Waipio Valley
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Waipi‘o is one of the most beautiful areas of the Big Island.
Erosion has formed a valley that includes three steep sides or walls
that make hiking into this lush green paradise somewhat of a challenge.
Students face the challenging task of walking down 900 feet at about
a 45° (degree) angle which can cause tremendous stress on the knees
and back both down and up. It's important to take it slow. Once at the
bottom students will get the luxury of experiencing a beautiful mile
long black sand beach which is quite secluded in comparison to other
beaches on the island. To the right (as participants face the ocean),
Kaluahine Falls is sometimes dry since it is fed by a seasonal stream.
Waipi‘o, remains an amazing valley with a history as deep and
beautiful as the valley itself. It is said that the valley was gouged
into the side of the island by a powerful warrior and his club in an
attempt to impress someone. This same warrior unfortunately was beaten
to death by the very person he was trying to impress. Traditionally,
Waipi‘o was a meeting place of Hawaiian kings when important decisions
needed to be made. Even kings with sunny Kona homes had a “vacation
spot” within Waipi‘o. Thousands of people lived here at
one time cultivating everything from bananas to taro and even coconuts.
During times of famine Waipi‘o could always be counted on for
provisions. It was also believed that pigs hunted here, tasted better
than ones from outer areas.
It is believed that 50 generations of Hawaiians have lived and died in Waipi‘o Valley. It is told that the Great King Kamehameha was hidden here as an infant and raised there throughout his childhood. Many believe that these ancient Hawaiians have left behind a supernatural power, a spiritual mana that can still be felt to this day. Legend also states that the gate to the underworld can be found near Waipi‘o beach.
In 1946 a great tsunami washed nearly everything away causing the people to leave for nearly two decades. In the mid sixties people finally started to return to the tranquil calm of Waipi‘o Valley. Today there are about 50 people living in this valley, with the modern conveniences of running water, elecricity, telephones, and television. Special permission is required for camping and overnight stays. Students should always be respectful to this special place and encounters with local residents.
Inherent Risks
It is the responsibility of each participant to evaluate the various risks that they may be exposed to if they decide to participate in this program. Some of the inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Leptospirosis from swimming in contaminated water that has been found in Wiapio Valley
- Drowning in the ocean, waterfalls or streams
- Exposure to ocean conditions, rain run-off, stream crossings, or changing weather
- Exposure to the sun, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and/or dehydration
- Exhaustion from the hiking portion of the trip
- Falling or slipping while hiking down or up the road to the valley
- Hiking down and up the steep incline (as much or more than 25%) into and out of the valley
- Broken bones, cuts, scrapes, blisters or bruises
- Transportation in vans to and from Waipi'o Valley
- Delays from being dropped off or picked-up from this remote location
- Any other injury due to motor vehicle accident or incident during hike into or out of Waipi'o Valley
- Vehicle traffic going up or down the steep one lane road into and out of the Waipi'o Valley
Students are required to remain with the group during this program and not go on un-authorized selected activities or excursions without the group. If transportation is involved, participants must wear seat belts if available and are expected to return with the group.