As the story goes, Sam Clemens (AKA Mark Twain) conned his way to a writing job in Hawaii. What a life, huh? He called Kauai’s Waimea Canyon “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. But he never visited Kauai, so the story goes.

Maybe Clemens just picked up some post cards somewhere and thought, “Sure, I can write about that place. They’ll never know I missed the boat to Kauai.” Hey, it could happen.

Clemens visited Hawaii back in 1866 and wrote fondly of the island state in later publications. Kauai, which he did not visit, later became known as The Garden Isle, probably because of all the gardens. Or maybe it had something to do with the lush tropical garden-like fauna and flora (no, that’s not Italian).

One of Kauai’s most stunning attractions is wholly natural. It’s Waimea Canyon, of which Clemens wrote but did not secure actual photographs.

Waimea Canyon, on the West side of Kauai, is nearly 3,600 feet deep and 10 miles long. It’s now located within Kokee State Park (no, they didn’t move the canyon—they created the park around it).

For a certainty, Waimea Canyon is not anywhere near the same size as the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Presumably, Clemens knew that, although there’s no word that he actually saw the real Grand Canyon, either.

The similarities are striking.

Assuming you’ve seen both, you’ll be amazed at the similar spectacular views, the rich, vivid colors, and multitude of high quality printed post cards. The rusty red hues of Waimea Canyon blend well into the most lush and green surrounding the canyon (somewhat unlike that other Grand Canyon which is so dry I have to carry two sticks of Chapstick—one for each lip).

In many ways, Waimea Canyon is more splendorific (uh oh, those little red Spell Check lines under the word are back again). You’ll see roaring waterfalls in the distance, colorful birds sailing overhead, rainforest-like vegetation creeping up your leg. Wait. That’s something else.

All around Kokee State Park (which, if you remember, is all around Waimea Canyon) you’ll find scenic points, downhill bike rides, walking and riding tours, koa forests, a scenic hiking trails.

The lookouts are easy to drive to and you’ll need to budget a few hours to look around. The views are stunning and panoramic. Plan on an early-in-the-day start. Rains show up in the afternoon and there’s often a light mist or fog which could hamper photographic efforts..

Waimea Canyon
Kokee State Park
Waimea, Kauai
HVCB – 808-923-1811

Pros: Stunning views, mild weather, easy to reach via car, no cost to enter.

Cons: Not as big as the other Grand Canyon.

Want to know the best places to eat in Hawaii? Click over to Ono Dining for totally biased reviews on Hawai's best (and not so best) restaurants.