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Big Island Adventure....
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Orchid Isle Outings
Day trips, must-sees, and ono grinds on the Island…
Waipio Valley Lookout
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9 reviews for Waipio Valley Lookout
The agent at the Visitor Information booth at the Kings' Shops strongly recommended that the boyfriend and I stop by Waipi'o Valley Lookout on our way to Hilo. The Lookout was definitely worth the detour from Highway 19. From the Lookout, you have a clear view of the valley and the horizon. There is a shady, well-paved path down to the black sand beach that looked very windy at steep inclines. We didn't go down because we only had flip flops on and because we didn't have that much time to spare. We will definitely try the hike the next time we visit the Big Island, though. It looked like good exercise.
One caveat, though: Use your own good judgment when traveling up to the Lookout. Our GPS tried to send us down several beaten, unpaved, and closed paths. Thank goodness we didn't listen to it!
We took our time driving from Hilo to Kona...often stopping to see the beautiful landmarks of the Big Island. We reached the end of the 240 Road and casted our eyes upon the Waipi'o Valley Lookout.
From the parking area, you can take a quick stroll downhill to the formal viewing point that overlooks the beautiful and lush valley. Since we didn't have too much time to spend in Waipi'o, we opted to enjoy the view from above instead of hiking down the valley.
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I've read a bit about the historical and cultural implications of Waipi'o and have been told that it's also referred to as "Valley of the Kings" since many of rulers of Hawai'i had lived there at one point. The majestic landscaping as it marries to the ocean is simply beautiful. It would be truly hard to deny that some type of mystical aura still lives in the valley.
If you plan on travelling this way, you really must take a few moments to take in the view of Waipi'o.......you won't regret it.
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GO. Just go. Waipi'o Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings, is one spot on the Big Island you do not want to miss.
Our guide told us that the island's best views were seen from the Pololu Valley Lookout, but after being to both Pololu and Waipio, I have to disagree. In my opinion, Waipio Valley Lookout offers the very best.
There is a small parking lot at the end of hwy 240. Here you will find a resting/picnic area, bathrooms, a trail leading down to the coast, and a friendly ranger who will provide you with assistance and a pamphlet.
You can simply enjoy the views from the lookout...BUT if you want to go further down to the coast to see the waterfall, river, black sand beach, etc, you'll have to: 1) drive a 4WD yourself, 2) sign up with a tour, or 3) walk down the steep, winding path yourself. Option 3 is what we chose, and it is not recommended for everyone. The path is short (less than a mile one way?), mostly paved, but we're talking about a 25% incline. It is NOT EASY coming back. Panting, sweating and cursing, it took us twice the amount of time to reach the parking lot...
BUT it was SO worth it. The views were magnificent. The valley is so lush, green and sacred. Our legs were sore the next day, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
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Great lookout site with an optional path leading down to get a closer view. Simply spectacular and a must see for anyone visiting the Big Island. Only negative is the parking is very limited and the residents have angry signs about not parking in front of their homes, even on the public road.
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This is actually the address of Tex Drive-In. To get to Waipio Valley Lookout take Highway 19, the road to Honokaa (highway 240 - the turnoff will be near the 42 mile marker) and follow the signs until it ends at the lookout.
This spot is better known than the Pololu Valley Lookout, but both are spectacular just the same (pics included). The Waipio Valley is a lot larger and is considered sacred to the Hawaiian people. When you look into the valley, you will see some farms and houses. Although you can get to the bottom, please be respectful of other people's property and ask permission to pass and don't take anything from their property.
You can get to the bottom of the valley by either 4WD or horseback, or if you're really adventurous hike. Keep in mind that it takes about 9 hours to get to the bottom and 10 hours to get back up if you do hike. There are camping grounds, but you will need to get a permit in order to do so.
If you're headed down towards Tex Drive-In, its definitely worth the short drive to the Waipio Valley Lookout.
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Every visitor to the Big Island should at least stop at the Waipio Valley Lookout. The more adventurous can hike or ride a mule to the base of the valley and back.
Waipio Valley is full of ancient Hawaiian history and folklore, and learning a little about it will make the visit to Waipio more meaningful and memorable. Waipio Valley is one of the most "native" places on the Big Island, and its residents are closely connected to the land and ancient Hawaii. A great place to get a glimpse at the past.
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As spectacular as the view is, I wasn't as impressed as I was with that of Pololu Valley.
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The view down into the valley is spectacular -- surfers in the waves look like gnats, and the square farm plots look as if from an airplane. We once took a mule ride inside the valley and learned about its long history. It's the southernmost of a series of deep canyon-like valleys on the east side of the Big Island. The northernmost is also viewable and accessible. The middle ones are virtually unreachable, but you can see the rocky promontories in the mist, like something from a magical time before modern transportation. Oddly, the Hawaiians of ancient times lived in these valleys and traveled by outrigger canoe. And the last settlement was wiped out by a Tsunami. So intriguing!
the lookout is simple - park and stroll some 50 feet to see the beautiful black sand beach and waterfall at the far end of the beach. the signs are pretty self explanatory about the needs of your car should you choose to drive down. i'm pretty sure driving down would invalidate everyone's rental car agreement, so no need to test it out for fun. but definitely worth the drive off the main drag.