Waipio Valley — Attraction in Hawaii

Waipio Valley is one of the most breathtaking destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering a stunning blend of lush landscapes, towering cliffs, and a striking black sand beach. Visiting this iconic valley is an experience that immerses you in the natural beauty and rich history of the Hawaiian Islands.

The journey to the beach is an adventure in itself, as it involves a steep walk down a winding path. While the descent offers spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding scenery, it’s important to note that the walk back up can be quite challenging, especially for those not accustomed to steep inclines. It’s also worth mentioning that some vehicles have gotten stuck down in the valley, so if you’re considering taking a car, be cautious and prepared for the rough terrain.

Once you reach the beach, you’re greeted by the unique beauty of the black sand, which is both captivating and a reminder of the volcanic origins of the island. The contrast of the dark sand against the vibrant greens of the valley creates a stunning visual experience. However, it’s crucial to be respectful of this natural environment; the beach is a sacred place for many, and preserving its beauty is essential.

The atmosphere at Waipio Valley is peaceful and serene, making it a perfect spot to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The backdrop of the towering cliffs and lush vegetation makes for some incredible photo opportunities.

Overall, Waipio Valley is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Big Island. Just be prepared for the steep walk down to the beach and remember to respect the natural surroundings while you soak in the breathtaking views. Whether you’re hiking, exploring, or simply enjoying the stunning landscape, Waipio Valley offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of...

Hiking into the Waipio Valley is a must-do adventure for any travelers in reasonable shape, and well worth the effort. The elevation gain is only 1000', which is less than a lot of day hikes in California and Colorado, and the sense of achievement as other vacationers are chauffeured in 4-wheel drive vehicles is rewarding. This year was my 4th hike into the valley and it never gets old.

When you reach the bottom of the paved road you will need to proceed left (up-valley) or right (down-valley). Up-valley will lead very soon to a spectacular view of the famous 1500-foot tall Hiilawe Falls. Continuing on the road, you cross some shallow streams, and pass various farms and dwellings, many with large "Keep Out" signs. Some are modern, with satellite dishes and new roofs, while others are simple shacks, often abandoned. There are wild horses and mongooses, and even a riding stable. After a mile or so we opted to turn around--on a future visit we hope to hike upstream to the Falls but the question of trespassing is unresolved.

Returning to the original fork, we continued out to the beach. There were over a dozen 4-wheel drive vehicles parked with occupants enjoying themselves picnicking and hanging out. We crossed the river (hiking poles very handy here) and walked to the west valley wall. After locating the start of the switchback path that leads over the ridge and to the Waimanu valley we hiked up to the first switchback for the view. Coming back down, we made our way up-valley on the dubious King's trail and reached the Queen's Bath pools, where we took a cold dip.

Back on the beach, we rested for a snack and the 30-minute walk up the road. A...

To descend from the looking to the valley you need a 4x4 vehicle or to be in decent hiking shape. There are many signs and an employee that remind everyone of the 4x4 rule. The road is just about a mile long and we were told is at about a 45 degree angle.

At the bottom of the hill you can view the Hi'ilawe Falls to the left. You can't get too close because it turns into private property, but you can still view the 1400ft waterfall.

To the right you can access a black sand beach. I would highly recommend this. This is supposed to be the longest black sand beach on the island. It's a very different and unique place. After descending into the valley (which requires a 4x4 vehicle or to be in decent hiking shape) you can access the longest black sand beach on the island. I loved this beach. It wasn't crowded at all (probably because of the difficulty reaching it), and the landscape and beach were extremely different. I'd highly recommend it. After going to 2 other black sand beaches (Punalu'u and Kehena), I can say that this is by far the best black sand beach...