We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
Puu Ka Pele Lookout
Located within the West Region on Kauai
Waimea Canyon Lookout
Kauai Sights
Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, which is a very small pullout near mile marker 13 on Highway 550, provides an interesting angle into Waimea Canyon through a narrow gorge. The lookout also provides the closest (though partially obstructed) view of Waipo`o Falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity. A better lookout for Waimea Canyon is Pu`u Hinahina Lookout which is just beyond Pu`u ka Pele lookout at mile marker 13.5 or the official Waimea Canyon Lookout near mile marker 10 on Highway 550.
Explore smarter
Turn this stop into a better day plan.
Use maps, timing, access checks, and current conditions before adding another stop to the route.
Our featured listings are some of the best Waimea Canyon Tours you'll find anywhere- from full-day hikes, family-friendly sightseeing tours, and spectacular helicopter tours that'll have you soaring right into this geologic marvel. These tours stand out for their exceptional guides, unique experiences, and their focus on highlighting what makes Waimea Canyon truly shine. Book your adventure today!
Make a great adventure even better by being prepared for anything you encounter along the trail. From great hiking boots, adventure cameras, Hawaii guidebooks, and more, we have a wide variety of hiking gear and travel supplies you'll need. Browse our selections, pick up what you need, and be safe, comfy, and well-outfitted with Hawaii Guide. Mahalo!
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
0:000:53
Voice
Read the transcript
Trade winds are pushing across Maui right now and staying breezy through tomorrow. Windward slopes and peaks will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. Rough seas mean a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain. Late this week, winds will increase across Maui, with summit gusts potentially exceeding 70 mph on Haleakala. The Big Island—especially Hilo and Puna—faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding if the storm tracks close.
Leeward beaches and snorkeling work best today through Tuesday. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:55
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are kicking today with moderate wind and rough seas. Windward slopes will see scattered showers; the leeward side stays mostly dry. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The track remains uncertain, but the Big Island faces the highest risk of heavy rain and flooding, especially in the Hilo and Puna areas. Summit winds could exceed 70 mph late in the week. Check forecasts daily as the situation develops.
Leeward snorkeling and beach time work well through Tuesday. Save summit drives and windward hikes for today or tomorrow, and avoid offshore water sports and high elevations Thursday through Saturday.
0:000:58
Voice
Read the transcript
Trades are steady now with scattered showers on the windward side and ridges; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Through Tuesday it stays breezy with rough seas around Maui and the Big Island, where a Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Tuesday evening.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is uncertain. Winds will increase across the eastern islands late this week, with potential for summit gusts over 70 mph on Maui and the Big Island if the storm intensifies.
Get your beach and snorkel time in today and tomorrow on the leeward coast. Avoid summit hikes and offshore water sports Thursday through Saturday as conditions deteriorate. The track could shift significantly—check updates daily.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out