Cliff Trail, Canyon Trail & Black Pipe Trail

One of the most popular family hikes, these ridge-top trails provide great views of Waimea Canyon. Most hikers only go as far as Waipo’o Falls along the Canyon Trail; others only take the short walk to the end of the Cliff Trail.

Heading north on Hwy 550 to just beyond the 14 mile marker (there is a 'Koke`e State Park' entrance sign) You should see Halemanu road splitting off the paved road to the right. The best place to park is on the makai (left) side of Highway 550, directly opposite Halemanu Road.

The walk down Halemanu Road to the beginning of the trail(s) is 0.8 mile, with a right hand turn when you reach the top of the hill at 0.6 miles. At the trails junction (with the signs) Cliff Trail is to the right and is 0.4 mile round trip. Canyon Trail forks downhill to the left and is 0.8 mile to the location above Waipo’o Falls. Please note that you CANNOT see the falls since you are actually above them (most folks do not realize then when they start the hike). There is a small pool surrounded by yellow ginger upstream from the main (hidden) falls. The trail includes a climb of several hundred feet in elevation, and steep drop offs along the Canyon rim. Round trip from Hwy 550 to Waipo’o Falls is 3.6 miles.

If you want a nicer hike than going down Halemanu road, and more parking, go to the Pu`u Hinahina lookout a 1/4 mile back down the road (around MM 13.5). If you go to the back of the parking lot you'll find a trail that heads to the left. This (spur) trail actually joins up with the Cliff/Canyon trailhead right where the 4x4 cars park. Since it begins at a higher elevation and includes a dip into a side ravine it's more strenuous than the dirt road hike, but it's a lot more scenic; you actually cross one end of the Waimea Canyon. It's about 1/3-1/2 mi in length; and since it is still relatively new (about two years as of 2008) it isn't eroded yet and still has steps on the steep parts. See our Kokee State Park Map (via the link below) for more details about this spur trail (it's marked in yellow and labeled "New Spur Trail").

Kokee and Waimea State Park
Don't forget to check our Koke'e State Park Hiking page for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. On that page we've also posted a map of the entire area (Koke'e and Waimea State Parks) for you to download and print out at home. The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions.

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 3.6 miles round trip from above Waipo’o Falls

Location: Cliff Trail, Canyon Trail & Black Pipe Trail is located in the West Kauai Region

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