Found along every mile of coastline and in the heart of the islands’ interior, the Hawaiian Islands are known for their infinite number of natural wonders. Perhaps there is no greater wonder than the countless waterfalls found across the beautiful Aloha State – from Hawaii Island’s 442-foot Akaka Falls to Kauai’s Hanakapiai Falls and everywhere in between. These stunning waterfalls are usually found cascading down lush, emerald green cliff faces into striking sapphire pools, but that isn’t always the case. Found off the highway within Waimea Canyon State Park, Red Dirt Falls is a seasonal waterfall unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold - and will easily transport you to another world, or at least the painted deserts of the American southwest.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
While this tiny little waterfall may not seem impressive when compared to the real reason anyone visits this area, it is undoubtedly a eye-catching and unique feature you’ll only find within Hawaii’s gorgeous Waimea Canyon - also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
Christian Arballo/Flickr Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty.
The characteristic bands of red found within Waimea Canyon - and across the Hawaiian Islands, for that matter - were created over time as the dark, iron-rich basalt rock turned various shades of red due to oxidation.
Deb Nystrom/Flickr
In fact, the word “waimea” actually translates to “reddish water” in Hawaiian, surely referring to the area’s iconic color and the heavy rainfall Kauai is known for.
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr
The best part about this striking landscape that surely makes us feel as though we’ve stepped foot on Mars? You don’t have to hike to see it! If it’s flowing, you can park your car on the side of the road and take it all in, but if there’s little flow, you can just keep on driving. How cool is that?
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
While in the area, consider picking up an iconic souvenir: a “dirt shirt,” which is dyed using actual red dirt from the canyon, and is sold by a variety of local vendors.
Jenni Konrad/Flickr
The stark contrast between the red dirt, flowing water, and surrounding green vegetation makes this Kauai hidden gem one of the most unique waterfalls in the world. Don’t miss visiting this place on your next stop to Waimea Canyon. If you’re driving to the park from Waimea Town on Waimea Canyon Drive (also known as route 550), you will find this gem on the left side of the road near mile marker 23 - if it’s flowing, that is!
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
If you love staring at photographs of Red Dirt Falls, you’ll want to check out the breathtaking Waimea Canyon, as well as the 14 tallest waterfalls in Hawaii.
Jim Mullhaupt/Flickr
Christian Arballo/Flickr
Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty.
Deb Nystrom/Flickr
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Jenni Konrad/Flickr
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