Waipiʻo Valley Lookout: Customer Information & Updates

Seacliffs tower above the limitless ocean views. Verdant greens distinction towards the deep sea blues. Above you might be clear skies, and beneath is a valley wealthy with marvel and pure magnificence. You’re at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, some of the iconic settings in all of Hawaii.

Waipiʻo is a small neighborhood of fewer than 100 individuals – residents who farm taro, fish from the water, and dwell off the land. Entry to the valley is restricted, however entry to the lookout is open. And driving to Waipiʻo is an journey that’s as a lot in regards to the journey as it’s in regards to the vacation spot. 

On the lookout for info on the right way to get to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout? Jump straight to the details here. 

Can You Go to Waipiʻo Valley?

The one method for Hawaii guests to enter Waipiʻo Vally is by reserving a permitted, guided tour. This shall be a driving tour down the steep highway and thru sure elements of the valley. You can not stroll or drive into the Waipiʻo Valley by yourself. 

Nonetheless, you possibly can entry Waipiʻo Valley Lookout and see the views from above.

What Is Waipiʻo Valley

Waipiʻo Valley is a neighborhood on the Massive Island that’s nestled deep inside the valley of dramatic sea cliffs – a few of which attain over 2,000 toes excessive. The valley is distant, and the highway that leads into it’s the steepest in America.  

Its few residents dwell off the grid and primarily farm taro, fish, and dwell off the land. 

A Historic Web site

However Waipiʻo Valley hasn’t all the time been a small, quiet neighborhood. Some estimates put the pre-contact inhabitants at about 2,500 individuals. 

Quite a lot of early Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) resided within the valley, and it was the boyhood house of Kamehameha I, who went on to unite Hawaii below one kingdom. 

Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the inhabitants of Waipiʻo Valley decreased and diversified to incorporate Chinese language, Japanese, Portuguese, and Filipino farmers. In 1946, a tsunami destroyed houses, farms, and buildings within the valley. After that, few residents returned, turning Waipiʻo into the sparsely populated, off-grid locale it’s immediately. 

However even because the inhabitants of Waipiʻo decreased, its historic and cultural significance turned much more significant. 

Earliest stories from the valley place a few of Hawaii’s most well-known deities there, together with Lono and Kane. Some tales even declare the demigod Maui died in Waipiʻo Valley. 

The valley can also be house to a number of heiau (Hawaiian temples), and it’s thought of a sacred place. 

It has historic fish ponds and wild horses, and it showcases off-grid dwelling and early Hawaiian traditions. There may be additionally a black sand seashore in Waipio Valley, together with freshwater rivers.

Waipiʻo Valley: Going Past the Lookout

Waipiʻo Valley is a mystical place. I do know from my go to years in the past, when vacationers have been free to drive up and down the steep, sharply curved highway that results in the valley. 

No, I didn’t courageous the highway by myself. Nor did I dare hike into the valley (you would additionally go to by foot earlier than entry was restricted round 2020). 

I used to be there for a horseback tour – and the journey included a van trip down into the valley. With gritted enamel and a agency grip on the facet of my seat, I seemed over the sting of the cliffside highway, trusting that our driver knew the right way to navigate this unbelievably steep path. 

Alongside the best way, the motive force dodged hikers making their method up and down the highway. And different drivers – vacationers in 4×Four vehicles who had no enterprise attempting to drive into the valley. The highway wasn’t vast sufficient for two automobiles, and so they’d need to reverse to discover a spot the place they might pull over for oncoming visitors. They might have been significantly better off having fun with the sights from above, at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. 

However from the consolation of the chauffeured van, and – as soon as I used to be inside the valley – on the again of the horse, I obtained to see a number of the most original sights in Hawaii. Calm ponds wealthy with kalo, towering waterfalls, deep jungle, and breathtaking views. From the foot of the cliffs, I felt so small but so filled with marvel. Perhaps I may perceive why individuals have been keen to drive or stroll down the highway to Waipio.

That was again in 2018. In the present day, a visit to Waipiʻo Valley appears fairly a bit completely different, but it surely’s nonetheless attainable. 

The best way to Go to Waipiʻo Valley

In the present day, the horseback tour not operates inside Waipiʻo Valley. Nonetheless, there’s a fantastic horseback ride you possibly can absorb a ranch above the valley. It’s in all probability the most effective locations to guide if you would like an immersive journey in Hawaii. 

However, you possibly can guide a shuttle tour that can take you into the valley. You’ll board a van and be guided via Waipiʻo. Many of the guides are native and grew up there. All of them perceive the distinctive historic and cultural significance of the valley and can enrich you along with your information. 

However, as we talked about, you possibly can’t go previous the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout by yourself anymore. Not by foot or by automobile. There are exceptions for Hawaii residents getting into for conventional practices, like fishing. However for vacationers, your choices are as follows:

• Guide a shuttle tour of Waipiʻo Valley
• Benefit from the sights from above, on the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

What to Count on at Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is open to the general public. The county-run web site affords a spot to park and look out over the valley. 

You received’t spend a lot time right here. There are parking areas, a small pathway, restrooms, and an open inexperienced house. There are additionally informational placards that share the story of Waipiʻo. 

Observe – the walkway to the lookout space could also be troublesome for guests with mobility challenges, however there’s a railing to help you throughout the stroll. 

Is it Price Going to Waipiʻo Simply to See the Lookout?

Sure, we predict Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is a ravishing spot that exhibits the fantastic thing about Hawaii Island. Even when entry to the valley was open, many individuals got here to Waipiʻo only for the lookout. 

Moreover, the drive to Waipiʻo Valley is a good journey for anybody who enjoys a Hawaii highway journey. 

Driving to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is situated on Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast. The closest city is  Honokaa, a cute small city with vintage retailers, eating places, and memento shops. Route 240, the highway between Honokaa and Waipiʻo, is extraordinarily scenic, so undoubtedly make sure to get pleasure from that a part of the journey!

From Hilo:

The Hamakua Heritage Corridor Drive will take you instantly from Hilo to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout – simply proceed on as you undergo Honokaa city. It’s about 50 miles lengthy and can take about 1 hour 15 minutes for those who drive straight there.

However, we suggest you cease alongside the best way. Akaka Falls is at mile marker 13, and Laupahoehoe is a pleasant spot to stretch your legs and take within the views about midway to the lookout. 

From Kona

It’ll take you about an hour and a half to drive from Kona straight to Waipiʻo Valley lookout. You’ll take Hawaii Belt Street towards Waimea. When you get to Honokaa city, proceed on Route 240 towards Waipiʻo. 

Your Massive Island Trip

Do you propose on driving out to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout throughout your subsequent Hawaii Island trip? We predict that leisurely highway journeys are the easiest way to see the profound fantastic thing about Hawaii – simply make sure to respect residents and signage as you discover the islands. 

And, for those who need assistance planning a trip with the perfect actions, sightseeing, and R&R, we’re right here for you. Contact Hawaii Aloha Travel to get your trip arrange and able to go – the hardest half for you may be ready on your journey to lastly get right here!