Kalalau Lookout

It was a bit foggy when we got to the Kalalau lookout but that even helped make the views more special. As the fogged rolled along, large swathes of the most amazing scenery opened up. We were lucky enough to be able to see all the way to the Nepali coast. What contrasting colors. The reds and green on the mountain and the deep blue in the ocean. Fabulous, fabulous, and even more fabulous. Definitely a not to miss place in Kauai!

4000 FEET UP
On a clear day, you can get a good view of Kalalau Valley all the way down to Kalalau Beach. The trick is to get to the lookout before the clouds move in.

There is no other better view except by air anywhere on the island (HA! There are no bad views in Kauai, it’s paradise) — God gave it His all on this view (oh my gosh, this kicks all forms of a mules ass) — it’s a long drive (longer than I thought it would be, but only 15 miles away by the way the birds fly) from Princeville to here, but worth every single minute in the car. Lots of fun stuff on the way, small towns and places to get ice cream or shop. Once you start north towards Kalalau it’s twisty turn after twisty turn. The driver will be stuck watching the road but the views (especially back down are WOO!). There are 4 or 5 very cool look outs on the way but the the crème’ de la crème is at the end of the road.

The one of the most beautiful places on earth. A picture is worth a thousand words. I really love this place because it just so beautiful. If you ever go there, you will know exactly what I mean.
It was raining off and on but nevertheless it is still awesome.
10************

Please see my review of the Waimea Canyon Lookout. Ok, I’ll copy/​paste:
Nearly EVERYTHING that was said in the Waimea Canyon review with the exception of the view (coastal versus canyon) and no refreshment stand is exactly the same, just about 4 miles further up the road.
Stellar views overlooking the coast, right out of Jurassic Park.
+ Incredible views
+ Lots of parking
+ Restrooms
These are just a few of the reasons why you should make the LONG (by Hawaii standards) trek on hwy 550 to the Kalalau Lookout. It is well worth the hour or so drive up the rim. Bear in mind that if you are with someone that gets car sick easily or has a VERY small bladder, this might be a difficult ride. We actually had our 4 yr old twins with us and had NO issues whatsoever. There are restrooms at all of the lookouts on the rim (and we took advantage of every one of them).
Make sure your brakes work well, more for the ride down, because they are going to take a beating.
No gas stops once you leave Waimea town, so fill up.
NO cell service to speak of … I did get intermittent signals, but nothing consistent.
Bring a camera, the views are absolutely stellar (and a hat).

You cannot leave Kauai without seeing this view. The pictures truly do not do it justice. There is usually a man, who is very nice and helpful, up there who sells jewlery made from the seeds he finds on the island. They are for the most part a good deal and can be hard to find elsewhere. If you’re looking for food, there is a food truck at the lookout below this one, the Waimea canyon lookout.

This isn’t just another Waimea Canyon lookout. Located at the 18 mile marker of Kokee Road, it’s a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawaii. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for many films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe Young, Jurassic Park, and Six Days Seven Nights. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kaua’i by road — 4,000 feet. Here you will find one of the greatest views in all of Hawaii. It is the largest valley on Kauai at two miles wide.
The view can change dramatically in just a few minutes as the clouds move up through the valley — so be patient. My understanding is that before 11am is best because clouds usually move in for the afternoon and evening. However, you also don’t want to get there too early because the valley won’t have full sun on it until around 8 AM most mornings. I used this NOAA link to pick the best day and time to go and it worked for us.
When you finally see Kokee AFS on the left side of the road with the giant white «golf ball» radar dome and tall antenna you are almost there. It will then be the next entrance on the left just up the road about a 1000 feet. They do have a large parking lot and restroom facilities at the site. It is worth the long, twisting and winding drive once you see the breathtaking view.