Staff Pick
Road Trip Kauai – Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei
Lihue
Ke'e Beach
90
km
2h30
drive
All seasons
season
The Itinerary
Kauai, the "Garden Isle" and oldest in the Hawaiian chain (5 million years), is also the wildest: 70% of the territory is roadless. Highway 56 north and Highway 50 west, meeting at Lihue, form the spine of a 90 km road trip revealing two of America's most extraordinary landscapes.
The Na Pali Coast on the northwest is roadless — you must hike the Kalalau Trail (extreme, permit required) or take a cruise from Hanalei. Its 1,200 m cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific served as the Jurassic Park backdrop. Route 56 ends at Ke'e Beach, the trailhead.
On the other side, Highway 550 climbs to Waimea Canyon — dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain: 16 km long, 1,100 m deep, ochre and red walls. Waimea Canyon Lookout, Pu'u Hinahina, Kalalau Lookout and Pu'u O Kila viewpoints offer the best views. Poipu on the south coast rounds out with beaches and the Spouting Horn (natural blowhole).
The Na Pali Coast on the northwest is roadless — you must hike the Kalalau Trail (extreme, permit required) or take a cruise from Hanalei. Its 1,200 m cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific served as the Jurassic Park backdrop. Route 56 ends at Ke'e Beach, the trailhead.
On the other side, Highway 550 climbs to Waimea Canyon — dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" by Mark Twain: 16 km long, 1,100 m deep, ochre and red walls. Waimea Canyon Lookout, Pu'u Hinahina, Kalalau Lookout and Pu'u O Kila viewpoints offer the best views. Poipu on the south coast rounds out with beaches and the Spouting Horn (natural blowhole).
Points of Interest
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Na Pali Coast1,200 m cliffs, Jurassic Park, hike or boat access only.
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Waimea Canyon"Grand Canyon of the Pacific," 1,100 m deep.
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Hanalei BayCrescent bay, 3 km beach, surf, 7 one-lane bridges.
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Spouting Horn (Poipu)Natural sea blowhole, 15 m water jets.
Practical info
- Departure Lihue
- Destination Ke'e Beach
- Distance 90 km
- Duration 2h30
- Category Short (< 100 km)
- Best season All seasons
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