Things to do in Waipio

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Waipio Valley Lookout which includes mountains and general coastal views
Waipio Valley Lookout
Kukuihaele featuring landscape views, tropical scenes and rocky coastline
Waipio Valley Lookout which includes general coastal views and landscape views
Waipio Valley Lookout which includes rocky coastline, general coastal views and views
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Waipio must see attractions

1. Mauna Kea Beach

This resort beach on the Big Island’s northwest coast is a hot spot for swimmers and snorkelers and considered by many as one of Hawaii’s best beaches. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was opened in 1965. At a cost of U.S. $15 million, it was the most expensive ever built at the time. Decades later the beach and the hotel remain a popular destination.
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Mauna Kea featuring tropical scenes, a beach and landscape views

2. Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area

Hapuna Beach is one of the few white-sand beaches on the Big Island’s west coast. The state park covers 61.8 acres (25 hectares) of the island and is a great destination to hike, swim and snorkel. The park is also home to the popular Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, sister hotel to the famous Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
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Hapuna Beach State Park which includes a coastal town, a beach and a luxury hotel or resort

3. Waipio Valley Lookout

Climb to Waipi'o Valley Lookout to get a whole new perspective on the natural spectacle of Waipi'o Valley below. This picturesque area is known locally as “The Valley of the Kings” and is celebrated for its important role in Haiwaiian royal history. However, the exquisite tropical landscape itself is every bit as captivating as the stories that surround it and this lookout point gives you a chance to see it as its best.
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Waipio Valley Lookout which includes rocky coastline, general coastal views and views

4. Pololu Valley Overlook

The drive along Hawaii’s Akoni Pule Highway is one of the most scenic routes in the state. On one side the volcanic mountain of Mauna Loa rises steeply above you, while on the other you can gaze across the Pacific Ocean. Continue to the end of the highway to find yourself at one of Hawaii’s most dramatic vistas, the Pololū Valley Overlook.
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Pololu Valley Overlook featuring general coastal views and landscape views

5. Parker Ranch Center

Find out where Hawai’ian ranching history was made at the Parker Ranch in Waimea. Explore this historic ranch on an informative tour and learn about the Parker legacy and Hawai’i’s first cowboys. Discover the Parker estate and see the family’s collection of fascinating artifacts and artworks from a bygone era.
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Parker Ranch Center featuring land animals and horseriding

What to do in Waipio

Discover the most popular places to visit in Waipio

Waipio Valley Lookout which includes rocky coastline, general coastal views and views

Waipio Valley Lookout

4.5/5(138 reviews)

Treat yourself to a bird’s-eye view of the verdant stretch of land nicknamed The Valley of the Kings, a place of striking beauty and historical importance.

Waipio Valley Lookout
1-1/2 hr drive northeast of Kona is this beautiful black sand beach. Well worth the drive. You need a 4x4 to get there, but that’s half the fun!

Waipio Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Waipio Beach during your trip to Honokaa? Experience the area's theater scene and entertainment venues.

Waipio Beach

Hawaiian Vanilla Company

Enjoy an outing to Hawaiian Vanilla Company during your stay in Honokaa. You can seek out the horseback riding while in the area.

Hawaiian Vanilla Company

Kalopa State Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Kalopa State Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Honokaa. You can seek out the horseback riding while in the area.

Kalopa State Recreation Area

Hiilawe Waterfall

Explore the great outdoors at Hiilawe Waterfall, a lovely green space in Honokaa. You can seek out the horseback riding while in the area.

Hiilawe Waterfall

Kalōpā

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kalōpā during your trip to Honokaa? Experience the area's theater scene and entertainment venues.

Kalōpā

Hamakua Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Honokaa at Hamakua Country Club. You can seek out the horseback riding while in the area.

Hamakua Country Club

Katsu Goto Memorial

Find out about the history of Honokaa when you spend time at Katsu Goto Memorial. You can seek out the horseback riding while in the area.

Katsu Goto Memorial

Popular day trips from Waipio

Honokaa featuring general coastal views, landscape views and a gorge or canyon

Honokaa

Kamuela featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views

Kamuela

Frequently asked questions

Is Waipio worth visiting?
With a mix of history and views, there are many things to do in Waipio. While you're here, visit Waipio Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Waipio?
Waipio Beach and Hiilawe Waterfall are two awesome places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Waipio while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Waipio?
The top tourist attraction in Waipio is Waipio Beach, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Waipio?
Book an escape in Waipio for three days and you'll easily be able to check out its main sights and get a feel for the local way of life. For the chance to visit highlights in nearby areas and venture off the tourist trail, consider sticking around for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Waipio with kids?
Planning what to do in Waipio with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Waipio for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Waipio, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Katsu Goto Memorial.
Are there free things to do in Waipio?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Waipio is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Waipio Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.