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Explore Waipi'o Valley

Waimea, Hawaii

5.0/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

3 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jessica Dales

Waipi'o Valley is about one mile across, over five-miles deep, and surrounded by cliffs up to 2000-feet high. The Valley was once home to thousands of Native Hawaiians. The Big Island's tallest waterfall, Hiilawe Falls cascades down approximately 1,300 feet down at the back of Waipio Valley. You can view the valley from the coastal Waipi'o Valley Overlook at the end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor drive, or you can hike down into the valley to experience the true beauty of this stunning location.

From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beach. This is the beginning of the Muliwai Trail. To visit Kaluahine Falls, which are located below the parking area and not visible from above, walk east along the coastal boulders for 0.42 mile. This section of the shore can be very dangerous if the tide is high, so use common sense! The intensity of the falls varies greatly with the weather. Return to the black sand beach.

The best view of Hi’ilawe Falls (if they are running) and of the entire valley is from the Muliwai trail, about halfway up the sea cliffs on the other side of Waipi’o Valley. You can see the Muliwai trail zigzagging up the opposite side of the valley from the lookout and the beach!

You can also walk along the road back into Waipi’o Valley to explore. The area is absolutely beautiful and with some difficulty you can hike all the way back to Hi'ilawe Falls. However, property rights are complicated and often disputed in Waipi'o Valley, so if you try and make the trek along one of the small footpaths through the forest along the river to the falls, make sure to respect the locals and their private property.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Explore Waipi'o Valley Reviews

didn't know about the falls underneath the lookout. thanks for that! and my friends and I wanted to hike to the back of the waterfalls but we were scared of getting in trouble because it was private property. Usually we would do it if it was our island (Oahu) but were a bit sketched out since we weren't familiar with big island yet. Especially if we were going to get yelled at by locals or not.

If you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle they will make you prk at the top and walk down. Which is a pretty intense hike, especially on the way back up. But its got great views at the bottom and is totally worth the time.

this place is pretty amazing. be respectful of permanent residents but check out their taro farming setup. also keep an eye out for wild horses - they're very docile and safe. if you're lucky, there will be a car heading up the road on the way out - stick your thumb out or plan on a long uphill trek.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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