Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Waimea Canyon

Continuing with vacation highlights....

Waimea Canyon is a recommended "don't miss" sight on Kauai. And for good reason. I'm glad we paid attention to the guidebook and made the drive up for the view.





This was the one and only place I wish I'd worn long pants and had a sweatshirt while on Kauai. In just the short eleven mile drive we were in cold, foggy, chilly weather.

But the view was well worth a bit of shivering.




















The canyon is 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep.









We were glad we continued on past the lodge/museum as the upper viewpoints provided a unique view of the Na Pali coast.
(I'm smiling in this picture but it's forced. I have a real fear of heights and we were right on the edge of a cliff. A kind tourist took our picture and was joking that he hoped Kim had behaved himself so I didn't feel the need to push him off the cliff.)




Just look at that coastline. It's really something, isn't it?
Next post I'll show our hike along that trail.




We hiked down into the canyon just a bit. Hiking to the bottom is an option, as is camping out.





One of Kim's panoramas; (He's got this cool option on his new camera.)



It's difficult to stop staring when presented with such a sight.
I'm embarrassed to admit I've never yet been to the Grand Canyon. But this sight helps me appreciate the attraction.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

One word --- WOW!

Prairie Chicken... said...

Beeauuuuutiful!

Rosemary said...

Impressive views. Some of the pictures should be framed so gorgeous.

Randy Emmitt said...

Wow what a killer place to see! Thanks for sharing.

Megan said...

Whenever I picture Hawaii vacations, I picture lying on the beach, which doesn't interest me in the slightest. This on the other hand looks amazing, well worth the trip, even if the heights would be rather nerve wracking.

Laura Paine Carr said...

Gasp! (not sure that is a helpful comment) The Hawai'ian Islands are remarkable, magical, awe-inspiring. What a blessing!

Kathleen said...

Oh my. How beautiful. I was just thinking that some of those canyons look like the Hawaiian version of the Grand Canyon then you mentioned it. Too funny. You really took in a lot of sights ~ are you sure you made enough time for umbrella drinks and lounging?