Where is Waipio Valley Lookout,Honokaa, Hawaii?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is located in Hawai‘i, USA, on the Big Island. It lies between Honokaʻa and Hāwī and is situated on the northeastern coast of the island. It is famous for its stunning valley views, waterfalls, and lush tropical scenery.

Waipio Valley Lookout Location Map,Honokaa, Hawaii

h2>Top Attractions Inside Waipio Valley Lookout

  • Valley Overlook – Panoramic views of lush cliffs, taro fields, and waterfalls.
  • Waipio River – Scenic river flowing through the valley with hiking and photography opportunities.
  • Waterfalls – Multiple cascading waterfalls visible from the lookout and valley floor.
  • Black Sand Beach – Unique volcanic sand beach at the valley base.
  • Hiking Trails – Trails leading into the valley offering immersive nature experiences.
  • Cultural Sites – Areas of historical and cultural significance for Native Hawaiian heritage.
  • Lookout Picnic Area – Designated area to enjoy the views and natural surroundings.

Waipio Valley Lookout Facts

Official NameWaipiʻo Valley Lookout
LocationHonokāa, Hawaii County, Hawaii, USA – Hamakua Coast, Big Island of Hawaii
Latitude & Longitude20.1206° N, 155.5790° W
Total AreaLookout area and surrounding valley ~1,000 acres (≈4 km²) accessible to visitors; full valley ~20,000 acres (≈81 km²)
Established / OpenedPublic access established as scenic viewpoint; valley inhabited for centuries by native Hawaiians
Managed ByHawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
RegionHamakua Coast, Big Island, Hawaii
AddressWaipiʻo Valley Road, Honokāa, HI 96727, USA
Zip Code96727
Area Code808
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneHawaii-Aleutian Time (HST) – UTC−10 (no Daylight Saving)
Theme / ConceptScenic valley viewpoint, Tropical landscapes, Waterfalls, Agricultural terraces, Cultural heritage, Hiking
Main Sections / FeaturesWaipiʻo Valley Lookout, Waipiʻo Valley floor, Hiʻilawe Falls, Black sand beach, Taro fields, Hiking trails, Scenic viewpoints
Famous AttractionsHiʻilawe Falls, Waipiʻo Valley black sand beach, Scenic lookout views, Traditional taro fields, Hiking into the valley
Annual Visitors~200,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypeFree public access to lookout; Valley floor requires guided tours or 4x4 access
Ticket Price RangeFree to access lookout; Guided tours $50–$150 per person
Ticket OptionsSelf-guided lookout visit, Guided valley tours (horseback, 4x4), Photography, Hiking, Cultural tours
Best Time to VisitSpring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) for moderate weather and fewer crowds; morning for best light at the lookout
Nearby AirportHilo International Airport (ITO) – 50 miles (80 km); Kona International Airport (KOA) – 90 miles (145 km)
TransportationCar / Parking, Guided tours, Hiking, 4x4 vehicles required for valley floor, Horseback tours
Official Websitehttps://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/waipio-valley/

Distances from Waipio Valley Lookout to Nearby Landmarks

  • Waipiʻo Valley Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Honokaʻa Town – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Pololu Valley Lookout – 29 km (18 mi)
  • Hawi – 38 km (23.6 mi)
  • Kohala Coast – 65 km (40.4 mi)
  • Waimea Town – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Hilo – 96 km (59.7 mi)
  • Akaka Falls State Park – 105 km (65.2 mi)
  • Mauna Kea Summit – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Waipiʻo River – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Hāmākua Coast – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Waipiʻo Cattle Trail – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Lapakahi State Historical Park – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Waipiʻo Valley Lookout Tower – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Waipiʻo Valley Overlook Trail – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Hawi Farmers Market – 37 km (23 mi)
  • Puʻukohola Heiau National Historic Site – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Mauna Loa Observatory – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Kohala Mountain Road – 32 km (19.9 mi)
  • Waipiʻo Valley Scenic Drive – 1 km (0.6 mi)