Waimea Canyon

 Waimea Canyon, on the island of Kauai, is even more spectacular and aye inspiring than the Grand Canyon. That’s no small feat in and of itself. The canyon, on Kauai’s West Side, has been described as ‘The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.’ Although not as big or as old as its Arizona cousin, you won’t encounter anything like this geological wonder in Hawaii or anyplace else for that matter.

Stretching 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. The grand island vistas go on for miles and miles.

Waimea Canyon Drive, the road to get there, is a veritable roller coaster ride of ups and down, dips and climbs, twists and turns that are enough to make even the most able jet fighter pilot catch his breath.

The canyon is a kaleidoscope of colors splashed up and down the green-embedded canyons, crags and crevices. From our perch we could see tourist helicopters disappearing into the canyons and flocks of birds passing by below. Spectacular waterfalls dotted the landscape.

Waimea Canyon was only one of a dozen magical escapes for the LaComb family on the island of Kauai. Sharon and I were the guests, along with another set of grandparents, on special invitation from our son and daughter-in-law. There were surprises for all of us on a daily basis.

We saw the valley where the film Jurassic Park was filmed.

We enjoyed an authentic Luau one night.

Maya got certified to go scuba diving anywhere in the world. On her second dive, she encountered sharks, sea turtles, monk seals, and one anxious father looking over her shoulder.

Daily sunsets left us in awe.

The best gift of the entire trip was spending precious time with our grandchildren. In the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?