Hāmākua

Waipio Valley Lookout & Guided Tour

Honokaʻa

The most sacred valley in Hawaii — the "Valley of the Kings" where ancient Hawaiian royalty rested. 1,800-foot walls of fluted green cliffs enclose taro fields, wild horses, and a black sand beach. The hiking trail from the lookout down to the valley floor is currently closed (check current status before visiting). Guided mule wagon tours remain available and provide the cultural context the lookout alone cannot: the valley's role in Hawaiian history, the working taro paddies, and the black sand beach at the end are extraordinary. Do NOT drive your rental car down the road — it is prohibited in virtually all rental agreements and the 25% grade with blind corners has caused fatal accidents.