Waipi'o Valley Hawaii
Waipi'o Valley Hawaii - Valley of the Kings. One of the most spectacular valleys in all of Hawaii, Waipi'o is beautiful beyond imagination. Steep walls of thick vegetation drop abruptly to the lush and verdant valley floor. Waves wash up on soft grey sand along the nearly mile-long Waipi'o Beach.
Waipi'o Valley is the largest of seven valleys that fan out along the northeast coast of the Big Island. Pololu Valley sits at the opposite end, approximately 10 miles (16k) to the northwest. Waipi'o is often called Valley of the Kings because it was once the residence of many Hawaiian ali'i (chiefs or kings).
Waipi'o Valley Overlook
The scenic Waipi'o overlook is at the northern end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, the section of highway that runs along the Hamakua coast from Hilo to Waipi'o. To reach the Waipi'o overlook, drive west about twenty minutes from the community of Honoka'a on the north side of the Big Island. Honoka'a is about 20 minutes east of Waimea, just off of Highway 19.
Dramatic views from the overlook make it worth a stop even if you don't actually venture down to the bottom.
Hiking Into Waipi'o Valley
Due to ground instability, and a slope failure/landslide that occurred in 2019, hiking into Waipi'o Valley is currently prohibited. Vehicle access is limited to Hawai'i County residents, permitted licensed tour operators, and Native Hawaiians claiming the exercise of traditional and customary rights.
The overlook is the starting point for another great Hawaii hike. The very steep one-lane road drops more than one thousand feet straight down to the valley floor. Did we mention steep? The hike down is pleasant enough, less than a mile to the bottom. Coming back up feels far longer and may test your endurance. Take your time and stop along the way to enjoy the awesome view.
To walk farther into the valley, turn left when you reach the valley floor. This area was once a thriving Hawaiian village, gathering place for Hawaiian ali'i (chiefs) and home to thousands of Hawaiians. Today Waipi'o has a population of fewer than 40 or so residents, some with small taro farms and various livestock. Please be respectful and mind their desire for privacy.
If you time your visit right, you might catch a glimpse of Hi'ilawe Falls plunging more than 1400 feet (427 meters) from the upper reaches of the Kohala Volcano. During much of the year, this waterfall is pretty much dried up. When there is sufficient rainfall, Hi'ilawe is the tallest waterfall in Hawai'i.
Waipi'o Beach
Retrace your steps and head back toward the coast, or, when you reach the valley floor turn right and walk to the shoreline, then turn left and cross the small stream that cuts across the beach. Enjoy the long walk along the beach and gaze up at steep cliffs that shoot skyward on both sides of the valley, in some places more than 2000 feet (610 meters). Waipi'o beach is not a good place to swim unless the surf is really calm. Rip currents are common.
Hiking Beyond Waipi'o
For more adventurous explorers interested in a longer and more strenuous Big Island hike, from the west end of the beach the trail continues straight up the far west side of the valley, zigzagging to the top and then across into Waimanu, the next valley over. It's too far to make it all the way to Waimanu Valley and back in one day. If you wish to explore beyond Waipi'o you'll need to secure the necessary backpacking and camping permits weeks in advance by contacting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife in Hilo (808-974-4221).
