|
Like all of the islands in the
Hawaiian chain, Kauai is the top of an enormous volcano that erupted
from the ocean floor in ancient times. Kauai is among the oldest of
the Hawaiian Islands with lava flows dating back to at least 5
million years. Approximately 4 million years ago, the island
volcano was still quite active and erupting continuously, it was
also considerably taller then it is today. The collapse, caused the
entire west side of the island to drop and form a huge depression
which then filled with different types of lava. Over the centuries,
the thinner lava has eroded away, and the once black basalt has
weathered to a brilliant red color.
Waimea State Park (1,866 acres) is a
marvelous wilderness area with awe inspiring views and numerous
canyon hiking trails. There is a decent 18 mile long road that
takes you to the top of the canyon and rewards you with an
incredible view of the Waimea Canyon to the south and truly
astonishing view of the
Kalalau Valley and the Pacific Ocean to the
north.
To get to Waimea State Park, take
State Route 550 (Koke’e Road), and drive 11.1 miles north of Kekaha.
(Travel was a little more difficult
for Mark Twain, but it will be a just as awe inspiring visit for
you.) |
