Kokee State Park and Museum

The museum has several interesting displays where you can learn more about the island, its geology, flora and fauna, and even its history. A few of our favorite displays are the three-dimensional figure of Waimea Canyon, the factoids on Wai'ale'ale including the rain gauge showing the record precipitation amounts, and the wall dedicated to the tragic story of Hurricane Iniki which struck the island on September 11, 1992. Iniki (Hawaiian for Enid) formed from a tropical depression that moved in from the east. It gradually strengthened into a major hurricane and turned north, with its eye passing directly over the island of Kaua'i. Iniki caused over two billion dollars in damage and killed six people. Iniki was the most powerful hurricane to make landfall in Hawai'i since Hurricane Dot in 1959. The wall serves as a tribute to what the category three hurricane did to the island and proof that the Hawaiian people can survive and continue to thrive after such a horrible natural disaster. If you have any questions about Waimea Canyon or Koke'e State Park, the museum is the place to ask. The staff here is very friendly and knowledgeable. If you're looking for a bite to eat, head next door to the Koke'e Lodge.