The Waipi'o Valley is located along the North Coast of the Big Island, and from the Waipi'o Valley Lookout one can see that it is a stunning, secluded valley enclosed by steep walls. The valley meets the ocean at a tranquil black sand beach. It is an easy 2 hour drive from Kailua-Kona along the Mamlohoa Highway that takes you through the interior of the island and some interesting countryside.
We decided to explore the Waipi'o Valley on horseback with a tour company called "Waipi'o on Horseback and Taro Farm." This was one of the most memorable activities of our trip. The tour group meets at the tiny town of Kukuihaele at the Last Chance Store. Before you reach the stables at the bottom of the valley, you'll have to endure a fun but very bumpy, low gear ride in a circa 1980, beat-up, four wheel drive dodge van that follows a incredibly steep one lane road to the bottom of the valley. The van ride lasts about 20 minutes, and the Hawaiian cowboys that guide the tour on horseback are quite entertaining as they take you into the valley in the van. Like cowboys in mainland, these Hawaiian cowboys wear Wranglers and cowboy hats, and do rodeos and smoke Marlboros. But these guys are a unique island cowboy breed, because they also hunt wild pigs, catch freshwater prawns with their bare hands, and surf on black sand beaches.
The two and a half hour guided excursion with about 12 other riders was perfect for a beginner. The horses were well behaved and followed the route in single file with a only a little bit of guidance, though like to stop to chomp on plants. The route meanders in the valley floor, passes taro farms, and winds through hidden trails in the lush rainforest full of singing birds. There are several parts of the path that actually cross the river, and it's amazing that the horses don't lose their footing on the slippery rocks.
The cowboys point out exotic fruits like pomelos, which are giant grapefruits the size of a small basketball. A pack of friendly dogs, the cowboys' pets, eagerly dart in and out of the forest and between the horses' legs. It's a relaxing ride, and the views of the primitive, wild valley are truly remarkable. Several waterfalls flow down the sheer walls of the valley.
The ride costs $75 per person (not including tip), and you should reserve a spot two days in advance. It is definitely worth the price for a unique way to see this beautiful area. I recommend wearing long pants, even though it was about 80 degrees, because there are mosquitoes in the valley, but you don't really notice them because of all the gorgeous scenery. I would have liked to visit the beach which is only a 25 minute hike from the bottom of the road, but that's for next time.