The Waipio Valley Lookout is located on the northeast shore of the Big Island along the Hamakua Coast atop the rim of the steep-walled Waipio Valley, which is the first and largest of seven amphitheater valleys on the eastern side of the Kohala Mountains.
From the Waipio Valley Lookout you can gaze down into this amazing valley thousands of feet below. Considered a very sacred valley in ancient times, Waipio was known as the “Valley of the Kings” and was also the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I who united all of the islands under his rule.
A paved but very steep road leads down into the valley and requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A guided van tour will also bring you to the bottom while sharing the legends and history of this special place. If you are in great shape you can walk down the steep and winding descent though it is quite an arduous trek, especially coming back up!
The Waipio Valley Lookout is located at the end of Honokaa-Waipio Road (Hwy. 240) about 8 miles (12.9 km) northwest of the town of Honokaa. The Lookout marks the end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor Drive which begins in Hilo and follows the Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy. 19) along the scenic Hamakua Coast and then follows Hwy. 240 to Waipio.