Waimea Canyon How much time?

[lhoch]

How much time should I allow for the drive to and thru the Canyon and back to the pier?

 

I want to make sure I have enough time to get back to the ship.

[chipmaster]

How much time should I allow for the drive to and thru the Canyon and back to the pier?

 

I want to make sure I have enough time to get back to the ship.

 

6 hours should be enough time to do it all the way to the top, stop at a fw places and account for traffic.

[Giantfan13]

The main viewing area of Waimea Canyon is basically one area. That is where most tour groups go, and where the main parking lot is. from there, you can walk to the 'rim' and see into the canyon. Don't know if you ahve ever been to the Grand Canyon, but this isn't like that, in that you can go to one of several viewing spots and just keep looking. Here, you view the canyon from a few different vantage points, but the view is basically the same. as the previous poster said, you can drive further up and there are a few other viewing areas, but at the top (and the road is not that great getting there), the view to other parts of the island is magnificent, well worth the drive.

 

A few pix. Hope you enjoy

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/Hawaii/Dsc00757.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/Hawaii/Dsc00772.jpg

 

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/Hawaii/Dsc00785.jpg

 

View from the top

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/Hawaii/Dsc00791.jpg

 

You could do the entire area is about 3-4 hours if you rush, but that is not the point. Just relax, take in the spectacular views and enjoy and take your time.

[lhoch]

Thank you for your input. I wanted to make sure I have enough time. I worry about getting back to the ship on time.

 

Have a great day!

[chipmaster]

One other tip:

 

Drive all the way to the top, past the main viewpoint, there is a dirt/poor paved road that goes on a bit more to the very end. Resist the temptation to pull out at the early stops, the end is where the best view is anyways. Get out and walk about 10' up the trail, you'll be rewarded with the best view ;) From there you can decide on the way back where and what you want to see. If nothing meets your fancy you can spend more time at spouting horn, the coffee plantation, or the waterfalls on the drive back to port.

 

Enjoy