On the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island, just a few miles outside our little Honoka’a town, sits the glorious Waipio Valley. The Waipio Valley lookout is one of the most popular destinations on the Big Island. And down in the valley itself about 1,000 feet below is a very sacred place for Native Hawaiians.
"Valley of the Kings"
Waipio Valley is commonly referred to as the “Valley of Kings.” This spiritual site was the capital and residence of many high chiefs and rulers. In fact, it was the boyhood home to King Kamehameha I. When Kamehamhea was a high chief, two significant attacks happened there. Competing chiefs destroyed taro patches, fishponds, and sacred temples. Upon hearing of this, Kamehameha protected his people and instructed them to farm the land and restore it to sufficiency.
Waipio Valley has been distinguished as one of the most outstanding wetland taro valleys in Hawaii. In fact, Waipio’s resources sustained the people of Hawai’i Island and Maui during a thirteenth-century drought.
Valley Views
From the valley floor, the ocean meets the shore on a beautiful black sand beach. At the mouth of the valley, the walls of Waipio are 1,000 to 1,300 feet high. The valley stretches inland for miles with the tallest walls of the valley reaching 3,000 feet high. Multiple large waterfalls plunge into the valley, feeding the river that flows from the back of the valley out to the ocean.
Currently the Waipio Valley road is closed due to hazardous conditions and is only open to valley residents and farmers. But the Waipio Valley lookout is open to visitors and is a breathtaking sight to behold in person.
Currently the Waipio Valley road is closed due to hazardous conditions and is only open to valley residents and farmers. But the Waipio Valley lookout is open to visitors and is a breathtaking sight to behold in person.
Mac Attack!
Return of the mac!
You may not realize it, but on the drive to Waipio Valley you’ll pass by many macadamia nut orchards tucked off the highway between Honoka’a and Waipio. Including the very first macadamia tree planted by William Purvis in Kukuihaele all the way back in 1881. Many of these macadamia orchards are harvested and then brought to our factory to be processed and ready to eat.
So when you’re on the way to visit Waipio Valley lookout, be sure to pop in the Nuthouse and get some free samples!