Beautiful Waipio Valley

In the beginning there was Waipi'o Valley, a place of such sheer beauty that it could only have been conceived by the most benevolent and creative of all the gods of nature. Located north of the town of Honoka'a along the Hamakua Coast, the valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. A mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep, the Eden-like valley is sheltered by cliffs reaching almost 2,000 feet. Waterfalls and flowers cascade from the walls of the cliffs, and a stunning black sand beach defines the coastal area.

Waipi'o, which means "curved water," is known as the "Valley of the Kings" because it was once home to many early Hawaiian rulers and is said to be the place where King Kamehameha the Great received his training. Ancient burial caves are located in the walls of the cliffs and many ancient myths, chants and songs originate in Waipi'o.

Once inhabited by an estimated 4,000 to 10,000 people, Waipi'o is now home to only a handful of taro farmers and fishermen. The original settlers were Hawaiian, but in the late 1800s many Chinese immigrants came to live there. They built schools, churches, restaurants, a post office and a jail. Most of them left following a devastating tsunami in 1946 that pushed huge waves into the back of the valley.

Reaching the valley, which is accessed by a steep road with a 25 percent grade, is difficult. Vehicular access is limited to 4WD vehicles, and car rental companies prohibit use of their vehicles on the road. Horseback may be the best way see Waipi'o. Na'alapa Stables and Waipi'o Ridge Stables conduct tours.

The most convenient and accessible view of the valley is from the scenic point at the end of Route 240, about 10 miles outside of Honoka'a. While a visit to the valley floor has its obvious rewards, the view from the top holds plenty of merit. Tour operators are not allowed to take visitors to the beach, but you're free to make your way there on foot. The waters at the mouth of the valley are volatile at best, therefore extreme caution is advised when crossing the river or entering the ocean. There are no public facilities in the valley.