It is highly recommended that you travel to Kalalau Lookout when there is good chance of clear weather. We have made this trip six times, one being completely fogged in. When the weather is fine, indeed, it is one of the best lookouts in the world.
We like to take route 552 going up as you are hugging the side closest to the mountain. Coming back from the Kalalau Lookout we like to veer left where there is a fork in the road and take route 550 coming down.
The views as your descending on route 550 are quite spectacular. My wife, who hates heights, was just fine with this road at normal speeds—slow– as you are riding along a ridge.
The Kalalau Lookout is a good distance in. There is only one road and almost impossible to get lost if you don’t veer into one of the side dirt roads. Close by is a government observatory.
You do pass Waimea Canyon, which is always a fine view and most of the time reasonably clear. Keep on going and you will eventually run into the Kalalua Lookout. There is a bathroom and most of the time parking is available.
A short ways to the right is the Pu’u o Kila Lookout, which some people think are even better views. These lookouts are the wonders of Kauai which makes this island so spectacular.
