Can you swim at Waipio beach?
The black sand beach of Waipi’o valley The beach looks beautiful and is a very good place to relax after coming down into the valley, but take care with going into the water. This beach is known for its rip currents and high surf, making it a dangerous place to go swimming especially during the winter months.
Where is Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Hamakua Coast
Located on the Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. Not only is “The Valley of the Kings” an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it’s also a place of dramatic tropical beauty.
How do I get to Waipio beach?
Waipio Valley Directions and Map Taking Highways 19 and 240 will get you there. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi’o Valley.
Can you walk into Waipio Valley?
Elevation Gain: 975′ As of 2/25/22, all access to Waipi’o Valley and its hiking trails is prohibited due to unsafe geologic conditions along the access road. See the County Mayor’s Order.
Is Waipio closed?
Waipio Valley, a popular Big Island visitor destination, is off-limits indefinitely to anyone but valley residents, farmers and property owners.
Can you drive to Waipio beach?
You can drive to this with a regular car. There is a parking area right near the lookout, and from there it’s a short walk to the lookout for the stunning famous Big Island valley views from above. If the Waipio Valley parking lot is full, there is parking along the road leading up to the parking lot.
Can you drive into Waipio Valley?
Can you drive into Waipio Valley? The road is 2.25km (1.4 miles) long. It links Waipio Overlook at the western end of Honokaa-Waipio Road (State Route 240), down into the Waipio Valley, in the Hamakua District. Once on the valley floor, there are no paved roads.
Why is Waipio Valley closed?
The decision was based on a geotechnical assessment, which recommended the immediate need to mitigate the threat of rockfalls and slope instability. “The plan is to get this road fixed as quickly as possible so people can get down to the valley in a safe manner,” said Roth.
When did Waipio Valley close?
Island of Hawaii – Today, the County of Hawaii issued an Emergency Rule announcing the closure of Waipio Valley Road to visitors as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate the road’s conditions, effective Friday, February 25, 2022.
How long do people spend at Waipio Valley?
However, many rental cars companies prohibit driving down to the valley floor. You can also check out Waipio Valley Shuttle service for a van tour that will take you down for $65 per person. The tour is 1.5-2 hours total – plenty of time to enjoy the valley.
Do you need 4×4 for Waipio Valley?
It is restricted to 4×4 vehicles (which you’ll need anyway to navigate the unpaved roads on the valley floor), and hikers with strong legs. If you do decide to drive yourself please only do so in a true 4WD car (no AWD) and only if you are comfortable driving on steep and narrow roads with traffic (both ways).
Who lives in Waipio Valley?
Today only about 50 people live in the Waipio Valley. These are taro farmers, fishermen, and others who are reluctant to leave their simple lifestyle.