Waipio Valley Reviews - Waipio Valley, Hawaii (Big Island), Hawaii

Hawaii (Big Island)

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Waipio Valley

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jim
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4 out of 5
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13
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Editor Pick

A Grand View

  • November 13, 2025
  • Rated 4 of 5 by EricLee5000 from Zoo York, New York

Waipi'o Valley is simply beautiful. Located on the Big Island, it's a magnet for savvy tourists (I know, I'm modest)—because it's not extremely easy to find—and usually not too crowded.

The drive to Waipi'o Valley was very enjoyable, providing breath-taking views and winding roads. Depending on where you're staying on the Big Island, it can be a bit of a drive so plan ahead.

You'll arrive at the look out point first where you'll park and quietly say "wow" to yourself; take it all in. The rich colors were wonderful: the deep blues of the ocean, the vibrant greens in the cliffs; and the expansive views honestly made me speechless—and I'm a talker.

But wait, there's more! Hike or drive down to the valley and discover the black sand beach for even a better experience. What's that? You want more? Well take some hiking gear and explore the surrounding cliffs where you'll run into some beautiful waterfalls an a plethora of postcard perfect photo ops.

Tip: If you wish to drive down into the valley you'll need a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The journey back to the top is steeeep and parts of the road—or lack thereof—are rugged and rocky; your basic rental sedan will not make it back up the cliff. Also keep that in mind if you're going to hike it down. Be rested and ready for a decent hike back up.

Waipi'o Valley was the first attraction we visited on our trip to Hawaii and it set a wonderful tone for our vacation. It's a must see.

Beautiful Panoramas from Waipi'o Valley Lookout

  • August 23, 2025
  • Rated 4 of 5 by golden101 from Honokaa, Hawaii

The Waipi'o Valley Lookout is the first place to see before you make the accent down to the valley, that is, if you plan to walk or ride down to the valley floor. The lookout is a grassy park on the edge of Waipi'o Valley's sheer cliffs with outstanding views of the historic valley below. This is a great place to take pictures and see the rolling waves coming on to the beach. You can also see the switchback trail that cuts through the opposite cliff directly across from the lookout that leads to Waimanu Valley. This is not a good place to hang out and have lunch because it is very steep and the pavilion gets very windy. It is probably better to eat a nearby drive in with tables and chairs in Honoka'a like Blanes or Tex Drive In. From the lookout, you can hike down into the valley but be prepared for a long walk down which can be hard on your knees. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the floor of the valley. Then it takes about 10 minutes to follow the dirt road that leads to the beautiful black sand beach. There is a park ranger stationed at the left of the road that leads down to the valley so if you have any questions about the walk down, you can ask the ranger. Do not swim in the water at Waipi'o beach because there are strong currents and relentless waves. If you want to cool down, it is much safer to put your feet in the river that flows into the ocean. Have fun! I would recommend coming to the Waipi'o Valley Lookout to see the breathtaking views. I would somewhat recommend walking down the long winding road to Waipi'o Valley and Waipi'o Beach if you are in good condition. The walk down is a lot easier than the walk back up. The road gets really steep near the bottom and it can get very hot when there is no trade winds blowing. It can take you 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk back up. If you are lucky, you might be able to hitch a ride back up the road.

From journal Sights and Shops to Visit on the Big Island

Editor Pick

Waipio Waterfall

  • February 9, 2025
  • Rated 5 of 5 by ParadiseSeeker from Alhambra, California

This was a great tour. We went into the Waipio Valley with our tour guide, who was great. We crossed streams, looked at unbelievable vistas, and swam in a pool with a waterfall. It was a very cold and rainy day, though, not the ultimate conditions. But we decided that we would take a dip because my son and I didn't know when we would be back. I do recommend a backpack with either sandals or water moccasins, because the entrance to the waterfalls is rocky and it HURTS! Other than this, we had a great time.

Our guide took us through unbelievable forests that used to be sugarcane fields. It is amazing the amount of history that surrounds this area. The lush tropical atmosphere is tremendous.

The tour provided water and a sack lunch; it wasn't Cordon Bleu, but when you're hungry after hiking a few hours, it tasted just fine. I would definitely do this tour again. It was pretty easy as long as you are in somewhat decent shape and are ambulatory. This tour is not tough, but not for anyone with heart conditions either. If you bring a camera that you value, either bring a waterproof case or a baggy that you can seal it in.

From journal Hawaii in August

Waipio Valley

  • January 17, 2026
  • Rated 5 of 5 by kona from Pompton plains, New Jersey

Spectacular views of sheer cliffs meeting the ocean. You can take a side road off of Kukuihaele Highway to this lookout and park up top or go down (with a 4x4 vehicle) to the bottom of the valley. Up at the top of the lookout is a beautiful valley that overlooks the giant black cliffs that jut out meet the water below. You can make out waterfalls falling down these cliffs with binoculars. You can go swimming down below, but beware that it is a rocky, muddy trip down to the bottom of the valley.

From journal Big Island Action

Waipi'o Valley Beach

  • October 8, 2025
  • Rated 4 of 5 by golden101 from Honokaa, Hawaii

This pristine black sand beach was filmed in the move Waterworld. It is the favorite hang out for many locals from the East to the West side of the island. You need a 4-wheen drive to drive down the steep one-lane winding road that leads to Waipio Beach. Or you can hike down the steep road (15 minute hike) to catch some spectacular views of the valley and beach. Note that hiking up the road takes about twice as long as hiking down. The black sand beach stretches down the coast for about 1 mile and is separated by a small river that flows directly into the ocean. During the winter months this river swells and it is difficult to cross to get to the other side of the beach. A word of caution - DO NOT SWIM OR SURF at this beach during high surf because of strong currents and deep waters! There is no lifeguard at this beach so if you drown, you are on your own. Even during the summer months the surf is high which is why it is a very popular surfing spot among locals year round. It is also an ancient surfing area. I don't even attempt to swim at this beach because the surf is usually pounding very hard on the beach.

From journal Beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii

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