Is Waimea Canyon open? Current closures and roadwork
The lookout closure
Waimea Canyon Lookout — the one on postcards, facing the red canyon wall — closed on 14 July 2025 for slope work and new railing. As of August 2026, it has not reopened. State Parks announced a reopening date of 9 January 2026, but that date has passed without confirmation. Check the official State Parks page for an updated timeline.
Puʻu Hinahina Lookout, a few miles further up the road, is the working canyon viewpoint right now. It shows the same canyon from a slightly different angle. Tours now stop at Puʻu Hinahina, not the closed lookout.
The weekday road closure
Waimea Canyon Drive between Maʻule Road and Kōkeʻe Road is undergoing full-depth reconstruction and resurfacing. It is closed weekdays from 8:00am until 11:30pm, effective 22 June 2026, with work expected to be complete by 17 August 2026. All work is weather-dependent.
The road is open weekends and public holidays. It is also open from 11:30pm until 8:00am on weekday nights. Local traffic and emergency vehicles are let through during closure hours.
The detour for Kōkeʻe State Park is Kōkeʻe Road out of Kekaha. It adds time and distance but is passable.
If you are visiting on a weekday with only one day free, a ground tour avoids the road closure because the operators have routes around it. A self-drive visit would lose most of the day to the detour.
Kalalau Lookout parking
Kalalau Lookout parking is currently limited because of ongoing improvement work. Arrive early or expect to wait.
Before you drive
Always check conditions before you leave. The road situation can change. Visit State Parks and the Hawaii Department of Transportation for the latest updates. Closures extend to all activities: you cannot hike, picnic, or visit lookouts in closed areas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waimea Canyon still closed?
The park is open. The famous Waimea Canyon Lookout closed 14 July 2025 and remains closed as of August 2026; Puʻu Hinahina Lookout is the working canyon view. The canyon road is closed weekdays 8am–11:30pm until 17 August 2026.
Can I drive up the canyon road on a weekday?
Not during the day. The road between Maʻule Road and Kōkeʻe Road is closed 8:00am–11:30pm weekdays. The road is open weekends, holidays, and 11:30pm–8:00am on weekday nights. Use Kōkeʻe Road from Kekaha as the detour for Kōkeʻe State Park.
Why did the lookout close and when will it reopen?
For slope stabilization and new railing. State Parks announced a reopening of 9 January 2026, but as of August 2026 that has not happened. Check the official State Parks page for an update.
If the lookout is closed, can I still see Waimea Canyon?
Yes. Puʻu Hinahina Lookout, a short drive further up, is open and shows the canyon. You can also see the canyon from several other pullouts and Kōkeʻe State Park.