Koke‘e Natural History Museum

Waimea Canyon & the Westside


This two-room museum doubles as the visitor center for Koke‘e State Park. Helpful staff provide detailed current hiking advice, and sell useful, albeit schematic, trail maps; call for real-time weather reports. Museum displays include larger-scale topographical maps, exhibits on flora and fauna, and historic photographs, plus botanical sketches of endemic plants and taxidermic representations of some of the park's wildlife.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Waimea Canyon & the Westside attractions

1. Kokeʻe State Park

1.08 MILES

Besides the two Na Pali lookouts at the end of the paved highway, Koke‘e State Park is the starting point for almost 50 miles of outstanding hiking trails…

2. Kumuwela Lookout

1.17 MILES

This overlook marks the end of the Canyon Trail. Enjoy epic canyon and waterfall views as you rest at the picnic table.

3. Kalalau Lookout

1.63 MILES

Shortly before the end of the highway, the Kalalau Lookout commands a fabulous overview of Kalalau Valley, sweeping around its towering green-swathed…

4. Waipo'o Falls

1.8 MILES

Although they're across on the far wall of the canyon, these 800ft falls cam be seen from several vantage points along Waimea Canyon Dr, including the Pu…

5. Pu’u Hinahina Lookout

1.89 MILES

The main viewpoint at this large lookout (elevation 3640ft) faces down the deep gorge carved by Waiahulu Stream as it races to join Waimea Canyon. Look…

6. Puʻu o Kila Lookout

2.06 MILES

A mile beyond the Kalalau Lookout, the paved park road dead-ends at the Pu‘u o Kila Lookout. The views of Kalalau Valley, plummeting 4000ft below, are…

7. Awa‘awapuhi Lookout

2.16 MILES

Right at the end of the 3.1-mile Awa‘awapuhi Trail, this incredible overlook affords hard-earned views over a tortuous, sheer-walled valley that snakes…

8. Pu‘u Ka Pele Lookout

2.33 MILES

This canyon-edge lookout, across from a picnic area equipped with restrooms and drinking water, is a superb vantage point from which to admire the 800ft…