Kauai’s Waimea Canyon with kids

While on the neighbor island of Kauai for the So Much More Hawaii bloggers tour, we had the chance to take a short hike into what some have called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” the 10-mile-long and 3000+ foot deep Waimea Canyon.

It was about 3.5 miles of trail, mostly along the Canyon rim, with a lot of up and down….you can’t go down into a canyon without paying the piper and going back up.

The reward for our effort was the beautiful 800-foot Waipo’o Falls, my son’s favorite spot on the hike.

Our guide’s name was Web; he works with local company Kayak Kauai and  has been leading land and waterborne tours into the wilds of the “Garden Isle” for a long time.

Web was full of information on local plants and wildlife, and he was great with my son when things got a little interesting on steep, rocky or root-filled parts of the trail (we’re not exactly a family that hikes every day.)

He also brought a picnic lunch for us that included a really juicy fresh pineapple.

Families can get involved in caring for the park during events like the Banana Poka Round-Up – the Banana Poka is a lovely vine with a pretty pink flower, but on Kauai it’s an invasive pest that chokes out native plants.

You can start investigating the area if you drive up to Kokee State Park and pick up some maps and information.

Near a small museum at the end of the road is the Kokee Lodge with good local food. Try their famous sweet corn bread!

Sturdy footwear, like a good pair of sneakers, is essential. Bring a small pack for water bottles, hats and other items, so your hands are free to maintain balance when needed.

We loved the grandeur of the Canyon and the jungle-y parts of the trail;  some huffing and puffing was a small price to pay to see its beauty.

Just So You Know Disclaimer:  The state Hawaii Tourism Authority through Cilantro Media is paying my way to Hawaii for the So Much More Hawaii bloggers tour, and also paying most of my expenses while I am here.