end. If you want views from every step check out the arduous kukui trail it will blow you away.
We got to the Canyon Trial by parking at the Pu'u Hinahina lookout and taking the New Spur Trail. I think this a better option than parking by the Koke'e park sign as it is a shorter trail and you get some good views from the beginning. The trail is a little steep and times and is muddy so make sure you have shoes with good traction. The Cliff Trail is mostly downhill until you connect up with the Canyon Trail. The distance to the Waipo'o falls is just under 2 miles from the start of the cliff trail. You get some amazing view of the Waimea Canyon along they way and at one point are on top of an open hilltop shortly before you reach the falls. As the previous reviews on here say make sure you see both falls. And if you can do a little climbing down some rocks you will get a better view of the falls overlooking the canyon. The fork in the trail is pretty easy to catch if you are looking out for it. This was well worth the hike in the mud.
This trail as very nice. Shaded and challenging, there were lots of people so it's a challenge but I would say all ages trail. Lots of steps but it's clearly marked, steep up and down, but again lots of families and grandparents!
Takes about three hours to enjoy the views. Would be very slippery if it was wet, there were a few slick spots. Worth the effort.
We went on a slick day. Vibram shoes were not enough. Hiking boots recommended. Steep in a few spots and lots of ups and downs with switchbacks. I would rate moderate but I'm not a fit person. We still did the trail in the time frame given tho with breaks and a stop to swim in the falls. Go for it!
Gorgeous views! Definitely worth the hike out (it's not terribly long, or arduous). Keep in mind, this hike really isn't about seeing waterfalls, it's about the phenomenal panoramic view of the canyon, while standing on top of a giant 800ft waterfall (you don't get a great view from the fall itself since you're standing on it).TIPS1. Get there early (8ish is fine) - it gets you there before the crowds, better chance at parking, but most importantly it's cooler in the morning.2. If you have a 4WD car you can drive in an extra 3/4 miles to the trailhead. The first part of the hike is on a dirt road, not interesting, and you'll appreciate not having to walk the extra distance on your way out.3. MOST IMPORTANT! Don't be fooled by the first waterfall. If you hit a small waterfall (20' or so) with no view of the canyon, you've actually gone too far. If you're following the trail there's a small fork that seems to steer you left (I didn't even notice the fork when we got to it). If you notice the fork - turn right! If you don't notice it (like me) you'll reach the small waterfall. It's a great place for a swim, but be sure to go see the site you really came for. If you hit the small waterfall, turn around and go back up the trail 100 yds or so (don't be fooled by the small fake fork right near the waterfall that passes you between rocks - that's a dead end) and you'll come to a fork - turn left at the fork (it's left now since you're coming back up the trail) and you'll be in for a great treat!4. If you're going the right way you'll hit a double waterfall that's also not huge (20' maybe). Don't stop here! It's beautiful, but if you go a little bit further down the trail you'll scramble down some rocks and you'll be in for a real treat! A gorgeous panoramic view of the canyon and the chance to dangle your feet above a huge 800' waterfall.Side note - this is not a difficult trail. If you're considering it, chances are you can do it :)
Why watch the Super Bowl when you can see stunning sights like those in Waimea Canyon and from the Cliff and Canyon trails. That is what we did on Super Bowl Sunday. It is recommended to park around the 14 mile marker vs at the nearby lookout since that approach to these trails is much steeper. The first .8 miles is on a fire road. The trail to the top of the falls is about 1.5miles and the total ascent/ decent was around 900' including the short side Cliff trail. And sure we saw people hiking in flip flops but pleasewhere some hiking boots especially if wet.
The first section of the trail isn't very interesting, but when you reach the canyon you will be satisfied. You can look across and see people at the lookouts and it gives you a scale of how big the canyon actually is. Once these views start, they continue down to the waterfall. If you stopped to take photos in your car at one of the viewpoints you will see what looks like a small waterfall across the canyon. You can actually hike down to this where the water drops a few hundred feet below. Be careful, especially if it is wet. I wouldn't recommend flip flops for this hike.