Waipio Valley, Big Is. 4

A Bit of History

Located on the Hāmākua Coast, the sacred Waipiʻo Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaiʻi. Not only is “The Valley of the Kings” an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it’s also a place of dramatic tropical beauty.

This fertile valley is about one mile across and over five miles deep, surrounded by cliffs up to 2000 feet high. Waipiʻo Valley was once the home of thousands of Native Hawaiians. Today, less than 100 residents live amongst the waterfalls, taro fields, and rivers permeating the valley. (Verbiage compliments of gohawaii.com)

Non-Hawaiians are not permitted to tour the valley except with a professional guide.

An excellent tour operator is Waipi’o Valley Shuttle Tours. There is also an incredible gift shop there for those take-home souvenirs. Their selection of wood carvings is one of the best on the islands.

Links to Molokai, Oahu, Big Island,

Big Island 2, Big Island 3, & Big Island 5

Entering one of the steepest county roads in the U.S,
Tallest waterfall in Hawaii
The horses are wild but love the carrots the tourists give them.
Because of the abundance of rain, the shallow rivers often serve as part of the road.