Waipi’o Valley Lookout is a secret gem on the north portion of the Big Island. The lookout is great for a quick visit or one of the steepest hikes on the island!
What to see at Waipi’o Valley Lookout
As the name describes, this stop provides a lookout over the Waipi’o Valley.
The valley is beautiful to be viewed from the top. With a dramatic cliff dropping down to a secluded beach.
The lookout is easy to reach for all ages and abilities. There is a sidewalk, albeit steep, that goes down to the lookout over the valley. The view out is less than a 5-minute walk from the parking area.
Facilities at Waipi’o Valley Lookout
There is a very small parking lot that leads up to the Waipi’o valley lookout. Only about eight cars can really fit into the parking lot, and the rest will have to be parked along the road that leads up to the area.
At the actual lookout, there is a small building that has restrooms for males and females.
On the other side of the building is a little picnic area under an overhang. So, there is always the option of enjoying a meal at the lookout.
There are also grills in the area if you want to grill up some food!
The area around Waipi’o Valley Lookout
The lookout is in a very small town – you won’t find many resources there. There is one restaurant and that is really about it. Really, the turn to lead to Waipi’o valley lookout is very similar to what people describe as a “quaint small town”.
Come prepared with the maps downloaded, as there is a high probability of losing phone service while driving towards the lookout.
I would also ensure that your vehicle is topped off with gasoline as there are no close gasoline services.
Traffic at Waipi’o Valley Lookout
As mentioned previously, the lookout offers very limited parking and facilities.
However, since the walk up to the lookout is small, and there is really only one viewpoint, the traffic at the lookout quickly shuffles through. Most people will not spend more than 30 minutes at the lookout – just long enough to capture some photos of the valley and then head back out.
How to Get to Waipi’o Valley Lookout
You will need a rental car to visit the Waipi’o valley lookout, as it is in a secluded area in the northern part of the Big Island.
Time to reach the lookout
You can find the Waipi’o valley lookout by typing it into GPS or into google maps – however, I would ensure you keep screenshots of your route as you are likely to lose phone service as you drive closer to the lookout.
From Hilo: 1-hour drive along the coast
From Kona: 1 hour and thirty minutes – there are two routes to reach the lookout and I recommend taking the route along the coast – beautiful view out over the ocean! Then on the way back take the route that goes through the mountains. You will see the vast variety of what the Big Island has to offer on one trip out.
Waipi’o Valley Hike
Hike Time: 3 hours
Length: 3 miles
Type of Trail: Out and back – down a hill
Recommendation: Prepare to feel the burn, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and perhaps water shoes
This trail is located right next to the lookout over Waipi’o Valley lookout point. You will see signs directing people towards the hike.
This hike is claimed to be one of the steepest hikes to do!
This is not surprising, as you will be hiking down into the valley itself, and only in about a mile of distance. The road is said to be a quad killer going down, and a cardio killer on the way back up. The time to complete the trail really depends on how accustomed your body is to steep hikes.
The valley is worth the effort though, as along the oceanfront there is the chance to spot turtles or even wild horses.
The crowd is limited at the bottom of the ocean, so if you make the trip out to the Waipi’o Valley then this may be a great hike to add to the itinerary.
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