Waipio Valley is located in the Hamakua District of the big island of Hawaii. The valley used to be inhabited by ancient Hawaiian for a very long time. They considered the area as their "capital". The valley is the largest between the seven found on the windward side of Kohala. The ancient Hawaiian celebrated the location because of its nioi trees. Waipio Valley has cliffs having a height of more than 2,000 feet and a surrounding of lush green valley, abundant green foliage that includes waterfalls and riverbeds. The whole area provides a calm and serene atmosphere and a sense of seclusion and mystery.
Hiking in the valley will have you explore a trail that will take you across a stream that feeds a 600 feet free fall to the ocean known as the Kaluahina falls or the Hi'ilawe falls which have a 1,450 free-fall and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii. Go up cliffs, and you obtain some breathtaking views of the surrounding.There are different hiking trails to follow from in the valley. On the hike toward the Hillawe falls (1,300 feet), there is an abandoned, but surrealistic Tea House with gardens all that has been almost totally reclaimed by the jungle.
In the 1800's immigrants from China settled at the valley. They had built houses, restaurants, churches; a complete city, but everything was destroyed in 1946 by the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history. Since, many people left the valley, and it is sparsely populated today.in 1979, a deluge filled the valley in four feet of water.Beside that, the Waipi'o Valley is also very sacred Hawaiian. An important temple was located in the area.There are also ancient burial caves found in the side of steep cliffs.
Going through the valley, you might want to choose the trail which leads to the ocean front. Almost all along most trails, you may notice wild horses. If you would like to visit the valley, beside the trail leading to the beach which is public, much of the valley is private so remember to keep this in mind and ask for permission if you are going to explore on your own. The best method to explore the valley is to go on a guided tour.