Waipio Valley is located on the northern Hamakua coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. The valley is named after the river that runs through the valley (wai-piʻo means curved water in Hawaiian). 

Waipio was once a densely populated place and home to some of the former Kings that have lived on the island but but it has become a magnificent valley with a beautiful rain forest and rich in history. 

There are a few people that live in the Valley itself but the main attractions are the waterfalls that people can hike into, the black sand beach on the coast that people can drive right up to ( if you have a 4x4), and access to the Muliwai trail which leads to the Waimanu Valley.

Hiking down the Waipio starts off with a steep road leading directly into the valley floor.  This road is one of the steepest roads inside the United States and only 4x4s can endeavor to take on the road. 

Once down at the bottom, there is a dirt road that takes you to the black sand beach and the river crossing that needs to occur in order to access the Muliwai trail. 

continuing on the beach you will have excellent views of the waterfalls from a distance and beautiful views of the valleys actual depth.  it is quite impressive to be down in there.

We continued on to the Muliwai trail and started our ascent up the dirt and switch backed trail which took us to some amazing views of the Waipio Valley and the top of the plateau.

We continued on to the Waimanu valley which was one of the best hikes that we have ever encountered and I highly recommend everyone venture out there to see this place!