Waipi'o Valley
Waipi'o Valley
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A scenic area of waterfalls and thousand foot cliffs.
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4.5
1,060 reviews
Excellent
755
Very good
236
Average
47
Poor
14
Terrible
8
Patrick McKay
Highlands Ranch, CO27 contributions
Mar 2020
Beautiful valley and beach with access to a great hiking trail on the other side of the valley. We drove our rental Jeep down the road to the beach and it was easily passable in our stock JLU Sahara Wrangler. Make sure to put your vehicle in low range 4WD and use manual gear selection for the descent. I had to use 1st gear low to control speed. The road to the beach is somewhat rough with many deep muddy puddles to drive through, but the bottom is firm so no risk of getting stuck. You have to stop at the top to listen to a lecture from the "ranger" before going down. I didn't see him at first and almost drove past without stopping which made him extremely mad. Not the most pleasant fellow for sure.
Once at the beach, I high recommend wading through the river and hiking at least part of the trail to Waimanu Valley. The initial climb up the switchbacks is steep and strenuous but well worth the views. After that is mostly dense rain forest with incredible tall trees and several pretty waterfalls and streams. We hiked about half way to Waimanu and that was tiring but worth it. I would never want to do that hike if I hadn't driven to the beach though. Walking back up the road to the 2WD trail head after that hike would be brutal.
Overall great place to visit and well worth renting a Jeep just to experience. If you have never driven a 4WD vehicle before and do not know how to put it in low range or are scared of steep narrow roads, it may not be the place for you. But if you know how to handle a 4x4, don't be put off by all the warnings about breaking your rental contract etc. Just do it.
Once at the beach, I high recommend wading through the river and hiking at least part of the trail to Waimanu Valley. The initial climb up the switchbacks is steep and strenuous but well worth the views. After that is mostly dense rain forest with incredible tall trees and several pretty waterfalls and streams. We hiked about half way to Waimanu and that was tiring but worth it. I would never want to do that hike if I hadn't driven to the beach though. Walking back up the road to the 2WD trail head after that hike would be brutal.
Overall great place to visit and well worth renting a Jeep just to experience. If you have never driven a 4WD vehicle before and do not know how to put it in low range or are scared of steep narrow roads, it may not be the place for you. But if you know how to handle a 4x4, don't be put off by all the warnings about breaking your rental contract etc. Just do it.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BoysInNY
Chicago, IL1,676 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
If you’re comfortable driving this with you four wheel drive it is worth the trip. The views up above and down on the beach are amazing. The road is very steep so be sure you’re comfortable driving down this road. And honestly driving up is just as bad!
In the end it was worth the trip to the valley!
In the end it was worth the trip to the valley!
Written 29 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathie H
Cincinnati, OH57 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Arrive early to get a 24 hour park spot near the overlook if you plan to walk down to the beach &/or view the waterfall. The overlook has a breath taking view. You can not see the falls from the overview. To see the falls you need to walk or pay a tour place to drive you down. Once you get down to the bottom of the extremely steep 1 mile road it’s about a 1/3 mile walk to your left on a flat road to view the falls. It’s beautiful and worth the extra walk, though the view is from quite a distance away. After viewing the falls turn around and retrace your steps back past where you came down and walk another 1/4 mile or so to the gorgeous beach. There are outhouses by the beach for public use.
The walk back up is quite strenuous but doable if you are in decent shape. Plan 1/2 day for this. Well worth putting on your “to do” list!
The walk back up is quite strenuous but doable if you are in decent shape. Plan 1/2 day for this. Well worth putting on your “to do” list!
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Texas_Traveler71
Paris, TX1,120 contributions
June 2021
My teenage son and I visited Waipi'o Valley during our recent trip to Hawaii. I simply can't recommend this enough. This area is just so beautiful and was one of the most breath taking places we visited. Be warned, if you don't have a good four wheel drive vehicle, the walk down and up is extremely difficult and steep. However, once you are down in the valley, the views are amazing, the black sand beach is beautiful, the waves are crashing, and the wild horses are welcoming. This amazing location is well, well worth your time!
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA9,663 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Time and nature's element have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley, the ocean licks the mile long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep in the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents, I do not encourage driving into the valley. But I've been told that it is fine to walk in and hike at the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents, I do not encourage driving into the valley. But I've been told that it is fine to walk in and hike at the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide.
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tyingthenapierknot
Memphis, TN8 contributions
Jan 2020
We were nervous about taking this hike with my siblings but we are all between the ages of 15-25. The hike is not easy but it is so fun to decent into the valley and walk along the black sand. We only did the 3 mile round trip hike to the beach and back and it took about 30 minutes to go down and 45 to get back up. The hike up is certainly hard on the calf muscles but is not nearly as challenging as some other reviews. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie D.
Cleveland, OH2,395 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
We were on a circle tour of the Big Island and stopped by the Waipi’o Valley lookout and it was so beautiful. We stopped around twilight and it wasn’t very crowded and it was very lovely. We also enjoyed the many feral cats that hung around! This is a great place to stop and photograph the beauty of the Big Island.
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard K
Fort Worth, TX10 contributions
Jan 2023
Second time on the Big Island and had a great stroke of luck as Kilauea started erupting on Thursday afternoon Jan 5. We went to Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Back out on Friday evening late and the following Thursday after dark. Fantastic. Did other stuff like Akaka Falls, Waipio,Parker Ranch and lots more. Basically explored the whole island. Groceries have gotten extremely expensive as dining out also. Be prepared. This was our sixth time to Hawaii and we were shocked at the increase in prices over the past 13 months.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven L
Syracuse, NY863 contributions
Jan 2022
The overlook presents a beautiful view of the valley. There is also information available to acquaint you with the valley's important connection to Hawaii's spiritual and cultural past. There are many options available to be able to descend to the black sand beach but that will be in a future visit to the Big Island.
We met Ranger Rocky residing in a small building to check camping permits , making sure that people hiking down and back are prepared and I assume making sure that people aren't trying to drive that road are using vehicles built for the purpose. The Ranger was very friendly and informative as was his friend Rex.
Parking is very limited so going there earlier in the day might be a good idea.
We met Ranger Rocky residing in a small building to check camping permits , making sure that people hiking down and back are prepared and I assume making sure that people aren't trying to drive that road are using vehicles built for the purpose. The Ranger was very friendly and informative as was his friend Rex.
Parking is very limited so going there earlier in the day might be a good idea.
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
old-jogger
Port Coquitlam, Canada234 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
The view is great from the lookout and the walk down to the beach is very pretty. Trail system also takes you further over a series of headlands that have few users. Be prepared for a hard walk back up.
This place is spoiled, unfortunately, because 4x4 vehicles driven by tourists are allowed down and park all along the beach area. It would be better to restrict access to locals who live in the valley (who must be driven crazy by the brand new Jeeps blocking the road every day). People who cannot make the walk could easily be accommodated in the commercial shuttle that also uses the route.
Bottom line: wonderful views and beautiful valley, but spoiled by 4x4 vehicles. There are equally beautiful places where you won’t be disturbed by white-knuckled drivers pretending to be macho men.
This place is spoiled, unfortunately, because 4x4 vehicles driven by tourists are allowed down and park all along the beach area. It would be better to restrict access to locals who live in the valley (who must be driven crazy by the brand new Jeeps blocking the road every day). People who cannot make the walk could easily be accommodated in the commercial shuttle that also uses the route.
Bottom line: wonderful views and beautiful valley, but spoiled by 4x4 vehicles. There are equally beautiful places where you won’t be disturbed by white-knuckled drivers pretending to be macho men.
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My nephew wants to do the hike down and up, but I want to just drop him off and pick him up. Is there someplace to go or something to do nearby while I wait for him? I
Written 5 January 2020
I’d suggest the nearby Honoka’a as a great place for you while your nephew hikes down into Waipio Valley. It’s a quaint, historic town with shops and lots to see. I’d recommend Grandma’s Kitchen for great food and atmosphere. Honoka’a is about 15 min or so from where your nephew would begin and end his hike.
Written 12 February 2020
I have read reviews and the distance/time to the actual beach varies greatly. For an individual in good shape, how long would it take to hike down the steep trail AND walk to the beach? How long for the return trip?
Thanks in advance!
Written 27 August 2019
Distance to Waipio Valley is difficult to calculate without an accurate odometer reading, which I do not have. My review is just an estimate based on my own experience as a hiker. I took the trip in the back of a pickup.
My best guess is that it will take about two hours to hike the distance to the beach, but that’s just an estimate. Most of that is after you reach the bottom. As an experienced hiker you know about how long the trip uphill will take compared to downhill.
Allow all day for the trip.
Written 28 August 2019
Are there still wild horses wondering around the beach
Written 19 August 2019
According to some quick research I did, apparently there are, but I did not go down to the valley. I just viewed it from the viewpoint at the end of the paved road.
Written 21 August 2019
Is there a hiking trail separate from the road you've mentioned? Did you notice a trail to the shore/beach once you've reached the bottom or just follow the road? My husband and I would like to hike this but I'd like to make sure we know where we are going before we embark on it.
Written 17 June 2019
There is no trail leading from the observation area to the beach below. You’ll have to use the one and only road alongside ATVs and possibly larger vehicles. Stay to the side and watch where you put your feet. No one takes this road quickly, so don’t worry about excessive speed. There is always a chance someone could have brake problems or lose control of their car, so keep an eye on vehicles behind you as you descend.
Relax, it’s a very slim chance. Most people’s better judgement kicks in when they see the condition of the road. Expect around 40 minutes to reach the bottom. Follow the road to your right. Once again, the only trail is the road. Turn right once more when you are presented with a choice and you’ll find a beach with finely ground black sand and the smell of cooking food. Watch the waves here. They’re pretty choppy.
Have fun and expect one hell of a climb back up!
Written 18 June 2019
gegeouille
Tripoli, Libya
Hello, thank you for all the details you gave. I was wondering if you drove through road 240 and then went down walking and up hiking?
Is so, how is the road please? thank you so much
Written 4 June 2019
To my knowledge and the knowledge of one local, there is only one road into Waipio valley. 240 leads to the observation area, but I absolutely caution against taking a rental car down the road itself. Nothing teaches like direct experience. Take a look at it when you arrive.
To directly answer your question, the road looks as if it was paved once, back in 1970. Any subsequent repairs must literally be carried by ATV in small loads as they are needed. The tropical environment is trying every day to eat away this pitiful intrusion on Mother Peles Island and it will eventually win. Large roots reach all the way across the road and I saw at least one small collapse of the mountain wall the road was carved from. There will be traffic coming up, and downward bound traffic must pull aside to let them pass. All the way down you will see mangled guard rails left to remind you of the mistakes of others. The creek runs alongside the road at the top and helps to erode the road even when it doesn’t rain.
This is not for the timid. Hike instead and earn it!
Written 18 June 2019
Hello Stephen, Thank you for your review of Waipi'o Valley. You said that you hitched a ride going up. Is this easy to do? I doubt very much that I will be able to climb up from the Valley. Can I be certain that for a fee someone will give me a lift up?
Written 29 May 2019
You can always try waving a twenty dollar bill when you see a car coming. Most of the time people won’t even accept your money. Aloha!
Written 18 June 2019
How was the Mule Cart experience? Did you get to get out and explore, take photos? We have a rental so we don’t need a tour from Hilo. We have kids 6&9 so it looks like any atv tour is out. Would you suggest this as a good alternative to just driving down ourselves?
Written 19 November 2018
I haven't done the mule cart experience so I can't speak to it. We took the tour. My friend did bring a rental to the valley and I think that's what I will do next time. So if you have the chance to bring one I would jump on it.
Written 3 January 2019
Can you get to the valley without a 4 wheel drive car?
Written 15 August 2018
Yes, you can get there without a four wheel drive. Walk. This is the only way I know, but I’m told there are shuttles and even mule carts.
Written 26 June 2019
Was it a difficult drive to get to the parking lot? Worried about the rental car
Thanks in advance
Lesley
Written 27 April 2018
Lesley,
You don’t understand. 240 takes you only to the observation area. The actual road is not for rental cars unless you have a four wheel drive. Even then, I wouldn’t advise it. There are actually tours that will drive you down, and apparently a mule cart! You can also hike to the shore in a couple of hours. Once you reach the shore there is no parking lot. Just a few cars on black sand.
Once you descend the road, turn right for a while then right again when you have a choice. Enjoy!
Written 19 June 2019
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