Also known as the “Valley of the Kings,” Waipi’o Valley is a site that will not disappoint. With a lush green valley, a black sand beach, and sapphire-colored water, Waipi’o Valley is an iconic site to visit on the Big Island. It is located on the northern coast, and contains several waterfalls, which are either dangerous to find or blocked by private property. You will probably get the most satisfaction (and safety) out of visiting the black sand beach in the valley. However, if you’re up for an adventure, check out Muliwai Trail Hike or Waimanu Valley.
Getting to Waipi’o Valley + Parking
Address: 48-5546 Waipio Valley Road
To get to Waipio Valley, turn onto Highway 240 at Honoka’a. You will follow this road for about 9 miles until you reach the lookout point. There is a small parking lot, with no fees or charges. The parking lot is small, but people usually come and go quickly, instead of hiking down. If you wait a couple of minutes, you should be able to get a parking space. Otherwise, use caution when parking on the side of the street.
Driving down to the valley is highly discouraged, as the roads are narrow and SUPER steep. It will wear and tear on your car, and it might just be against the policy of your rental vehicle. However, there are usually locals around who offer rides round trip for about $15-$30.
Time
If you’re planning to just stop and admire the lookout, you’ll probably spend about 20 minutes here. It’s a great spot for a picnic, as there is a pavilion with tables and benches.
If you’re planning to hike down and explore the valley, expect it to take longer—probably about 1-2 hours.
The Mo’olelo (the story) of Waipi’o Valley
Waipi’o was once home to the kings of old Hawaii. It is named after the Waipi’o river that flows through it. Waipi’o, pronounced wai-pi-o, means “curved water,” as the river runs its own course. King Kamehameha, the great king of all the Hawaiian Islands, received his calling in the Waipi’o valley, leading him to conquer each island. The valley was once heavily populated but a tsunami caused devastation in 1946 and the valley now has a few inhabitants, homes, and taro fields.
The Trail
Hiking down to Waipio Valley can be hard on your legs. It’s very steep and, combined with the humidity and jungle-like atmosphere, can be very hot. So wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring some water, and take your time. When you get to the bottom, turn right towards the beach. If you turn left, you will come across the small community and private property. Please be respectful of private property and the no trespassing signs, as these are local residents. The beach is public access, so feel free to explore around there. On your way to the beach, be prepared for mud, as the ground is not paved.
Are there bugs or wild animals at Waipio Valley?
Note that there are wild horses in the valley. They won’t bother you, but just be aware that they are there. There are also mosquitoes, so be sure to wear some repellant.
Swimming at Waipio Valley
The black sand beachfront is beautiful but don’t be deceived. The current is especially strong in the valley, so swimming is discouraged. The break can also be rough. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. I like to just enjoy the view, put my feet in the water (to cool off), and walk along the shore. The black sand is so unique and beautiful, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
I love going to Waipio Falls. I never got to enjoy it growing up in Hawaii, because my parents rarely took us to the “touristy” places, but it is definitely a gem! I hope you get to see and enjoy it!
As someone who has grown up in Hawaii, I can’t help but rave about the delicious food the islands have to offer. I put this list together to help you find some of the best local food in Hawaii. All of the islands offer these delicious local food, and I’ve named a couple of great restaurants + islands that have these foods.
I promise you’re going to LOVE these when you try it! I’ll even give you a little explanation of what each one is. When you actually try it though, you’ll be savoring every bite and exclaiming, “Ono!” (which means “delicious” in Hawaiian ;)).
Shave Ice
This is a classic Hawaiian treat/local food, a refreshing way to get away from the heat of the day. Shave ice comes in all shapes and colors, but I recommend getting ice cream on the bottom of your shave ice because it adds that extra pop. 🙂 Some of the most popular shave ice shops on Oahu are Matsumotos Shave Ice and Aokis on the North Shore. On the Big Island, there is a shave ice shop at the Hilo Bayfront.
Poke Bowl
If you don’t like raw fish, give this a chance. Poke is cubed ahi tuna that is marinated in shoyu (aka soy sauce), sesame seeds and oil, and mixed with onions. You can also get other flavors, like one of my favorites, the spicy poke. My favorite Poke Bowl is from Foodland, aka Sack n’ Save. Make sure to say yes to furikake and shoyu on your rice. And, if you don’t want to commit to a poke bowl, at least try the samples.
Acai Bowl
Wow Hawaii has sooo many places with AH-MAZING acai bowls! An acai bowl is a beautiful, thick fruit + acai smoothie topped with granola, bananas, coconut, and other healthy goodness. You can find acai bowls at Banzai bowls in Oahu, Farmers Markets, or even food trucks on the side of the road.
Laulau + Rice
This is a traditional luau dish and local food favorite of Hawaii. When you order laulau and rice, you’ll receive a plate with a wrapped and cooked bunch of luau leaves, also known as taro. When you cut into these soft, dark green leaves, you’ll find pork. The richness of the taro leaves, along with the saltiness of the pork is absolutely ONO. You can get laulau at restaurants throughout Oahu. One of my favorite places to get laulau is on at the Prince Kuhio Grill on the Big Island.
Fresh Sushi
Hawaii has some of the best fresh sushi, whether you just get a couple of packets from Foodland (aka Sack n’ Save at some locations), or you go to a fish market and have them prepare it for you. One of the best fresh fish markets is Suisan on the Big Island.
Li Hing Mui Watermelons
This is a fun snack for the beach. Sour watermelon candies are mixed with li hing mui—a sweet, mouth-watering Chinese powder—to satisfy any sweet tooth. You can find this at any grocery store or gas station, such as 7-11.
Spam Musubi
Ever heard of Spam sushi? I don’t know a local who doesn’t like spam, and spam sushi certainly satisfies all the cravings. Spam and rice, topped with furikake, and wrapped in seaweed is a great on-the-go snack or lunch. You can find spam musubis at pretty much any grocery store or gas station. You gotta try this local food favorite!
Manapua + Rice Cake
Manapua is a pork filled, steamed bun. The bun is so soft and pleasant, while the pork filling gives it a rich flavor. The traditional manapua has char-siu marinated pork (char-siu is a sweet Chinese flavor), but nowadays they sell all kinds of different flavors. Manapua tastes delicious with a side of rice cake, a traditional Chinese dessert. Oahu has one of the best manapua shops, Chun Wah Kam. Grocery stores and gas stations (like 7-11) also have manapua.
A Bento
These little boxes stem from Japan, in which you basically have a meal on the go. Typical bento boxes include rice and any kind of side, from spam, teriyaki beef, and chicken to fish, sushi, and even fried egg. You can find bento boxes at grocery stores, gas stations, and there are even restaurants dedicated to serving only bentos! My favorite bento box is from Zippys, called the “Zip Pack.” Zippys is on most of the islands.
Fresh Mochi
If you’re a fan of mochi ice cream, you MUST try fresh mochi. Mochi is a sweet rice dessert that originated in Japan. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but my favorite is the strawberry-filled mochi. Sometimes they can be filled with peanut butter, azuki bean (a sweet bean), or pretty much anything you can think of. You should definitely give it a try! My favorite mochi is from the Two Ladies mochi in Hilo on the Big Island. You can also find mochi at local grocery stores. 🙂
So there you have it! I can’t wait for your adventures in Hawaii, and I hope you’ll jot notes so you can try some of these local favorites. What is one Hawaii food you want to try? Or, if you’ve already been, what are your favorite local foods?
Have a wonderful trip!
With joy + aloha,
Leialoha
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