One of the most notable landmarks on the Western Shore of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon that is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Once you arrive in Waimea, your journey will continue for roughly a half an hour up a winding road to the scenic look out point for the Canyon. If geological wonders aren't really your thing (or you don't want to drive your friend to Waimea Canyon), you can always pull off to the side of the Kaumualii Highway (Hawaii Route 50) and view some of the smaller canyons that have formed along the western coast.
Panoramic View of Waimea Canyon
Right before you enter the town of Waimea, you pass by a historic landmark- the Russian Fort Elizabeth. Built in 1817, Fort Elizabeth was built in concert with Kaumuali'i, the chief of Hawaii, who discreetly opposed the ruling of King Kamehameha. Once Kaumuali'i and his supporters were defeated and Kamehameha gained control of the Waimea Valley, Fort Elizabeth was dismantled with only its foundation remaining. Many visitors glance at the measly foundation that resembles a jumble of volcanic rock and wild shrubbery and walk back to their cars. If you talk a walk around the perimeter of the foundation, you can see the entrance into the fort and while inside, you can walk up the stone steps to look out upon a view of the Waimea River that has been unchanged for nearly two centuries. One of my favorite parts of Fort Elizabeth is how nature has eaten up the Russian remnants. Standing inside the Fort is absolutely surreal and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, it is definitely one of my favorite places to visit when I am in Kauai. If you want to check out the remnants of the Fort, turn left off of Hawaii Route 50/Kaumualii Highway and park in the vast parking lot and remember to walk around the foundation to get inside.
Entrance to Fort Elizabeth
Good Eats
After a trip to Waimea to see the canyon or the fort, we always stop by The Shrimp Station off of Hawaii Route 50/Kaumualii Highway. Located at 9652 Kaumualii Highway, this is the place for coconut shrimp or hot garlic shrimp.
Coconut Shrimp and Fries
Let's Get Physical
The Waimea area offers a lot of different activities for a range of individuals. I have gone on the Waimea Bicycle Downhill from Outfitters Kauai. For the adventure, you drive and park at their Poipu location and are then transported with the rest of the party to Waimea Canyon. I thought that it would be a bit physically exerting but gravity does all of the work for you. It is a pleasant but surprisingly fast activity that wasn't worth the price tag in the end as you aren't really looking at the scenery but focusing on not braking too hard so you don't fly over your handlebars.
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