While travelling in Hawaii we did some hiking and diving on Kona. One of the more famous places on the island which ends with a hike through the jungle to a spectacular black sand beach is the Waipio Valley Road. Located in the Hamakua District of the Big Island of Hawaii. The road is one of the steepest in the world, descending 1000 feet in a mere mile to the bottom of the valley. The average grade is 25% and the peak grade reaches 40%. This is one hell of a hike that for sure.
Most visitors hop on four wheel drive truck, rather than hike down like we did. These tourist laden trucks carefully inch their way down the winding road, while others piloted mostly by locals coast down like they have no brakes. The views are spectacular and once you reach the bottom of the road and head into the jungle you spot can spot several “lost” vehicles along the way to the beach. These are a reminder that sometimes the road is mightier than the driver.
Whether you hike or drive, this is a must do for anyone on the big island. I plan on returning fairly soon to the area and I’m looking forward to hiking this area again.
Thanks for reading.
Scott
For more images and stories - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/
