Visiting the Waipio Valley on the Big Island's Hamakua Coast
Take a step back in time with a visit to the lush Waipio Valley on the Big Island, known as the Valley of the Kings, for its historic role in the Hawaiian civilization. Learn about this stunning valley on the Hamakua Coast.
A Little History on Waipio Valley
Due to its historical importance to the Hawaiian people, Waipio Valley is known to be among the most breathtaking and sacred places on the islands. Many stories about ancient Hawaiian gods you hear of today were set in the Waipio Valley long before settlers roamed the land.
The valley was once home to Hawaiian rulers and warriors who fought for control of the beautiful island kingdom, including King Kamehameha the Great, who trained in the valley as a young boy before becoming the ruler and unifier of the islands in 1810.
The valley is also known as 'the sacred place'. It has been said that royal burial sites are located on the cliffs, and anyone who lives in the valley is protected by the kings' mana (divine power). Not even the many reoccurring tsunamis in the late 1800s could harm the settlers and residents of the valley.
Visiting Waipio Valley
Today, less than 100 native Hawaiian residents reside in the valley and live purely off the land. This makes Waipio Valley a significant and sensitive place for the Hawaiian people.
The valley's indescribable beauty drives many tourists and locals to this area each year, most of whom are looking to either hike to the black-sand beach or view the six acres of taro planted below. But please also bear in mind its cultural significance when you visit.
The valley is located on the northeastern shores of the Hamaku Coast, tucked in the Kohala Mountains on the Big Island. Waipio Valley is the largest and most popular site to visit out of the seven valleys on the windward side..
Waipio, also known as "curved water" in Hawaiian, stretches about a mile wide at the coast and travels six miles further into the valley.
The lush tropical landscape rises nearly 2,000 ft. and boasts many cascading waterfalls. Hi'ilawe waterfall is the tallest and most famous waterfall in the valley.
You will also find the Waipio River, which flows from the mountains until it reaches the beach. A visit to the valley will have you dreaming about "paradise found" well after you've returned home!
Getting down into the valley is tricky. The road heading into the valley is known to be very steep, reaching an average grade of 20-25%. Therefore, driving into the valley is not recommended. You can, however, hike to the valley floor from the lookout point
Hiking Into the Waipio Valley
The Waipio Valley is considered a moderate-to-difficult trail, recommended only for those physically ready to hike steep and often slippery terrain.
The trail is about 6.5 miles long and may take 3-5 hours to hike, depending on the detours you decide to make along the way. Hiking down to the valley floor may seem easy, but the hike back to the top makes this trail very challenging—especially under warm weather conditions. It is best to start the hike early to avoid hiking in the mid-day heat.
You can enter the valley from several different points, but the entrance by the parking lot is the easiest to find. From the parking area at Waipio Lookout, head down the paved road about three-quarters of a mile. Once the road is more level, continue to follow it toward the ocean for another half-mile until you reach the black-sand beach.
Note that the Waipio black-sand beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swimming is not recommended due to the rough currents.
Although the trail may be half paved and partially shaded by the tropical landscape, it is always essential to wear sunscreen, bring lots of water, and wear proper hiking shoes.
Hiking Essentials and Precautions
As always, it is important to take proper precautions and pack the essentials before hiking to the valley.
Bring lots of water. The afternoon weather can be very warm, so it is important to stay hydrated and pack enough water to last the entire hike.
Check the weather conditions before you hike—avoid hiking under bad weather conditions, as it can be hazardous and extremely slippery when wet.
Pack proper hiking shoes—due to the steep and slippery terrain in the valley, it is best to wear appropriate shoes for the hike. We recommend closed-toe hiking shoes for this hike. Avoid wearing flip-flops.
Sunscreen—always wear sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreen contains no harsh chemicals, keeping marine life safe and protecting you from the sun's harmful rays.
Stay on the trails—most of the land is on private property; it is best to stay on the trail and avoid entering if it is not a public area to avoid getting lost or trespassing on private land.
If you bring snacks or food on your hike, take a pack-in / pack-out approach.
Mahalo and enjoy the Big Island's Waipio Valley! To learn about other Big Island activities, check out our Big Island Guide.
