Enjoy a variety of activities throughout Waipi’o Valley and The Big Island
Explore the rich history and lore of the valley while walking alongside wild horses as exotic birds fly overhead. Hike past taro fields through dense jungles to a variety of locations including sacred waterfalls, vista points along the rim trail, and the iconic black sand beach.
Adventure Highlights
experience road grades up to 45% heading down America’s steepest road into the valley and four-wheel drive across five streams and two rivers on your way to Waipi'o Gardens. Walkthrough a rare and private botanical garden that is home to over 1,000 species while sampling exotic fruit, rare herbs, and picking flowers. Enjoy the privacy of Waipi'o's famous black sand beach and swim in the Pacific Ocean’s rich, warm waters. Swim in sacred pools after hiking up the switchback trail used by King Kamehameha’s warriors to train. Photograph 1,200-foot Hi’ilawe Falls while studying the indigenous trees and wildlife of the valley.
Waipi’o Adventures
The King’s Trail
Hike the same paths as Hawaiian royalty.
A 30 minute walk connects the black sand beach to Nanaue Falls. Use Waipi’o Gardens as a base camp and have an authentic experience of the “living museum” that is Waipi’o Valley.
King Kamehameha’s trail turns into a series of switchebacks that ascend the valley’s walls and lead to Waimanu Valley. The king and his soldiers used to run these switchbacks to train for battle.
Black Sand Beach
A private stretch of shoreline that restores the body, and rejuvenates the spirit.
Just over a mile in length, Waipi’o Valley’s tranquil black sand beach is a destination unto itself. This magical and iconic beach is split in half by the Wailoa Stream which fed by the valley's many waterfalls. Experience a place that has remained vastly unchanged throughout the centuries.
Waterfalls
There are a multitude of spectacular and sacred waterfalls to see and enjoy throughout the valley.
A list of some of these beautiful falls include: Kaluahine Falls, Hiilawe Falls, Nanaue Falls, Papala Falls, Naalapa Falls, Wai‘ilikahi Falls, Lahomene Falls, Waiamoa Falls and Naalapa Falls.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up and go for a ride along the beach and through the valley on one of the many horseback riding experiences available on the Big Island.
Take riding lessons or an in depth tour of the valley. Cross rivers, streams, ride with wild horses that are natives to the valley, see waterfalls, learn about the rich ecology and history of the valley.
Hiking
There are many hikes available, from leisurely walks to serious trekking.
BLACK BEACH TRAIL - round trip 3 miles with an elevation gain of 975 feet.
MULIWAI TRAIL - round trip 5.1 miles with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet
WAIMANU VALLEY TRAIL - round trip 16 miles with an elevation gain of 7,000 feet
Adventures on The Big Island
Historic Honoka'a
Explore the historic downtown district of Honoka’a.
Nearby Honoka’a is a great home base if you are looking for guided tours of the valley. Just a short ride from the Waipio Valley Lookout, Honoka’a offers many activities including:
Honokaa Peoples Theater
Heritage Center
Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market
Waipi’o Na’alapa Stables
Waipio Ridge Stables
Waipi’o Ride The Rim ATV
Kalopa State Recreation Area
Kohala Forest Reserve
Big Island Hawaiian Tours
Visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to discover more about some of nature’s most fascinating geography.
Whale-watching cruises & Manta Ray nighttime diving/snorkeling adventures.
Book a myriad of fascinating tours on the Big Island, from 4×4 adventures to quaint wagon and horseback rides.
Travel to the many waterfalls on the island, and soak in their pure waters some waterfalls in the valley include:
Waiulili Falls
Hiilawe Falls (or Hi’ilawe Falls)
Kaluahine Falls
