Waipio Area Sightseeing

Description and Directions >>

Description:
Waipio Valley and Beach are located on the north coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Waterfalls cascade down the sheer green cliffs of Waipio Valley. A steep road requiring 4WD is the only access to Waipio Beach.

Activities:
hiking, sightseeing

Directions:
To get to Waipi'o from Hilo, turn north onto Highway 19 and continue for 42 miles. Turn onto Highway 240 and continue to the end of the road (about 9 miles).

Story Date 6/27/2004
Publish Date 11/18/2004

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala: The area around Waipi'o is so beautiful. We were staying at a rental house called 'The Cliff House.' The house was located right on the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean and down into Waipi'o Valley. As we relaxed on our deck, we could see a couple waterfalls in the distance. What a peaceful way to end our vacation.

We never did take a drive down to the valley, because we were a little afraid to take the steep descent on the narrow single lane road in our rental car. So, we just enjoyed the view of Waipi'o from our deck.

We did take a few drives from this location, including a drive on the Old Mamalahoa Highway. This was pretty interesting. The drive passed through beautiful, green hillsides. Our guidebook mentioned a couple caves along the way, which we passed by. We continued our drive to Waimea, which is surrounded by ranchlands.

We also drove along Saddle Road, and up to the Visitor's Center at Mauna Kea, which is at about 9,000 feet. As you drive up, you pass through some of the clouds surrounding the mountain. I'd like to come back one day to take a tour up to the top at night. That would be awesome. As you descend and head out Saddle Road toward Hilo, the area becomes lusher with tropical plants.

I really enjoyed the few days that we had near Waipi'o, and was sad that this was the end of our stay in Hawaii.