Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Koke'e and the Wailua River State Parks
Kaua'i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands and the one often called "The Garden Isle." Kaua'i is home to the wettest place on earth, the 5,148 foot Mount Wai'ale'ale, which receives over 40 feet of rain a year and some of the world's tallest sea cliffs along the Na Pali Coast.
The geology and ecology of the state parks on Kaua'i reflect the fact that Kaua'i is the oldest of the main islands in Hawaii. Nature has had a chance to work its wonder by means of erosion and mere time.
The Waimea Canyon State Park is perhaps the most well known park on Kaua'i. Located 11.1 miles north of Kekaha on Koke'e Road (Highway 550), the beautiful Waimea Canyon is what Mark Twain first referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." I've always felt that the colors within the canyon are actually more impressive than the Grand Canyon.
Photo by John Fischer
The colors of the canyon often seem to change throughout the day. As the sun's angle changes, the beautiful rust color caused by the iron in the volcanic rock, and the contrasting colors of the vegetation will offer many differing views. There are many scenic stops as you drive up the canyon, so be sure to bring your camera and memory disks.
Located adjacent to Waimea Canyon State Park is Kokeʻe State Park at the northern end of which you'll be able to view the beautiful Kalalau Valley from the 4000 foot Kalalua Valley Lookout.
Photo by John Fischer
If you enjoy hiking and camping some of the best in Hawaii can be found in Koke`e State Park. Despite severe damage from hurricane Iniki in 1992, most of Koke'e trails are once again back in excellent shape. While much of Koke'e State Park consists of forest, the park also includes part of the Alaka'i Swamp, once of the wettest areas on earth and virtually impenetrable to man.
Located along the northwest coast of Kaua'i, the Na Pali Coast State Park can be best be seen by helicopter, airplane or motorized raft. While hiking to the coast via the Kalalau Trail is possible, it is not for the average tourist. It is 11 miles one way and often treacherously slippery.
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Photo by Craig Thompson
The Na Pali Coast is striking evidence of the power of nature over the past five million years. Kaua'i was once a gently sloping shield volcano but the effects of wind, rain and surf have reformed the island. The island from the top of the sea cliffs to the shore long ago fell into the Pacific Ocean and today rest on the sea bottom off the coast.
Perhaps the most famous park on Kaua'i is the Wailua River State Park located seven miles north of Lihu'e off of the Kuhio Highway and along the Wailua River.
Photo by John Fischer
The Wailua River valley is where many motion pictures have been filmed including Blue Hawaii, Outbreak, Raiders of the Lost Ark and many others. The best way to see the valley is by riverboat and both Smith's and the Wai'ale'ale Boat Tours offer trips down the river to the famous Fern Grotto.
These are just a few of the wonderful parks that you will find on the island of Kaua'i. For additional information, I would highly recommend the following book and our collection of links to information on the parks of Big Island of Hawaii.
Exploring Hawaii's Parklands 
Marnie Hagmann's excellent book contains detailed information on the national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, state parks and county parks in Hawaii.
Kaua'i Underground Guide
Recently revised in 2007, this book is superb for anyone who really wants to learn about Kaua'i and find the best beaches, activities, restaurants, tours, adventures, shopping and accommodations.
State Parks on the Island of Kaua'i
From the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, an interactive map and detailed information on all of the State Parks on the island of Kaua'i.
