Overview of the Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach There’s something otherworldly about visiting the Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach – it’s a place that feels out of time. Spending a few hours relaxing on the beach here will rejuvenate your spirit while the hike will give your body a good workout. Waipio Valley is located in the Hamakua District on the northern shore of the Big Island of Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language Waipio means “curved water”, referring to the streams that run through the valley. Serving as a breathtaking backdrop for many films, the beachfront at Waipio Valley is truly stunning. The shoreline in the valley is a soft black sand beach, made with water-trodden basaltic lava. While the beach is beautiful for sightseeing, there are no amenities here and little opportunity for water activities, so those looking for a classic Hawaiian beach day may want to enjoy the view from the lookout and continue on to some of the Big Island’s most popular beaches. Overlooking the valley floor, Waipio Valley Road will lead you down into the valley originating from a lookout point at the top of the valley. This is a paved public road and open only to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Most rental vehicles are not equipped to go down this road and many of the rental car contracts forbid taking vehicles into the valley. It is the steepest road of its length in the United States. Exploring the Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach Despite some of the limitations of getting to the Waipio Valley black sand beach, it is worth the trip for those adventurous enough to trek to this deified ground. The Waipio Valley offers incredible sightseeing, hiking, and breathtaking coastline views. It’s a hikers’ dream! To hike from the lookout to Waipio Valley takes about 30-45 minutes, around a mile, one-way. Its steep grade makes for a s
Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach
