How Long Does It Take to Get to Waimea Canyon from Poipu, Lihue and Princeville?

One of the first things guests ask me when they're planning a Waimea Canyon day is how far it is from where they're staying. The answer depends on which side of the island you're on. Here's what I tell them.

Drive times to Waimea Canyon Lookout

These are the times I plan around, depending on traffic:

• From Poipu: about 1 to 1¼ hours
• From Lihue: about 1¼ to 1½ hours
• From Princeville: about 2 to 2¼ hours

When to start, and where I pick you up

Pickup times are flexible, but I generally recommend starting early. You avoid the crowds and make the most of the day. I pick you up directly from your accommodations, so there's no meeting spot to find and no parking to worry about.

Stops along the way

The stops depend on the itinerary and where I pick you up. They can include Kauai Coffee Company, Hanapepe and Spouting Horn, along with the other stops listed on my Waimea Canyon tour page.

Is Waimea Canyon worth it from the North Shore?

Absolutely. The landscape is completely different from the North Shore, and it's a wonderful way to experience the island's diversity. If you're staying in Princeville or Hanalei, see the Princeville pickup on my tour page.

What surprises guests on the drive

Guests are often surprised by how much the landscape changes on the way up, how much cooler it is in the mountains, and how winding the drive is. Weather can be unpredictable, but it's rare that we don't get to enjoy the canyon views. If you're worried about the forecast, I wrote about what happens if it rains on your Waimea Canyon day.

You can see pickup options and pricing from each area on my Waimea Canyon tour page.