Pihea Lookout

Waimea Canyon & the Westside


Sitting at 4284ft, atop a ludicrously steep and slippery little hillock, this high-arching lookout provides great views down across the valleys. To reach it, you have to hike a mile from the Pu‘u o Kila Lookout along the Pihea Trail. Especially after rain, it can be a seriously squelchy and slippery trek.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Waimea Canyon & the Westside attractions

1. Puʻu o Kila Lookout

1.03 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…

2. Kilohana Lookout

1.53 MILES

The reward for hikers who make it all the way through bog and forest to the far end of the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail, the Kilohana Lookout (4022ft) commands…

3. Kalalau Lookout

1.83 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. Kumuwela Lookout

2.85 MILES

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

5. Koke‘e Natural History Museum

3.09 MILES

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…

6. Na Pali Coast Wilderness State Park

3.58 MILES

Pristine and hauntingly beautiful, this 16-mile-long stretch of soaring green-clad cliffs, white-sand beaches, turquoise coves and gushing waterfalls is…

7. Kokeʻe State Park

3.8 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…

8. Awa‘awapuhi Lookout

4.04 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…