Waimea Canyon Drive

HI 550 · Waimea → Kalalau Lookout

Intense17.5 mi45 min5,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,200 ftOne way

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The drive

Hawaii Route 550 runs from Waimea to Kōkeʻe State Park, where it dead-ends. Leaving Waimea it climbs to over two thousand feet, at times winding and steep, and for much of its length it runs alongside Waimea Canyon. This drive follows Waimea Canyon Drive and Kōkeʻe Road uphill, past the Waimea Canyon Lookout to the Kalalau Lookout.

Kōkeʻe State Park is open daily during daylight hours.

Along the way

Waimea
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Kalalau Lookout

Elevation

5,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,200 ft

WaimeaKalalau Lookout

Curves

Twisty most of the way

mi 3–11mi 12–15mi 14–18

WaimeaKalalau Lookout

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Nonresidents pay $5 per person to enter Kōkeʻe State Park and $10 per vehicle to park.
State Parks posted the Waimea Canyon Lookout as closed for safety construction with no reopening date, and its Kōkeʻe page also carried a Kōkeʻe Road closure notice. Check both before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Hawaiʻi State Parks: Kōkeʻe State Park.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Waimea Canyon Drive take?

Waimea Canyon Drive and Kōkeʻe Road from Waimea to the Kalalau Lookout is 17.5 miles and takes about 45 min.

Is there a fee to drive Waimea Canyon Drive?

Nonresidents pay $5 per person for entry and $10 per vehicle for parking at Kōkeʻe State Park.

What road goes up Waimea Canyon?

Hawaii Route 550 runs from Waimea to Kōkeʻe State Park, alongside Waimea Canyon, climbing to over two thousand feet.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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