Historic Waimea Town in southwestern Kauai is a quaint place that is known as the gateway to nearby Waimea Canyon, the island’s most popular tourist attraction. With tourist shops and restaurants, a pier and a black sand beach, plus grocery stores and gas stations, Waimea Town Kauai is the perfect place to stop and spend some time before or after your trip to the canyon.
The historic Waimea area was one of the first places on the island to be inhabited. The Menehune Ditch, built by a people even before the first Polynesians arrived around 1200 AD, is evidence of a long history at Waimea. When Captain Cook first arrived on January 20th, 1778, a flourishing Hawaiian community was present. In subsequent years, missionaries arrived and built a number of churches which can still be found in the town. Across the Waimea River from the town is the site of the Russian Fort Elizabeth which was built in 1817.
Waimea’s beautiful black sand beach and the Waimea Pier are not to be missed. The beach and pier are perfect places to relax and take in a beautiful sunset. You can also catch a glimpse of the “forbidden” island of Niihau in the distance. And you may even see a horse at the beach!
Though there are a few small places to stay in Waimea, including the Inn Waimea and the Waimea Plantation Cottages, the town is mostly a waypoint for those traveling to Waimea Canyon.
Located in western Kauai, the town of Waimea and the area is generally drier than other parts of the island. But that doesn’t mean that rains are scarce. Though clear skies will greet you on many days in Waimea, rains can last for days on occasion. Be prepared with rain gear for both the town and the trip to Waimea Canyon.
Location at Google Maps
Waimea Town Kauai Photos
The Waimea Post Office
The Captain James Cook Monument in Waimea.
The Waimea Theater is a restored 1930s-era theater that shows recent movies on a single screen.
Shrimp Station…
…and Island Taco!
Waimea Pier
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