Although it may not be quite as old or massive as its Arizona counterpart, the Waimea canon is still a formidable opponent, at 14 miles long and 3,600 feet deep. The spectacularly deep valley was created by millions of years of volcanic activity, the winding Waimea River, and to this day erosion and rainfall continue to add to the ever evolving geography. The canyon is awash with a myriad of reds browns and greens. Waterfalls are scattered among the bizarrely shaped buttes, rugged crags and gorges that cut deep paths throughout. Acres and acres of the canyon remain virtually untouched since the island’s formation, a frozen piece of pure nature, where birds fly freely through the canopies. The unique trills of their different calls form a chorus that is music to the ears, combined with the gushing roars of the waterfalls and the chirping insects.

Oftentimes, rainbows shoot across the canyon in a magical display. Lace up your boots and get going on one of the numerous hiking trails, navigate to the lookout points Puu ka Pele and Puu hinahina where photographers will have a field day capturing the magnificence of the canyon. Go fishing in the river or even hunting if that’s your cup of tea, the options to enjoy the scenery are endless.