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Lihue Airport To Poipu - The drive takes 20 to 25 minutes. As
you leave the airport there will be a traffic light, you may turn left and
follow the signs to Poipu. A more direct route is to keep going straight. You’ll
be on Ahukini Road. At the next traffic light, when the road ends, turn left.
Follow this road, which turns into Kaumualii Hwy (#50) taking you through Lihue
and out of town heading southwest, towards Waimea. The turn to Koloa and Poipu
will be about 7 miles from Lihue where there will be a sign directing. The turn
is the entrance to the magnificent tunnel of trees on Maluhia Road. In Koloa,
follow the signs to Poipu. If driving during the late afternoon, you may
encounter heavy traffic in Lihue, which frees up once past the Kauai Community
College. To map the route on the Internet the address of Lihue Airport is 3907
Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI 96766.
Lihue Airport to Princeville - Leave the airport on Ahukini Road
(570). Turn right (North) at Kuhio Highway (56) towards Kapaa Stay on the Kuhio
Highway until you reach the 27 mile marker Shortly after the 27-mile marker you
will see the Princeville Golf Course. Keep driving. Shortly after the
Princeville Golf Course, you will reach the main entrance to the Princeville
Resort. If you reach the Princeville Shopping Center, you have gone a little too
far. If you reach the town of Hanalei, you have gone way too far.
Waimea - Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly
a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and
more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and
floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit. The lines in the canyon walls
depict different volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the
centuries. Even though smaller than the Grand Canyon of Arizona, Waimea Canyon
rivals the beauty. Numerous lookouts and hikes offer terrific views of every
aspect of this natural wonder. The canyon is protected by the Koke'e State Park
which encompasses 4,345 acres of land and has 45 miles of trails that run
through the canyon and the nearby Alakai Swamp. The Ranger's Station is located
at the Koke'e Museum has hiking maps of the area. There are no gas stations
along the 40-mile Waimea Canyon Road so be sure to fill up before starting this
trip. The main park area provides restrooms. The elevation makes the air 10-15
degrees cooler than in the valley and by afternoon many areas are often shrouded
in clouds.
Take Highway 50 west from Hanapepe toward Waimea. Waimea Canyon Drive is on
the right just past Mile Marker #23. The road travels through the canyon area
and ends at Pu'u o Kila Lookout. Makaha Ridge Road runs off Waimea Canyon Road
just before Mile Market #14 and travels to more sceneic lookouts. Numerous
lookouts and trails lead off of these two roads.
Waimea Canyon Road travels the canyon and provides excellent lookouts of the
gorge No gas stations are located along this road - be sure to fill up before
starting the trip Excellent photo opportunies at every turn Best viewing of the
Kalalau Valley is in the early morning Numerous trails lead through and above
the canyon - check at the Ranger Station for maps Certain trails require a state
permit before hiking Camping available at Koke'e Campground Hale Koa Cabins also
available - call 808-335-5290 for information and reservations For weather
information in the canyon, call 808-245-6001
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