Some go to Hawaii to experience the beautiful outdoors with an exhaustive hike but I go to take in the scenery and eat great food. And that’s just what happened when I visited Waimea Canyon, also called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, on the island of Kauai. Turning off the coastal highway to drive up Kokee Road, I followed one curve after another until a parking lot appeared. Visitors get a panoramic view of the mystic canyon by walking up some steep stairs or using the wheelchair ramp to reach the standing platform on the edge of the canyon.
Rich vibrant colors and deep canyons provide breathtaking views, enjoyed while safely behind railings.
Deep crevices and peaks with ridges of browns, purples and green colors rival any mainland canyon. People plan and look forward to hiking this rough terrain for the thrill of being with nature in a most gorgeous setting. Running waterfalls cascade through the cliffs and the hiking enthusiast can get an athlete’s high after accomplishing the trails.
After snapping pictures from different angles of the dazzling natural wonder, I drove further uphill to the Kalalau look out where the ocean looks endless on the disappearing horizon. The wilderness valley of Kalakau opens like a green fan below the jagged cliffs.
All of this sightseeing made me anxious to try Brick Oven pizza on Kaumualii Highway in Kalaheo on the way back to Lihue. The informal restaurant with red checkered tablecloths is a favorite pizza and Italian food place on this dry side of the island. The pepperoni pizza was delicious with fresh and crunchy crust and a leafy salad rounded out the meal. The servers are friendly and old license plates decorate the walls of this popular local eatery.
Bring your camera and spend some time soaking in the beauty of this majestic natural wonder. Before or after the drive, enjoy the local pizza for a day well spent on the west side of the island.
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