The Grand Canyon of the Pacific

One of the most impressive sights on Kauai is Waimea Canyon which is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". It is indeed Grand, with brilliant red and green all around its giant steep walls and a few giant waterfalls on the horizon.

Here is good look at the canyon from one of the lookout points.


We took the Canyon Trail which was about four miles round trip, 1,100 feet of elevation gain with spectacular views of the canyon.

Here we are at one point on this beautiful trail.
The end of the trail is a waterfall which requires a little tricky footwork where one wrong step could land you 1,500 below the fall. Rosie and I decided we would go out there but the kids were understandably a little reluctant to follow. When Andrew saw us make it he decided he had to be out there but Rebekah did not want to come. This was the first time I can ever remember Andrew doing something that involved some physical, personal risk that Rebekah would not do. She has always been the fearless one. She eventually decided to make her way out there as well.

At the edge of the back of the falls.
Andrew in front of the beginning of the falls. Note Rebekah in the background.
Andrew and Rebekah at the edge of the Falls. The view was truly awesome.

We ended our exploration of the canyon by driving to one of the most beautiful spots I have ever seen -- the Kalallua Lookout -- which overlooks the NaPali Coast. The clouds rolled in shortly after we got there so we did not get much time to enjoy it but here is one picture before the clouds covered everything.