Driving Kauai question...Waimea Canyon

[TLC535]

We are planning on renting a car in Kauai & driving to Kalalau lookout & Waimea Canyon & are trying to get a "reality" time frame as we would also like to go by Spouting horn & Poipu beach...we will be on the island from 8-5 & plan on returning the car by 4...

Thanks in advance for any advise or info. :)

[lv2bgoofy]

We did Waimea on the first day in port and with renting the car and driving to Waimea we probably spent about 3 hours in the park and we didn't hurry. Take Waimea Canyon Road which is before the actual turn-off - you will think you are going through a neighborhood but once you get into the park there are some amazing views.

 

We then drove to Polihale State Park and spent about a 1/2 hour there...stopped for lunch...stopped at the Red Dirt Shirt warehouse and still had time to drive to the Wailea and could of had the car back by 5.

 

So I think your timeline is doable.

[chipmaster]

very doable, just have to choose where you want to spend a lot of time. Even with that wish list at a few places you should have plenty of time to linger, shop, and / or do a hike.

 

I would suggest you do the Canyon first, going all the way to the very top and work your way back. Thus if you find something that tickles your fancy and spend more time you can manage the time back easier as you'll be coming back and closer with each stop.

 

Enjoy

[Budget Queen]

I also agree this is doable. KEY is to take a look at the Canyon before going up there, and being flexable in your order of driving. IF the Canyon is fogged out, then doing your other stuff first, may give you clearing later.

[Zeno]

Would it be doable to see the Waimea Canyon in a morning?

 

We have 1.5 days in Kauai. On our first day we want to do the North Shore and then

drive to the Waimea Canyon on day 2 - if it's doable. We would start out at about 8AM and would want to return the car before 1PM.

[TLC535]

Thanks for the info. everyone :D

[Budget Queen]

Would it be doable to see the Waimea Canyon in a morning?

 

We have 1.5 days in Kauai. On our first day we want to do the North Shore and then

drive to the Waimea Canyon on day 2 - if it's doable. We would start out at about 8AM and would want to return the car before 1PM.

 

Yes, very doable. I've done it a few times, including again a month ago.

[Zeno]

Yes, very doable. I've done it a few times, including again a month ago.

Thx for info!

Great news. How long does it take to drive to the canyon from the cruiseship dock area?

[Novastar]

Thx for info!

Great news. How long does it take to drive to the canyon from the cruiseship dock area?

 

90 minutes or less, depending on traffic will get you to the canyon. The Kalalau lookout is about 7 miles or so farther.

[Zeno]

Thx very much for info. It really helps the planning!

[Novastar]

You're quite welcome. Enjoy Kauai. It's my favorite of the islands and I will be there for a week in 48 long hours!