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The 123 list for a Big Island visit
Your Visitor Friendly People & Places
......You are now on kona123.com ........Click "map" for all about the Big Island. Things to do & see....... ...................................................................places to sleep, eat and shop.
Waipio Valley and Hamakua Coast
Breathtaking valleys and coastal views
Honoka`a pictures Laupahoehoe pictures
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeast shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, the Waipiʻo Valley is the largest and most southern of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. The Waipiʻo Valley is a mile wide at the coastline and almost six miles deep. Along the coast is a beautiful black sand beach often used by motion picture production companies.
On both sides of the valley there are cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet with hundreds of cascading waterfalls, including one of Hawaii's most celebrated waterfalls - Hiʻilawe. The road into the valley is very steep (a 25% grade). In order to travel into the valley, you must either ride down in a four wheel drive vehicle or hike down to the valley floor. Waipiʻo means "curved water" in the Hawaiian language. The lovely Waipiʻo River flows through the valley until it enters the ocean at the beach.
The Waipiʻo Valley is often referred to as the "Valley of the Kings" because it was once the home to many of the rulers of Hawaii. The valley has both historical and cultural importance to the Hawaiian people.
According to oral histories as few as 4000 or as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipiʻo during the times before the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778. Waipiʻo was the most fertile and productive valley on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Click here for info and a history of the Waipio Valley
Waipio Valley Wagon Tours
Join us for an adventure back in time on a mule drawn wagon. Your journey through the majestic and beautiful Waipi'o Valley (Valley of the Kings), heralded as the cradle of Hawaiian civilization. This fully narrated historical and cultural tour lasts 1.5 hours and departs from Neptune Gardens/Last Chance Store off Hwy. 240.
Many Say this Hawaii Activity was the Highlight of their visit. A visit to Waipio Valley is one of the top activities on the Big Island.
808-775-9518
Click here for directions and more information
Visitors and residents- Help us edit this Waipio/Hamakua page. You can be the travel writer and photographer. Submit your comments and pictures to help keep this site updated and current. See Home page for details.
Hawaiian Vanilla Company
Hawaiian Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world. The Hawaiian Vanilla Company is the only commercial grower of vanilla in the United States. Join owner, Jim Reddekopp, for a one-of-a-kind experience! Let him guide you on an hour-long agricultural and culinary journey as he tours you through the production of the Mill, farm and Vanillery. He will talk about the specifics of growing an industry and the many challenges and victories along the way. Truly inspirational! Finish your time with Jim by enjoying a sampling of goodies from the Vanilla Kitchen.
(808) 776-1771 vanillakitchen@aol.com
World Botanical Gardens and Waterfalls
We now proudly exhibit the largest variety of plants in the State of Hawaii with more than 5,000 species. The 300 acre Gardens are located 16 miles north of Hilo.The northern border is the Umauma River which feeds the triple-tiered Umauma waterfalls with its cascading 300 foot drop.
View the beautiful spectacular 360-degree vistas and sweeping ocean views and walk the peaceful nature trail that winds through the rain forest. You'll see hundreds of wild orchids and a colorful Rainbow Walk which includes 100 species of Bromeliads, Mango trees, Guava, Pineapple, Banana, Breadfruit and much, much more.
Click here for more info and map
Laupahoehoe Train Museum
Take a Trip Back in Time
Located along Highway 19 near mile marker 25 Look for the railroad crossing signs and the big red caboose on our front lawn! We are just across the road from the coast's only service station. Public restrooms are available in the museum. 30 minutes from Hilo, and 25 minutes from Honoka'a.
Hours & Admission- Open weekdays , 9 am to 4:30 pm & 10 am to 2 pm on weekends. Closed major holidays. Admission Adults $4, Seniors $3 and Children$2
click here for map and more information
Na`alapa Stables- Waipio Valley Horseback Ride
Join us on a journey through a lush tropical paradise of jungle trails, freshwater streams, taro fields, magnificent waterfalls and incredible vistas. Only in Waipi'o Valley is there such a variety of historical and spiritual places to discover and appreciate.
Click here for more info, pictures and a map
Hamakua Artisan Farms
Hamakua coast has long been active agricultural region on the big island of Hawaii. Come visit three working family farms and experience three unique local flavors.
Join the farmers and learn about how artisan honey, green tea and coffee are made. Hear about sustainable approaches to farming and innovative business philosophies.
You can choose to visit all three farms or just one or two separately. We are small family farms and have many things happening. Our crops do not go by calender or weekday schedule. We may not be able to host you during busy harvesting time so please make sure to reserve your spot before your visit day.
(808) 775-1000 info@hawaiianartisanfarms.com
