Located in western Kauai, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and though the expansive canyon is not as big — or as old — as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii. Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls; it is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty.
With brilliant shades of red, brown, green, blue, gray, and even purple, Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses approximately 1,866 acres and is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations.
Paul Bica/Flickr
Unlike many similar canyons, Waimea Canyon was not formed solely from steady erosion, but also by a catastrophic collapse of the volcano that created the island of Kauai.
Jeff/Flickr
With lava flows dating to more than five million years ago, Kauai is the oldest of Hawaii’s main islands. While Kauai was continuously erupting, nearly four million years ago, a portion of the island collapsed, creating a depression that filled with lava flows.
Hades Bane/Flickr
Matt McGee/Flickr
Since then, rainwater from the slopes of Mount Wai’ale’ale — one of the wettest spots on earth — has eroded the canyon along one edge of the collapse; the cliff walls on the east side of the canyon are built from thick lava flows that pooled in the depression.
Hey skinny/Flickr
Over time, the basalt has weathered from its original black hue to Waimea Canyon’s signature red. After all, waimea translates to “reddish water” in Hawaiian, surely referring to the canyon’s striking color.
Geordie Mott/Flickr
While the Waimea Canyon lookout provides incredible views of crested buttes, ragged cliffs, and deep valley gorges, we suggest you continue on Waimea Canyon Drive into the mountains. Here, you will enter Koke’e State Park, which offers some of the state’s greatest hiking — for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
Kevin Oliver/Flickr
Selbe Lynn/Flickr
For a unique, aerial view of the canyon, consider splurging for a helicopter tour of Waimea Canyon. You will not only experience this magnificent geological wonder from an entirely different perspective, but the thrill will provide a once in a lifetime experience.
Andy LoPresto/Flickr
So, what are you waiting for? If the Grand Canyon of the Pacific isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be added immediately! This wonder is one you truly must experience in person!
Noaml/Flickr
Have you ever visited Hawaii’s Waimea Canyon? Tell us about your visit in the comments, and then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group if you have photos you’d like to share! If you enjoyed reading all about Hawaii’s very own Grand Canyon, you’re sure to love these 15 spots in Hawaii where time stands still.
Paul Bica/Flickr
Jeff/Flickr
Hades Bane/Flickr
Matt McGee/Flickr
Hey skinny/Flickr
Geordie Mott/Flickr
Kevin Oliver/Flickr
Selbe Lynn/Flickr
Andy LoPresto/Flickr
Noaml/Flickr
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Address: Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaiian Geology January 01, 1970
How were the Hawaiian Islands created? The fascinating geology of this unique island paradise is truly fascinating. The Hawaiian archipelago was created millions of years ago when underwater volcanoes emerged from the ocean’s surface. With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian archipelago is the youngest section of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain of volcanoes and seamounts extending across the Pacific Ocean. How many active volcanoes are there in Hawaii today? In addition to several dormant and extinct volcanoes, the Hawaiian Islands are home to approximately six active volcanoes found across the state. These include Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Mauna Kea, all of which are found on Hawaii Island, as well as Haleakala on Maui and Loihi, the only known active submarine volcano in Hawaii. Loihi erupted recently, in 1996 during a swarm of earthquakes, and is located less than 1,000 meters below sea level southeast of Hawaii Island. Are there any unique geologic formations found in Hawaii? Of course, there are! Formed over the course of millions of years from countless volcanic eruptions, the Hawaiian Islands are not only truly remarkable but home to some simply jaw-dropping — and strange — rock formations. From striking lava tubes and lithified sand dunes to geological formations resembling your favorite animal, you’ll only find these 13 odd rock formations in Hawaii.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaiian Geology
January 01, 1970
How were the Hawaiian Islands created? The fascinating geology of this unique island paradise is truly fascinating. The Hawaiian archipelago was created millions of years ago when underwater volcanoes emerged from the ocean’s surface. With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian archipelago is the youngest section of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain of volcanoes and seamounts extending across the Pacific Ocean. How many active volcanoes are there in Hawaii today? In addition to several dormant and extinct volcanoes, the Hawaiian Islands are home to approximately six active volcanoes found across the state. These include Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Mauna Kea, all of which are found on Hawaii Island, as well as Haleakala on Maui and Loihi, the only known active submarine volcano in Hawaii. Loihi erupted recently, in 1996 during a swarm of earthquakes, and is located less than 1,000 meters below sea level southeast of Hawaii Island. Are there any unique geologic formations found in Hawaii? Of course, there are! Formed over the course of millions of years from countless volcanic eruptions, the Hawaiian Islands are not only truly remarkable but home to some simply jaw-dropping — and strange — rock formations. From striking lava tubes and lithified sand dunes to geological formations resembling your favorite animal, you’ll only find these 13 odd rock formations in Hawaii.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The fascinating geology of this unique island paradise is truly fascinating. The Hawaiian archipelago was created millions of years ago when underwater volcanoes emerged from the ocean’s surface. With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian archipelago is the youngest section of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain of volcanoes and seamounts extending across the Pacific Ocean.
How many active volcanoes are there in Hawaii today?
In addition to several dormant and extinct volcanoes, the Hawaiian Islands are home to approximately six active volcanoes found across the state. These include Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Mauna Kea, all of which are found on Hawaii Island, as well as Haleakala on Maui and Loihi, the only known active submarine volcano in Hawaii. Loihi erupted recently, in 1996 during a swarm of earthquakes, and is located less than 1,000 meters below sea level southeast of Hawaii Island.
Are there any unique geologic formations found in Hawaii?
Of course, there are! Formed over the course of millions of years from countless volcanic eruptions, the Hawaiian Islands are not only truly remarkable but home to some simply jaw-dropping — and strange — rock formations. From striking lava tubes and lithified sand dunes to geological formations resembling your favorite animal, you’ll only find these 13 odd rock formations in Hawaii.
