Are you looking for the best things to do on the Big Island with kids (or without)? Keep scrolling to read my honest review of the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour near Hilo Hawaii.
This Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour Review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Okay, this is important.
Before you plan your Big Island trip, you need to know that since February 2022, visitors can’t drive into Waipio Valley anymore. You can’t hike down either.
That gorgeous “Valley of the Kings” you’ve seen all over Instagram? The only way in now is with a guided tour.
I took my 5-year-old on the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour back in November 2021 (when you could still hike), and honestly? I’m so glad we did the shuttle instead of attempting that insane hill on foot.
That road has a 25% grade. I watched people look absolutely miserable trying to hike back up.
Now that the valley is restricted, this shuttle tour isn’t just the easiest option anymore. It’s literally the only option.
Let me tell you why it’s worth it.
What Actually Happened to Waipio Valley?
The County of Hawaii closed Waipio Valley Road in February 2022 because of rockfall and landslide risks. Safety stuff. But honestly, it also helps protect the valley itself.
Only about 50 to 100 people actually live down there. Before the closure, tourists were trespassing on private property, driving rental cars (totally against their rental agreements), and basically overwhelming this sacred place.
Now Big Island residents can still drive their own 4WD vehicles down if they need to. Permitted tour companies can operate. Everyone else has to take a tour.
And you know what? I completely support this. Waipio Valley isn’t a theme park. It’s someone’s home, someone’s farmland, and one of Hawaii’s most culturally significant places.
Why the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour Is Your Best Bet
The Waipio Valley Shuttle has been running since the 1970s. It’s owned and operated by families who actually live in the valley.
These aren’t tour guides reading from scripts. They’re sharing their home with you.
My guide Kaleo was born and raised right there in Waipio Valley.
He was probably in his 20s or early 30s, but the way he talked about Hawaiian culture and the valley’s history made him sound like he’d lived there for generations.
He had SO many stories about growing up in such a remote area. Like how they had to haul everything down that crazy steep road. What it’s like living mostly off the grid. How the community takes care of each other.
The tour takes about 90 minutes (their website now says 105 minutes).
You’re in a 4WD van with the windows removed so you can actually see and feel everything. Sit on the right side going down if you want the best photos.
What You’ll Actually See
Hi’ilawe Falls
This was the highlight for me. Hi’ilawe Falls is 1,200 feet tall (one of Hawaii’s highest waterfalls) and it’s tucked way back in the valley where most people will never see it.
We got out of the van to take photos. You can’t get close to the falls because it’s on private property.
But even from a distance? Absolutely breathtaking. This waterfall shows up in so many famous Hawaiian songs for a reason.
Wild Horses
My son’s eyes got SO big when wild horses started walking right up to our van.
Kaleo explained that these horses have lived in the valley for generations. They’re super friendly because they’re used to people.
One horse literally stuck his head through the open window while everyone else was out taking photos of the waterfall.
My son and I just sat there frozen, trying not to squeal. It was magical.
Taro Patches and Working Farms
Waipio Valley is still a working agricultural area.
We drove past active taro patches (taro is used to make poi, a traditional Hawaiian food), saw residents working their land, and passed homes that have been in families for generations.
Kaleo knew so many of the residents. They’d wave and say hi as we drove by. It really felt like we were being welcomed into their community, not just gawking at it like tourists.
The Valley Itself
The sheer cliffs rising on both sides. The black sand beach in the distance. The streams cutting through the valley floor.
Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s one of those places that just feels different. Sacred, maybe. Significant.
Kaleo did a Hawaiian chant asking permission to enter the valley before we drove down. That set the tone for the whole experience.
What to Know Before You Book
Pricing
- Adults (12 and up): around $59 to $65 (you’ll get a discount booking directly online)
- Kids (11 and under): around $32 to $35
- Book HERE
When They Run Tours
- Monday through Saturday
- Multiple departure times: 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and sometimes 5pm
- They’re closed Sundays
Where to Meet
The tour leaves from Waipio Valley Artworks in Honokaa. There’s free parking and clean restrooms. Show up 15 minutes early to check in.
The gift shop is actually really cool with locally made art and crafts. We browsed while waiting for our tour to start.
What to Wear
Comfortable clothes. That’s it.
We wore athletic shoes and regular clothes. The windows stay open so you’ll feel the breeze. Some people bring light jackets because it can be cooler in the valley than on the coast.
You’ll get out of the van a few times to take photos, but you’re on dirt roads and natural terrain. No fancy hiking boots needed.
What to Bring
- Camera or phone for photos
- Sunscreen (your arms, neck, and face are exposed through the open windows)
- Water bottle
- Cash for tipping your guide
- Car seat or booster if you have really young kids (they allow children of all ages)
The Reality Check
This is an off-road tour on bumpy dirt roads. If you have back or neck issues, you might want to skip it. Same if you’re pregnant. Check with your doctor first.
The ride isn’t crazy rough or anything. My 5-year-old was totally fine. But it’s definitely not smooth pavement.
Other Ways to Experience the Waipio Area
Want more adventure time in the area? There are a few other tour options, though they’re not actually in Waipio Valley itself:
Waipio Ranch UTV Tour on WOH Ranch has incredible views of the valley from above. You drive your own UTV through farmland and down to a secluded beach.
Horseback Riding on WOH Ranch is a 2-hour horseback tour along the Hamakua Coast with valley views.
Kohala Helicopter Tour is perfect if you want to see Waipio Valley from the air. Helicopter tours give you jaw-dropping views of the waterfalls and cliffs.
Big Island Small Group Tour. Some circle island tours include a stop at the Waipio Valley Lookout.
Can You Still See Waipio Valley Without Taking a Tour?
Yes! The Waipio Valley Lookout is still open to everyone and it’s free.
You can park at the lookout (parking is limited though) and get incredible views of the valley, the black sand beach, and the ocean. It’s about an hour’s drive from Hilo or 90 minutes from Kona.
This is a great option if you’re short on time or if the weather isn’t cooperating. But honestly, seeing it from above just made me want to go down into the valley even more.
Where to Eat After Your Tour
If you’re like my kids, you’ll be starving after the tour. Head to Tex Drive In in Honokaa. It’s about 12 minutes from Waipio Valley Artworks.
Tex Drive In is famous for their malasadas (Portuguese donuts). These things are fried fresh, rolled in sugar, and you can get them filled with different flavors. My son ate two.
They also have loco moco, burgers, hot dogs, and Hawaiian plate lunches. The prices are really reasonable for Hawaii. They’re open 6am to 6pm daily (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Is the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour Actually Worth It?
Absolutely. 100%. No question.
Look, I’m a professional tourist. I’ve been to Hawaii 40+ times. I’m a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist.
I take my family on tours all over the islands and I’m pretty picky about what’s actually worth the money versus what’s just tourist fluff.
This tour? Worth every cent.
Here’s why:
You’re learning from someone who lives there. Kaleo grew up in that valley. His knowledge wasn’t pulled from Google. It was his actual life experience.
You’re seeing something special. Hi’ilawe Falls, the wild horses, the taro patches, the old Hawaiian structures. This isn’t stuff you can see anywhere else.
You’re supporting local families. The shuttle company has been family-run for decades. Your money goes directly to people who call Waipio home.
It’s the only way in. Unless you’re a Big Island resident with a 4WD vehicle, you literally cannot access Waipio Valley any other way. So if you want to see it (and trust me, you do), this is it.
It’s actually affordable. Under $65 for adults? That’s a steal for a 90-minute guided tour of one of Hawaii’s most iconic places.
My only regret is that we had to rush to catch our flight from Hilo afterward. Next time, I want to do a horseback tour and spend more time exploring the area.
Planning Your Big Island Trip?
Waipio Valley is on the Hamakua Coast on the northeast side of the Big Island. It’s about an hour from Hilo and 90 minutes from Kona.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to plan your Big Island vacation (trust me, I get it because there’s SO much to see and do), I’d love to help.
As a Hawaii travel expert with 40+ visits to the islands and deep family connections to Hawaii, I can help you create the perfect itinerary.
Book a one-on-one Hawaii travel consultation and we’ll figure out exactly where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your time.
Or grab my complete Big Island travel guide with detailed daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips. It’s everything you need in one place so you can stop Googling and start planning.
Want to plan your trip yourself? Take my free 7-day email course on planning a Big Island vacation. I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it step by step.
The Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour should be at the top of your Big Island must-do list. Book it early because spots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
And when you see Hi’ilawe Falls for the first time, when wild horses walk right up to your van, when you’re driving through a valley that kings once called home, you’ll understand why this place is so special.
Ready to Book Your Waipio Valley Adventure?
Book the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour here. Remember to book online to get the discount!
Looking for more Big Island inspiration? Check out these posts:
- Best Big Island Waterfall Hikes
- Akaka Falls State Park Guide
- Kona ATV Tour Review
- Big Island Instagram Spots
Planning a trip? Don’t forget to check out my complete guides for all the Hawaiian islands:
