If you’ve ever lived on or visited the Hawaiian Island of Kauai, you’ve certainly witnessed the splendor that is the Waimea Canyon. Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is full of striking cliffs, incredible colors, and cascading waterfalls. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon State Park is perhaps home to Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty.

But did you know that there is a nearby park with even more incredible views of the canyon, hiking trails, and more picturesque vistas than anyone could ever document? Yep, you read that right – Koke’e State Park is perhaps even more incredible than its neighbor, and no trip to Kauai is complete without a visit to this natural wonder.

Accessible via State Route 550 through Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke'e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres of mountainous terrain.
Eli Duke/Flickr
The park contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along majestic canyon rims, through native Hawaiian forests, and across enchanting swamplands.
Dale Musselman/Flickr
While one could spend weeks exploring this incredible park that ranges in elevation from 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, it’s not entirely possible, so we hope that you are at least able to catch the highlights - including various trails and lookout points.
Rocky A/Flickr
Alex Schwab/Flickr

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For a moderate hike, we suggest the Alakai Swamp Trail, which is approximately seven miles round trip, and takes you on a journey through lush forests, and ethereal swamplands.
Michael Calore/Flickr
Most people start the trail at the Pu'u o Kila Lookout, meander along the Pihea Summit Trail, and traverse approximately 3.5 miles of boardwalk through a unique wet forest, and a boggy swamp.
Other epic trails include the Nu’alolo Trail and ‘Awa‘awapuhi trails, both of which clock in at more than six miles round trip, and while are both easy at the beginning, the trails require a strenuous ascent on the return trip.
Eli Duke/Flickr
In addition to more than a dozen awe-inspiring hiking trails, this unparalleled state park is also home to a lovely little museum, a lodge that serves food and sells small gifts, and cabins available for rent.
Taylorandayumi/Flickr
And while the the photographs of Koke'e State Park are certainly gorgeous, they are nothing in comparison to the beauty you will see when you step foot on this sacred Hawaiian ground.
Alex Schwab/Flickr

For more magical landscapes and incredible natural beauty, check out these 16 state parks across the Hawaiian Islands.

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