Big Islandwaipio Valley

The Waipio Valley

The Waipio Valley can be found in the Hamakua District in the northeastern part of Big Island. This beautiful valley stretches for six miles between two giant cliffs. Once upon a time, over 40,000 people lived in the valley, tending to the fruitful crops that grew there such as taro, red bananas, and guava. Many of Hawaii's kings also made the valley their home, creating the many myths and legends that are tied to the valley. Today, a mere 50 people live in the valley, making it a beautiful and nearly isolated natural spot for Hawaii visitors.

To get to the Valley, you would need to get on Highway 19 from the city of Hilo towards Honokaa and then switch off to Highway 240 to reach the Waipio Valley Lookout. The lookout is itself a great and picturesque spot where you will catch some of the best views of the valley. The best way to reach the valley from here is through hiking. It is suggested that you do not try to take a car down to the valley since getting it back up is nearly impossible. If you prefer not to hike, you can hop onto the Waipio Valley Shuttle for a great guided tour through the Valley. The Waipio Valley Wagon also offers an excellent guided tour, focusing on the more historic role of the valley. You also have the adventurous option of exploring the valley on horseback. These tours are some of the more personalized ones with tours usually taking no more than nine people but two tour guides.

The valley is truly an impressive sight, at the least due to the stark difference between the valley and the surrounding mountain cliffs: the valley floor is a whole 2000 feet lower than the rest of the land that surrounds it. The road that leads down to the valley is very steep. The valley boasts various natural spots that visitors love to see and explore. You will find a popular black sand beach along the shoreline. You will also see several waterfalls that fall from the top of the cliffs into the rivers that flow through the valley and out into the Pacific Ocean.

The valley is often called the "Valley of the Kings" because of the many ancient Hawaiian kings who made the valley their home. The valley even had the role of district capital for some time. This was the most fertile valley in all of Big Island many centuries ago. Since that time, several sacred temples (called heiaus in Hawaiian) have been constructed in the valley. Along with the temples, the valley is considered sacred and holy by many Hawaiians because of the many kings and important historical figures that have been buried in the valley. Furthermore, many stories about Hawaiian gods and goddesses take place in Waipio or place the Waipio Valley in an important role within the myths and legends.