Waipio Valley

The Basics

Known for its rich history and its natural beauty alike, the “Valley of the Kings” offers experiences for just about every type of traveler. Ride ATVs while learning about the valley’s lore, snap photos from the Waipio Valley Lookout, soar above 2,000-foot (610-meter) cliffs in a helicopter, or spend the day visiting some of Hawaii’s most famous waterfalls, including the towering Hi’ilawe Falls.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Waipio Valley is a must-see for adventure travelers, history buffs, or first-time visitors to the island.

• Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

• Don’t attempt to drive a rental car into the valley; the road is extremely steep and many rental agreements prohibit it.

• Hiking down to the black-sand beach requires a high level of physical fitness, but anyone can enjoy the views from the Waipio Valley Lookout.

How to Get There

The stunning Waipio Valley is located on the Big Island’s northern Hamakua Coast. The roads here are notoriously steep and should only be accessed by four-wheel drive, horseback, or organized tour (from Kukuihaele).

When to Get There

Since the views are one of the biggest draws, plan to visit on a clear, sunny day. November is the wettest month on the Big Island, and rain tends to impact how much of the valley is visible. Organized tours typically don’t run on Sundays.

Sacred, Mythical, Historical Waipio Valley

The Waipio Valley was once the home of many of Hawaii’s past rulers, and has great sacred and mythical significance. It was here where Kamehameha the Great (the first ruler of a unified Kingdom of Hawaii) was proclaimed the future ruler of the islands by Kakailimoku (a Hawaiian god). It’s also the site of several important Hawaiian temples, or heiaus.

Ways to explore

The Waipi’o Valley was once fairly populous, but it’s now mostly wilderness. Visitors aren’t allowed into this sacred region unless they’re on a tour—which, luckily, are abounding.

Known for its rich history and natural beauty alike, this gorgeous spot offers experiences for just about every type of traveler. Ride an ATV while learning about the valley’s lore, snap photos from the Waipi’o Valley Lookout, soar above 2,000-foot (610-meter) cliffs in a helicopter, or spend the day visiting some of Hawaii’s most famous waterfalls, including the towering Hi’ilawe Falls. You’ll return home with plenty of photos to share, for sure.

Accessibility

The Waipi’o Valley Lookout is paved and wheelchair accessible; beyond that, visitors need to travel with a permitted tour operator.

Age limits

It’s not advised to take tiny children beyond the lookout, as the steep terrain requires seat belts, harnesses, etc.

What to pack

Bug spray, sun protection, water, snacks

What to wear

Comfortable clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, including rain

Not allowed

Visitors are not allowed into the valley beyond the designated lookout.

Amenities

The lookout has parking, picnic tables, and portable toilets.

Address

While you can drive any vehicle to the Waipi’o Valley Lookout, the road down into the valley itself is extremely steep (25 percent average grade, peaking at 40 percent) and is currently closed to non-residents. Beyond the lookout, you’ll need to book a tour.

Driving

The drive from Waikoloa to the Waipi’o Valley Lookout, toward the island’s northern tip, takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic; the drive from Hilo is about 45 minutes. The roads are two-lane with speed limits averaging around 45 mph (72 kmh).

Public transportation

Public transportation options to Waipi’o Valley are extremely limited. There are bus routes that go to Honokaa (the nearest town), but direct public transit to the valley lookout is not readily available. You’ll need to take a taxi or rideshare, or opt for a tour.

Best times to visit

Early morning and early evening are both ideal for visiting the Waipi’o Valley. This way, you’ll escape both the lookout crowds and the midday heat.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be better than weekends for avoiding the lookout’s crowds. Beyond that, the view of the valley can look different depending on recent rainfall and time of day, so each day can and does offer a unique perspective.

Best months to visit

May through September are considered the best months to visit the Waipi’o Valley, as these are the drier months on the Big Island. But really, there’s no bad time to go.

Special events

Since the Waipi’o Valley is so sparsely populated, you won’t find many festivals here. The nearest town, Honokaa, hosts the Hamakua Sugar Days festival in October.