Waipio at a Glance
Waipio,
which means “curved water,” is a remote but Edenic valley
located on the northern coast of the Big Island along the
Hamakua Coast. The valley measures one mile across and nearly
6 miles deep. Found in the southernmost part of the Kohala
Mountains, it also the largest of the valleys surrounding
the mountain range.
King Kamehameha I used to spend his childhood years here.
Also referred to as the “Valley of Kings,” Waipio is a sacred
and historic valley. It used to be the home and burial ground
of many other Hawaiian leaders up to the reign of King Umi.
Many historic heiaus were to be found in the valley. It
was once the most fertile and productive area in ancient
Hawaii.
Today, Waipio Valley has acres of taro fields, lush rainforest,
and teems of breadfruit, orange, and lime trees. Hundreds
of waterfalls cascading from more than a-thousand-foot cliffs
(including Big Island’s tallest waterfall, the Hiilawe Falls)
and a surrounding coastline made of black sand add to the
majestic beauty of Waipio. The ending scene of the Hollywood
film “Waterworld” was set on the black sand beach of Waipio.
Before the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, about 40,000
to 10,000 people lived in Waipio. During the late 19th century,
many Chinese immigrants settled in Waipio. Already a developed
community, Waipio had schools, churches, restaurants, hospitals,
post office, and even a hotel and a jail. However, Hawaii’s
most devastating 1946 tsunami also left Waipio in ruins
that many decided to leave the valley. Today, there are
only about 50 people living in Waipio, a population consisting
mostly of taro farmers and fishermen.
One can descend to and take of tour of the valley on horseback.
You can also take a hike, a four-while drive, or a wagon
tour.
Waipio’s zip code is 96797.
Waipio in Bullet Points
Waipio Location
Waipio Map (top)
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Waipio Weather (top)
Now
76°F
Windchill:
76°F
Partly Cloudy
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Location: Waipahu, HI, US
Wind: 17 mph NE
Humidity: 48%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.02 in falling
Sunrise: 6:37 am
Sunset: 6:42 pm
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Thu
Hi: 77°F
Low: 67°F
Scattered Showers
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Fri
Hi: 78°F
Low: 67°F
PM Showers
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Waipio Photos (click to enlarge)
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Waipio Reviews and Comments
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