Waipi'o Valley, Hawaii, United States

5Steve O 5:00 PM Oct 4, 2021

Waipi'o Valley is Worth the Steep Walk
Don't let the steep walk down and up the road stop you from visiting Waipi'o Valley. The steep part is about 3/4 of a mile. It has very steep parts separated by some short less steep curves. If you do the hike as a series of short downs or ups with short rests the walk becomes a lot more manageable. It is a paved road so the footing is good for the most part. I do recommend taking trekking poles - not so much for the steep road but to help you cross over the river (slippery rocks) at the beach so you can extend your visit to the larger sandy beach area to the north. There is also more shady seating facing the beach on the other side of the river. Once you cross the river find the walking trail away from the beach - it will run parallel to the bay and is much easier than walking across the rocky part of the beach. We were lucky to encounter some friendly wild horses in the valley. Also the full hiking distance seemed quite short - estimate 3 mile RT. We visited on Friday Sept 17. We arrived at 8:30 am and there was only one other car parked. When we left around 1 pm the parking area around the lookout was full and cars were parked along the road leading up to the look out. You can spend several hours here. Highly recommend this hike!

5TXProud76 5:00 PM Jun 26, 2021

Paradise on the Big Island
The lookout is very nice, heck of a view... but just going to the lookout alone may not be worth the drive. Down at the beach is where you experience really just how magical this place is. If you choose to go down to it, use your head, and above all, BE RESPECTFUL to the land and the inhabitants. It's all private property down there. Take out what you take in. Don't screw it up for future folks that want to experience this place. I've visited the Big Island three times in the past 6 years and have gone down to this beach each time. This is considered the steepest, shortest road in the US, average 25% grade, with up to 45% in a few spots, 3/4 mile long switchbacks with 900 ft drop. It ranks among the steepest in the world. If you don't understand what this means, you have no business traversing it, either walking or 4WD. There's a reason someone mans the hut at the top to make sure someone without 4WD tries to be stupid and think they can do it. 4WD is not the same as AWD (all wheel drive)... NO, your AWD vehicle won't make it. If you make it to the bottom, you will see why this is when you see some of the cars that have rolled down. If you choose to walk it, you better be in excellent physical shape. You may think walking down is easy, but just remember you have to walk back up, and that's a whole different ball game. If you choose to go down in your 4WD vehicle (JEEP rental), put it in 4-LOW and let the vehicle do it's job. Pucker up, buttercup, this ain't for the weak. Don't ride your brakes, be smart and use them sparingly, in the right place, at the right time, or risk burning them up quick. Don't use the descent control feature if you have it, you'll just ruin the brakes. Above all, don't talk trash to the people walking... keep in mind you'll eventually meet up with them at the bottom. If you make it down, enjoy the magic, beauty, serenity, and views! It's a special place, and let's make it last as long as we can. Respect the land as if it were your own, and the locals. Most are nice, until you act like a tourist.