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With vistas from the mile-wide black sand beach to the 1200-foot splendor of the twin Hi‘ilawe Falls, Hawaii's highest single-fall waterfalls, join us for an ATV tour to the top of Waipi‘o - a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience. Ride your own ATV through breathtaking scenery and unimaginably grandiose panoramic views. We pass through eucalyptus and ginger forests on our three-plus hour journey through former sacred royal land where access is limited. Swim in the headwater of Hi‘ilawe, see the back side of the Parker Ranch lands, and go to the top of Waipi‘o Valley.
Light refreshments and 'talk story' from our experienced, knowledgeable guides provided twice daily, morning and afternoon.
What to know
Check-in:
There are 2 ATV tours per day. Check-in at the Waipi’o Valley Artworks in Kukuihaele near Waipi’o Valley, northwest of Honokaa
* AM check-in 8:50AM (returns at ~12:30pm)
* PM check-in 12:45PM (returns at ~ 4:30pm)
Tour Duration: 3+ hours
ATV Equipment & Requirements:
Our ATVs are brand new Honda Ranchers, all automatic, 4 wheel drive and clutch-less. Easy to drive.
Ages 16 and over to drive ATV
No tandem riding on ATV
100-350 lb weight limit to ride on ATV
No experience necessary. A comprehensive safety orientation and demonstration drive is mandatory. If, in our guide’s opinion, you do not appear to reliably control the machine during the orientation, we will decline your participation and refund your money. Likewise, if you feel that you are not comfortable on the machines, you may decline participation and receive a refund.
Safety gear mandatory and provided. Wet weather ponchos provided. We go rain or shine but reserve the right to cancel when the weather is, in our opinion, dangerous. You will receive a refund if we cancel due to weather.
Children (ages 5 - 15 years old), the elderly or folks not wishing to ride an ATV (even at the last minute, space available) enjoy our open air buggy - a Kawaskai Mule - driven by the tour guide.
What to Bring with You:
Adventure clothing suggested: long, sturdy pants, long-sleeved shirt. CLOSED SHOES ARE MANDATORY. If you did not bring closed shoes, please stop by Wal-Mart in Kona or Hilo and purchase some inexpensive tennis shoes with sturdy treaded soles. The weather is usually cool and comfortable and the engines provide warmth as we travel.
Swimming - We swim under a secluded waterfall at the top and back of the valley before the same water goes over the pali (cliff) as Hi'ilawe Falls; the water is about 72 degrees year-round. Our changing facilities are quite primitive, so wear your swimsuits under your clothing and bring a towel. Water shoes, water socks, reef walkers (however you might call them) are suggested as the smooth river rocks are slippery The waterfall pool is usually only chest deep in most spots. As this area is a watershed, there are times when the water is high and we reserve the right to cancel swimming when the conditions are clearly hazardous.
Driving Directions [ show
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Driving times:
Tour Starts At:
Waipi'o Valley Artworks
48-5416 Kukuihaele Rd
Honokaa, HI 96727
90 minutes from Kona
75 minutes from Hilo
35 minutes from Waimea
From South of Kona
Head north into Kona on Highway 11.
Turn right at the Palani Road intersection.
Head up the mountain on Highway 190.
Proceed 39 miles to Waimea Town.
Go straight through all the signaled intersections and travel on out of town on the SAME road, now known as Highway 19.
Proceed 15 miles to Honoka'a Town.
Follow the sign between the 44 and 45 mile marker indicating a left turn into Honokaa Town.
Go down the mountain one mile to Highway 240 and take a left following the signs to Waipio Valley.
At about the 8 mile marker, you will see a sign to Kukuihaele.
Take that right fork and come down about 1 1/2 miles and look for Waipi'o Valley Artworks, the place with the great art and the blue umbrellas on the porch next to the American flag.
From Waikoloa Beach Resort Area on the Kona side
Proceed out the main entrance of the Waikoloa Beach Resort Area by turning LEFT at the main highway, Highway 19. Go north about one mile to the Blue Hawaiian helicopters and turn RIGHT on Waikoloa Road and go UP the mountain about 10 - 11 miles until you see the sign pointing to the left to Waimea Town. Go left and proceed those 11 miles into Waimea Town on Highway 190, known locally as the "High Road to Waimea". Go straight through all the signalled intersections and travel on out of town on the SAME road, now known as Highway 19, 15 miles to Honoka'a Town. Follow the sign showing a left turn into Honoka'a Town. Go down the mountain one mile to Highway 240 and take a left following the signs to Waipio Valley. At about the 8 mile marker, you will see a sign to Kukuihaele. Take that right fork and come down about 1 1/2 miles and look for Waipi'o Valley Artworks, the place with the great art and the blue umbrellas on the porch next to the American flag.
From the Kohala resorts - Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Hualalai
Go to the north ( turn left if you coming from the ocean and right if you are coming from the mountain) on Highway 19 towards Kawaihae. At the intersection, turn right on Highway 19 as it proceeds UP the mountain about 10 miles to Waimea Town. At the first signalled intersection in the middle of town take a left and follow Highway 19 15 miles to Honoka'a Town. Follow the sign showing a left turn into Honoka'a Town. Go down the mountain one mile to Highway 240 and take a left following the signs to Waipio Valley. At about the 8 mile marker, you will see a sign to Kukuihaele. Take that right fork and come down about 1 1/2 miles and look for Waipi'o Valley Artworks, the place with the great art and the blue umbrellas on the porch next to the American flag.
From Hilo
From the Bayfront area downtown follow the signs to the Hamakua Coast north on Highway 19. Go about 40 miles to Honoka'a Town and take the right off the highway into town. Go ALL the way through town and follow the signs straight ahead to Waipi'o Valley. The main road in downtown Honoka'a becomes Highway 240 as it leaves Honoka'a toward the valley. At about the 8 mile marker, you will see a sign to Kukuihaele. Take that right fork and come down about 1 1/2 miles and look for Waipi'o Valley Artworks, the place with the great art and the blue umbrellas on the porch next to the American flag.
From the Volcano area
Follow the signs back into Hilo on Highway 11. Go past the airport to the intersection where Kamehameha and Kalanianiole join together on your left and right, respectively. Turn left on Kamehameha, also known as Highway 19 and proceed through downtown following the signs to the Hamakua Coast north on Highway 19 . Go about 40 miles to Honoka'a Town and take the right off the highway into town. Go ALL the way through town and follow the signs straight ahead to Waipi'o Valley. The main road in downtown Honoka'a becomes Highway 240 as it leaves Honoka'a toward the valley. At about the 8 mile marker, you will see a sign to Kukuihaele. Take that right fork and come down about 1 1/2 miles and look for Waipi'o Valley Artworks, the place with the great art and the blue umbrellas on the porch next to the American flag.
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