Mahalo to Mark Fennell for sharing this beautiful shot of Kauai’s Kalalau Valley. When you visit this valley, it will almost certainly make you say, “Wow!”
Last weekend, Kauai reopened more of Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park. With the reopening, visitors can access the Kalalau Valley Lookout and Pihea Trail to admire the view, just like the one one in Mark’s photo.
As wind from Hurricane Lowell win brushed by Kauai’s west side in September, many trees were knocked down. The initial images from Waimea and Koke’e were shocking. For example, see the following photo that was taken just a few days after the hurricane.
I feared that it could take many months to restore access to these state parks, but they’ve reopened in just two months. All of the lookouts between Waimea Canyon and Pihea are open. Additionally, it’s even more impressive that popular trails like Nu’alolo, Awa’awapuhi (first mile only), Iliau Nature Loop, Pihea, and Waimea Canyon Trail are open, too. Well done, Hawaii!
Hurricane Lowell’s impacts to these state parks will be felt for quite some time. For example, let’s just say that the trees were left with a bit of a “hair” cut. You might even go so far as to say it was a buzz cut. To give you an idea, of the difference, see the following photos that were captured at the same spot.
The following photo was taken in October 2026.
It will take some time, but the leaves will return.
Even though some of the landscape looks a bit different, the amazing views of Waimea Canyon and Koke’e parks are definitely worth planning into your Kauai vacation itinerary.
Happy Aloha Friday!
Sheila Beal
