Oahu] What is Waimea Valley like? The attraction of Waimea Falls and how to get there from Oahu.

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

Oahu is famous as Hawaii's most popular resort island, with stunning views that captivate visitors and bring tears to their eyes.

There are many reasons to visit a resort, whether it is for healing or to satisfy your sense of adventure.

Enjoying the beautiful ocean and powerful terrain has become a form of entertainment.

Oahu has many places that tickle such curiosity, and yet it is a tourist destination with modern and convenient facilities.

There are not many resorts where protected nature and a modern, evolving city coexist.

Oahu has become the most popular of Hawaii's islands because of its balance between the two.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is a resort island with large scenic areas and a bustling downtown area, where you can enjoy the great outdoors and entertainment.

It is the perfect destination for those who want to feel the great outdoors and face themselves, those who want to have fun on the beach or in the downtown area with flamboyance, or those who want to enjoy both, so it is a wonderful experience for all people.

The weather is mild and stable all year round, so it is said that the best season is the moment you want to go.

 

How to get to Oahu

When going to Oahu, it is convenient to fly directly to the island.

The flight time is about 7 hours for the outbound and 9 hours for the return.

Flights depart from and arrive at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, and other airports, and tickets can be purchased from each airline's website.

If you want to travel at a slightly more reasonable price, you may want to take a flight via.

However, please be careful when planning your trip, as the return trip can take more than 10 hours in the case of a via flight.

For those who do not have time to carefully plan a trip, we recommend using a package tour from a travel agency, which includes hotels and sightseeing tours.

For information on preparation for entry into the country, check the airline's website for details before buying a flight ticket.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Many people visit Oahu many times because it has so much to offer.

A social networking hashtag search reveals more than 300,000 posts by people enjoying Oahu's resorts.

Travel to Hawaii is as popular today as it has been in the past, even though it has become easier to travel abroad, and Oahu has become especially popular among Hawaiians.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

You have probably seen them on TV and in magazines, as they feature Oahu's beaches and scenic areas.

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are well known and attract many tourists, but other beaches and scenic areas also offer powerful views.

Oahu's dynamic topography, created by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and other tectonic movements, remains intact, and there are places where you can feel the power of nature, not only on the ground but also in the ocean.

Many people visit such places again and again because they can face themselves as spiritual places.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

Waikiki is conveniently accessible from Honolulu Airport and is the center of Oahu, with a wide range of accommodations and shopping malls, so many people will use it as a base.

With world-famous hotels and high-brand stores, Oahu is the place to stay in luxurious hotels, enjoy shopping, and enjoy resorts.

It is a resort that satisfies tourists coming from all over the world.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Oahu has an extensive shopping mall, so even if you come empty-handed, you can find everything you need.

You can quickly go shopping for snorkeling gear that might be bulky in your suitcase or sunscreen that you tend to forget.

There are many Hawaiian gourmet restaurants in the shopping mall that you can enjoy shopping and dining in the same place.

There are so many restaurants to choose from, so if you have a specific gourmet craving, do your research in advance.

Reservations are also recommended during busy periods such as summer vacation and year-end and New Year holidays.

In addition to applying online through the restaurant's website, reservations may be requested at the hotel reception desk.

 

What is Waimea Valley like?

This spectacular canyon on Kauai is so beautiful that the view from the observation deck will leave you speechless.

There is also a Waimea Valley on the North Shore, but this time we will introduce Waimea Valley on Kauai.

Those who want to see a mystical view or visit a powerful land will be amazed by the view from Waimea Canyon.

It is also a great place for those who want to take spectacular photos.

 

Directions to Waimea Canyon State Park

To get to Waimea Canyon State Park, fly from Honolulu Airport to Lihue Airport.

The flight time is short, as it is about 40 minutes on Hawaiian Airlines.

The trip from Lihue Airport to Waimea Canyon State Park takes about 70 minutes by car.

Transportation is by rental car/taxi; there are no buses or other forms of transportation.

If you are worried about transportation, you can take a tour.

If you are traveling by rental car, be careful as there are many winding roads, but you can see Waipo'o Falls from Koke'e Road on the way, so many people stop to take in the spectacular view.

 

Waimea Valley Attractions

Waimea Valley is called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," created by a volcanic eruption approximately 5 million years ago.

The magnificent mountains, raised by volcanoes and eroded by wind and rain, took many years to take their current shape.

It has become well-known as a movie location and attracts many tourists.

The sheer power of the mountains and the rugged rock surfaces make this a place where one can feel the life force of the earth.

 

Feel the magnificent nature!

Waimea Valley has lookout points and scenic areas, but it is a trek to get there.

You will see a variety of flora and fauna while trekking, and if you look up and look around, you will be amazed at the scale of the canyon.

It is a place where you can feel the power of nature just by walking around.

Also, a scenic tour from a Cessna provides a panoramic view of its grandeur, making it an unforgettable experience.

 

Let's enjoy trekking!

Waimea Canyon State Park has several trekking trails.

Relatively easy 15-minute treks include the Iliau Nature Loop, Black Trail, and Cliff Trail, from which the Kukui Trail travels 4 km via the Waimea River to the Wiliwili Campground.

These are good for sightseeing, as they are beginner and intermediate courses.

The Waimea Canyon Trail and Koaiye Canyon Trail beyond are for advanced climbers, so be prepared with rain gear and hiking shoes when attempting them.

There are more than 20 different trekking courses to choose from, depending on your own fitness level.

 

Let's observe plants and animals

The Waimea Valley is rich in nature, and many plants and animals can be observed.

Many plants unique to Hawaii can be seen, including the ili'au, mokihana, hibiscus, aalii, pukiawe, and the ohelopapa ohi'a tree, a strawberry native to Hawaii, which grows only on Kauai.

You may also see native Hawaiian birds, wild goats, and cows on the cliffs.

Many plants and animals have benefited from nature's bounty over the years and have been the subject of researchers' studies.

Waimea Canyon has many cliffs, so be careful where you step when observing.

 

Waimea Falls

Waimea Valley is also home to waterfalls, which can be seen from lookout points and trekking trails.

The waterfalls, which can be seen from the magnificent mountainside, are up to 240 meters in length, and the sheer scale of the falls is overwhelming.

If you are lucky, you will see a rainbow over the falls, and if you have a telephoto lens, you will be able to take beautiful pictures.

There are also famous waterfalls around the Waimea River, which you can visit by renting a car or taking a tour.

 

About Waimea Falls

Waipo'o Falls is characterized by water falling in two stages.

From the Puu Ka Pele lookout, you will be able to see it from a relatively close distance.

For a closer look, there are trekking trails that take you up close.

 

About Fern Cave

You can take a boat ride from the mouth of the Wailua River to the fern-covered caves.

In the past, only Hawaiian royalty used this cave for weddings, etc. It is a popular place for couples because of the jinx that holding hands here will bring happiness.

Many couples hold their weddings here, and celebrities have also been married here.

Since it is not accessible from land, it is best to take a tour.

 

Three observation decks

Waimea Valley has three observation decks, each with a different view.

The view from the location where the observatory is located is more spectacular than the other locations, and is the point at which you will be impressed by the spectacular view, so be sure to take in the views from the three observatories.

 

Waimea Canyon Lookout

This is the Waimea Canyon Lookout, the first lookout point in Waimea Canyon.

You can buy a parking ticket here if you are renting a car, as the place is accessible by car.

After purchasing a parking ticket from a parking ticket vending machine, leave it in a place where it can be seen from outside your car.

Hibiscus trees are in bloom on the way to the observatory, providing a Hawaiian atmosphere.

Then, when you go to the observatory, you can see the powerful sheer mountains in front of you.

The contrast between the green of the trees and the bare red soil is beautiful and truly spectacular.

Young children and the elderly can also enjoy the view as soon as they get out of their cars.

 

Puu Ka Pele Viewpoint

At the Puu Ka Pele Lookout, you can see Waipo'o Falls, so if you like waterfalls, this is the place to go.

When there is a rainbow over the waterfall, it is a great shutterbug opportunity.

The reflection of cloud shadows on the mountain surface of the valley is a spectacular natural scene.

 

Puu Hinahina Viewpoint

From the Pu'u Hina Hina lookout you will see a bit of open land.

On social networking sites, photos of rainbows in the view from here are popular and attract a lot of attention.

It sometimes rains in Waimea Valley, and if it is a passing shower, a beautiful rainbow will appear.

The combination of the spectacular view and the rainbow is amazing and will make the mysterious Waimea Canyon seem even more divine.

 

What to wear and what to wear to enjoy sightseeing

The trekking trails are paved, but in some places the paths are rough and, depending on the weather, can be slippery, so sneakers are recommended instead of sandals.

Mountain weather can be changeable, so portable rain gear or a waterproof windbreaker is a good idea.

Windbreakers are thin, not bulky, and can be used as a sunshade or woven when it is a little chilly.

Winter can be cold even in ever-summer Hawaii, so long sleeves and long pants are best.

There are no restaurants, so be sure to buy drinks and other refreshments in advance.

 

About the facilities in the park

I will describe the facilities at Waimea Canyon State Park in turn.

 

Hours of operation and fees

The hours of operation are during the day, the website says, and may change depending on the season and circumstances.

There is no admission fee, but there is a $10 parking fee for renters.

Currently, it is only open for day hiking use.

 

Restaurants and restrooms

There are no restaurants, so stop by a supermarket in advance to purchase drinks and lunch.

Restrooms are available, so please check the general map sign at the entrance beforehand to confirm the location.

Picnic tables and trash cans are available for trekking with lunch.

 

Two recommended tours

Here are two recommended tours that incorporate sightseeing in Waimea Valley.

All tours are designed to allow you to enjoy every corner of Waimea Valley, so please refer to them when planning your trip.

 

Kauai Day Tours
Waimea Valley + Fern Cave + Hanapepe Valley

The tour departs from Waikiki, so those who are anxious about getting to Kauai can rest assured that they will not have to worry about getting to Kauai.

This tour includes airfare, lunch, entrance fee, boarding fee, and Japanese-speaking guide.

You can enjoy the entire island of Kauai by touring the popular Opaekaa Falls, Fern Cave, Hanapepe and Waimea Valleys, and Poipu Spouting Rocks.

 

Cessna scenic flight
Waimea Valley + Na Pali Coast + Hanapepe Valley

This is a scenic Cessna tour departing from Lihue Airport.

It is the most luxurious time to view images as seen from a drone with your own eyes in a Cessna.

The exhilaration of flying over the Waimea Valley, as well as Hanapepe Valley and the Na Pali Coast coastline, and the stunning, never-before-seen scenery.

The tour lasts about an hour, so after the Cessna, you can trek through Waimea Valley and compare the view from the air.

 

summary

How was it?

We introduced the spectacular scenery of Waimea Valley.

Hawaii is famous for its beaches and marine activities, but there are also spectacular views throughout the island nation.

The mystical scenery will cause you to reflect on yourself, so please visit Waimea Valley where you can enjoy the magnificent and powerful scenery.