Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeast shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, the Waipio Valley is the largest and most southern of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains.

The Waipio Valley, a mile wide at the coastline and almost six miles deep, is rich in Hawaiian history. On both sides of the valley there are cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet with hundreds of cascading waterfalls, including one of Hawaii's most celebrated waterfalls - Hi`ilawe. The Waipio Valley is often referred to as the "Valley of the Kings" because it was once the home to many of the rulers of Hawaii. The valley has both historical and cultural importance to the Hawaiian people.

A single road accesses the very steep (25% grade) valley. Unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, your drive will end at the Waipio Valley Lookout. Here the view of the valley and beach is spectacular. For an even better experience, hike down the trail to the edge of the valley and discover the wonders of Waipio, even though local Hawaiians call the access road "One mile down and five miles up". The direction of your hike is up to you; the valley is wide open and wonderful jungle trees, rivers, and Hawaiian animals stretch in all directions. Camping is very enjoyable in the Waipio and several bed and breakfasts also exist in the valley.

The Waipio river meanders through the valley fed by many small and one very magnificent waterfall. At the mouth of the river there is a black sand beach, where many of the locals surf and fish, often used by motion picture production companies. All along the black sand beach Ironwood trees blow in the breezes. People camp beneath the trees, fish the waters and go surfing. If you're lucky, you just might see spinner dolphins frolicking in the waves. If you feel tempted to go out and play with these dolphins off the beach at Waipio, beware swimming in Waipio.  The surf and currents can be hazardous; exercise great caution when considering going out for swim. The undertow and rip currents can be dangerous. You could find yourself in Milu, the land of the dead before your time. Milu is named after a chief of Waipio who became the lord of the dead.

The Valley is 1000 feet deep and a mile across. Across the river there is the steep wall with a six mile trail, the switchback, or Z-trail as valley residents call it, leading to the Waimanu Valley. It is possible to hike deep into the adjacent valleys, passing numerous streams and gulches, ancient taro terrace plantations and temple foundations - these trails are quite rough and not well marked and should not be undertaken by inexperienced hikers.

This valley is smaller, more remote, less cultivated and more luxuriant than Waipio. It's for experienced backpackers. While it is possible to go to Waimanu Valley and return to Waipio all in one day, plan to go for at least a couple of nights. Be aware, though, there are no formal camping facilities there. Camping permits are available from the Division of Wildlife and Forestry in Hilo. All food and water must be packed.  Take plenty of water - maybe a quart for each person. Drink untreated water, however, at your own risk.  Although beautiful fresh-water rivers merge in Waipio and flow into the sea - don't drink from them. Leptospirosis (a bacterial infection) could mess up your holiday. There is a good fresh-water spring at the back of the valley, however, where the local people get clean water.

Today, amidst taro, coconuts, avocados, bananas and large assortment of other wild fruits, nuts and flora  Waipio has 60-100 residents, a mixture of farmers of Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese ancestry and haoles looking for seclusion and self-sufficient life-style. The appeal to share this tranquility has ironically turned Waipio into a small commercial tourist attraction.