Waipio Valley

Bounded by 2,000-foot cliffs, the "Valley of the Kings" was once a favorite retreat of Hawaiian royalty, and it remains one of the most picturesque spots in all of Hawaii. Waterfalls drop thousands of feet from the North Kohala watershed to the Waipio Valley floor. The lush valley is breathtaking in every way and from every vantage, with tropical foliage, abundant flowers, wild horses, misty pastures, curving rivers, stands of ironwood trees, and a wide, gray, boulder-strewn shore. Though almost completely off the grid today, Waipio (the word means "curved water") was once a center of Hawaiian life. Somewhere between 4,000 and 20,000 people made it their home between the 13th and 17th centuries. In addition, this highly historic and culturally significant area housed heiau (temples) and puuhonua (places of refuge) in addition to royal residences. King Kamehameha the Great launched a great naval battle from here, which marked the start of his unification of (some would say conquest) and reign over the Hawaiian Islands. To preserve this pristine part of the island, commercial transportation permits are limited—only a few outfitters offer organized valley floor trips.

Area landowners do not look kindly on public trespassing to access Hiilawe Falls at the back of the valley, so stick to the front by the beach. Hike all the way to the end of the beach for a glorious vantage point. Swimming (for experienced swimmers only), surfing, and picnics are all popular here, conditions permitting; exercise caution. You can also take the King's Trail from the end of the beach to access another waterfall not far down the trail. Keep in mind that waterfalls can come and go depending on the level of recent rains. If you do visit here, kindly respect this area, as it is considered highly sacred to Hawaiians and is still home to several hundred full-time residents who cultivate taro on family farms.