Kauai's West Side Activities

A nature walk is the best way to explore the upland rainforest in Kokee. Start your hike behind the museum at the rare Hawaiian koa tree for an easy, self-guided walk (approximately one quarter mile/20 minutes if you stop and look at all the plants identified on the walk).

The first good vantage point is Waimea Canyon Lookout, located between mile markers 10 and 11 on Waimea Canyon Road (it's another six miles to Kokee) and there are a few more lookout points, one of which is Puu Hina Hina Lookout, between mile markers 13 and 14, at 3,336 feet.

Two miles above Kokee Lodge is Kalalau Lookout, the magnificent pinnacle of your drive through Waimea Canyon and Kokee. Stop at the lookout to enjoy incredible vistas and see what began at least 5 million years ago and is still magnificent today. Further up, anglers fly-fish for rainbow trout and hikers traverse the 45 trails along the Alakai Swamp.

Do not consider leaving Kauai without making the time to visit Polihale State Park, which is the epitome of the dreamy tropical island beach in all its splendor.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THIS AREA »