This was a great tour. We went into the Waipio Valley with our tour guide, who was great. We crossed streams, looked at unbelievable vistas, and swam in a pool with a waterfall. It was a very cold and rainy day, though, not the ultimate conditions. But we decided that we would take a dip because my son and I didn't know when we would be back. I do recommend a backpack with either sandals or water moccasins, because the entrance to the waterfalls is rocky and it HURTS! Other than this, we had a great time.

Our guide took us through unbelievable forests that used to be sugarcane fields. It is amazing the amount of history that surrounds this area. The lush tropical atmosphere is tremendous.

The tour provided water and a sack lunch; it wasn't Cordon Bleu, but when you're hungry after hiking a few hours, it tasted just fine. I would definitely do this tour again. It was pretty easy as long as you are in somewhat decent shape and are ambulatory. This tour is not tough, but not for anyone with heart conditions either. If you bring a camera that you value, either bring a waterproof case or a baggy that you can seal it in.

Spectacular views of sheer cliffs meeting the ocean. You can take a side road off of Kukuihaele Highway to this lookout and park up top or go down (with a 4x4 vehicle) to the bottom of the valley. Up at the top of the lookout is a beautiful valley that overlooks the giant black cliffs that jut out meet the water below. You can make out waterfalls falling down these cliffs with binoculars. You can go swimming down below, but beware that it is a rocky, muddy trip down to the bottom of the valley.

This pristine black sand beach was filmed in the move Waterworld. It is the favorite hang out for many locals from the East to the West side of the island. You need a 4-wheen drive to drive down the steep one-lane winding road that leads to Waipio Beach. Or you can hike down the steep road (15 minute hike) to catch some spectacular views of the valley and beach. Note that hiking up the road takes about twice as long as hiking down. The black sand beach stretches down the coast for about 1 mile and is separated by a small river that flows directly into the ocean. During the winter months this river swells and it is difficult to cross to get to the other side of the beach. A word of caution - DO NOT SWIM OR SURF at this beach during high surf because of strong currents and deep waters! There is no lifeguard at this beach so if you drown, you are on your own. Even during the summer months the surf is high which is why it is a very popular surfing spot among locals year round. It is also an ancient surfing area. I don't even attempt to swim at this beach because the surf is usually pounding very hard on the beach.

We arrived late afternoon and immediately began our trek down the mountainside in Waipio Valley, Hawaii, laughing until our sides burned as much as our calves from the sharp downward stroll that seemed to never end. We are going to have an "awesome" time climbing this later, someone remarked sarcastically, which sent us into another bout of giggles at the thought of us attempting to crawl up the steep mountain road. When we reached the valley, there was an enormous pit of mud, and of course, being myself, I decide to go straight through it instead of around like the rest. I sank up to my mid-thighs within seconds. I waded out laughing and shaking my head at my new ruined Nike's and caked-on mud. I looked like half of the Abominable Mud Man, or woman for that matter.

We headed out to the beach area at the edge of the valley. Seven great blue whales were blowing showers of water into the crystal-clear blue sky just a ways offshore. One of the guys had been dying to see a whale for months, so it was a total answer to prayer on one of the best days ever.

We continued along the musty-colored sands and into the forest area. Little huts lined the beaten path and our friend Joey began telling some of his infamous crazy stories. We saw a few locals standing over a fire pit outside of their hut and asked if they knew which direction it was to get to the waterfalls. They pointed us to the left (which we found out soon enough was the opposite direction of the waterfalls). We passed a huge granddaddy tree, several "No Trespassing" signs (because of which we kept having to change directions), and a dog that wanted to kill us. Finally we reached the Seven Tiers.

Safely (enough), we could only climb to the fourth tier. It is a straight-up climb with no more than a slimy rope for an aid. When we reached the top, we swam in a bottomless, black water pool. It was so refreshing, but we had the guys test it out first to be sure it was okay.

The hike back was intense, particularly because we were cold, wet, and tired, but we were still having a blast! Like we imagined, going up that steep climb to the top of the mountain was trying but so incredibly breathtaking, we hardly noticed the strain. The diamond stars seemed like they were hanging by their crystalline treads close enough for us to grab hold of them. The beauty was a memory I would not trade.

It is more than worth doing. Just wear good shoes and bring a small, light backpack with essentials: WATER, energy bar, towel, and a light jacket for when the evening air takes on a slight chill.

What an amazing horseback ride. They take you in vans down into the very steep valley.

Then you are matched with a horse and begin the horseback ride through this enchanting valley. You trek through streams and past taro rot fields, mango trees and waterfalls.

They took a picture of us as a family in a gorgeous spot, which is our favorite Hawaii picture. Well worth the money - we did have a discount coupon from the local travel coupon books that are at the airport and local stores.