Kalalau Lookout, Kauai

Waimea Canyon Drive, West Kauai

This glorious lookout provides you with a panoramic view of the Kalalau Valley, the largest valley on Na Pali. This point and the less frequented Pu'u o Kila Lookout provides the greatest views of the Pacific. The Kalalau Valley was inhabited until 1919. The Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile hike down steep seacliffs, through waterfalls and to the ocean, is one of the most popular in the world. Views from the lookout change minute to minute depending on the ever-present clouds. If the clouds are coming from inland, they usually disappear quickly. However, if there is a cloud bank moving in from the ocean, it usually lasts indefinitely. At 4,000 foot elevation, the air here is much cooler than along the coast or in the valleys. Nene, the Hawaiian goose, are often seen in the parking lots and along the road here. Take care not to run over them as they prefer to walk rather than fly and are easily hit by cars. These two lookouts are the end of the road - several trails of varing lengths lead down the cliffs.

Directions:

Take Highway 50 west from Hanapepe toward Waimea. Turn right on Waimea Canyon Road just after Mile Marker #23. Kalalau Lookout is located near the end of the road at Mile Marker #18. Pu'u o Kila Lookout is just a little further at the absolute end of the road.

Useful Information:

One of the best views of the Kalalau Valley, seacliffs, and the ocean without doing a long, strenuous hike

Restrooms

Picnic tables

Photo opportunities abound if the weather cooperates - call for weather conditions at 808-335-9975

Arrive early to try to avoid the daily cloudiness that fills the valley below