Waipio Valley, Big Island, Hawaii

The Waipio Valley – What You Need to Know

Big Island Guide Travel Guide

Waipio Valley Road Restriction – What You Need to Know

In February of 2022, due to unsafe conditions and unstable sections, the Waipio Valley Road was closed to hikers and vehicles that do not belong to residents or workers needing to access their property in the valley. This means that the beach, hiking trails and all public lands accessed via the steep Waipio Valley road were essentially inaccessible to most people.

In September 2022 access to the valley floor with a covered 4WD vehicle was restored for Big Island residents, county-permitted tour company operators and those seeking to practice Native Hawaiian traditional or customary rights. Hikers and Non Hawaii residents in private vehicles are still not allowed on the road at this time. The County of Hawaii is working on creating a plan for completing the needed repairs to the roadway and returning access. It has been indicated that the closure could last up to 2-3 years. The overlook remains open for those who wish to view the valley from above and tours are once again available to go into the valley. We will update this article when new information becomes available.

The largest and most dramatic of the windward valleys along Kohala Mountain, the Waipio Valley has long held importance to those who call the Big Island home. Located along the island’s northern shore, Waipio Valley means “the land of curving water”, named after the streams that run through the area. A fertile and productive region, the valley is a paradise of lush tropical vegetation and taro fields. It is often referred to as the Valley of Kings due to the royal heritage from the area and the importance to Hawaiian culture as an early capitol.

View from the Waipio Valley Lookout

Surrounded on three sides by nearly 2,500-foot cliffs, the valley boasts the steepest road by length in the United States – an 800-foot rise in just 0.6 miles. The road is currently restricted to Hawaii residents and tour groups with four wheel drive vehicles to get in and out on this incredibly steep road.

Waipio Valley Lookout

You’ll want to spend some time checking out the view and historical background information available at the lookout. Massive, smooth cliff faces show where part of the island broke off and fell into the ocean and the rolling waves from the strong incoming winds provide an excellent photo opportunity.

Waipio Valley Lookout Sign and Overlook

Once you reach the valley floor there’s no shortage of excellent sightseeing. The valley contains several ancient burial sites, fishing areas, and heiaus in varying conditions, and visitors get a good idea of the size and scale of the ancient fishing and farming community as well as some insight into their unique way of life.

Waipio Valley Historical Plaques at the Lookout

By visiting the Waipio Valley, you’ll not only be rewarded with incredible views of the natural wonders of Hawaii, but you’ll be knee-deep in the history and culture that makes Hawaii so special. While a trip into the valley is magical, the view from the lookout is truly stunning as well, and gives you a glimpse of the wild beauty of Hawaii.

The Wailoa Stream in the Waipio Valley

Options for Exploring Waipio Valley

(ROAD CURRENTLY RESTRICTED)

To explore further than the overlook, you’ll need to hike, drive a 4WD vehicle, or take a tour of the area. The lookout has a small parking area at the trailhead located in Kukuihaele, allowing you to check out the overlook and letting hikers disembark and head into the valley on foot. Hikers will hike down the Waipio access road that starts on the south side of the parking lot.

Hi'ilawe Falls at the back of the Waipio Valley

If you choose to continue using your rental vehicle, check your rental agreement carefully. Some companies do not allow for travel into the Waipio Valley and you may void your rental agreement. The road is very steep and you need four wheel drive so you can put your vehicle in low gear and spare your brakes. A couple of vehicles have gone over the edge when their brakes gave out, so don’t risk it.

Waipio Valley Overlook

One of our favorite ways to explore the valley is via a horseback ride. The Waipio Valley Horseback Adventure Tour is put on by Na’alapa Stables and offers an excellent, unique way to see the natural wonders of the valley. Tours last about 2 ½ hours and begin from the Waipi’o Valley Artworks store in nearby Honoka’a, with the company shuttling guests to the stable area in the valley and proceeding on horseback from there.

Alternatively, the Waipio Valley Shuttle is the original 4-wheel drive tour of “the land of curving water” and is a mesmerizing and intimate look at the valley. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island.

Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach from above

Waipio Valley Hike

(ROAD CURRENTLY RESTRICTED)

The road is extremely steep so be aware of vehicles as you are hiking on the narrow, curvy, and steep road. Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no amenities, and remember to pack your garbage out with you. You may want to bring a few dollars in cash, just incase  you want to offer a tip to catch a ride up.

View of the Waipio Valley

When you reach the bottom of the road, you can either turn left and walk down the dirt road toward the back of the valley along the Wailoa Stream and catch a glimpse of the incredible Hi’ilawe Falls, the tallest waterfall in Hawaii at 1450 feet. Or you can turn right and head toward the coast and the Waipio black sand beach.

Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach

Both directions have beautiful scenery, but if you only have time for one, head to the beach, as the falls are only able to be seen from the road at a bit of a distance and much of the scenery that way is on private land. Keep an eye out for private property signs and be respectful of the resident’s privacy. There are often wild horses wandering around on the roads so enjoy their beauty, but take it slow if you’re driving.

Waipio Black Sand Beach

Turning right, your hike will take you to the Waipio black sand beach. This is a beautiful black sand beach with impressive waves and a stream that cuts through the middle. Kaluahine Falls can sometimes be viewed from the right side of the beach when it is raining. Be careful if you cross Wailoa stream as it can be a bit slippery and watch out for fast flowing water during rain storms. We rarely swim at this beach because of the strong currents, but it is a great place to relax and watch the waves. It’s also a popular fishing and surfing spot for locals who know the water well.

Waipio Valley, Big Island, Hawaii

If you walk along the beach to the other side of the Waipio Valley, a foot trail at the southern end of the valley will take you to the trailhead for the Waimanu Valley Hike, which isn’t accessible by vehicles and is a strenuous multi day hike. However, if you take the trail just to the top of the ridge, it offers incredible views of the opposite side of the valley and an opportunity to see the region from a different perspective.

Waipio Valley Directions and Map

Taking Highways 19 and 240 will get you there. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi’o Valley.

If you’re interested in the history of the Valley of the Kings read our article here.

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