Similar to Kauai's Na Pali coast, the Waipio Valley on the north shore of the Big Island is a verdant succession of valleys and steep cliffs tumbling into the sea. Waipio Valley is the eastern valley of this collection and is the most accessible with a small track leading down to it. There is a small Hawaiian and alternative European community living in the valley, farming taro (staple Hawaiian root crop) in the swampy marshes and living a secluded lifestyle. The appeal to share this tranquillity has ironically turned Waipio into a small commercial tourist attraction. Access to Waipio Valley is via a rough and extremely steep road access by 4WD only or a 20-minute hike down from the top of the valley where the tar sealed road stops. Once in the valley, you pass back in time. The long sweeping black sand beach is hemmed in either side by steep valleys, both of which have waterfalls tumbling right into the sea. The waterfall on the east side was featured in Kevin Costner's film Waterworld. The sea can be treacherous at times and is only safe for swimming and surfing in calm conditions. Waipio is a friendly community and it is a good place to stroll around and take in the breathtaking views of the river valley and Na'alapa Waterfall. Horse riding tours of Waipio are available and for the more sedate, horse drawn cart rides. It is possible to hike deep into the adjacent valleys, passing numerous streams and gulches, ancient taro terrace plantations and temple foundations - these trails are quite rough and not well marked and should not be undertaken by inexperienced hikers. Camping permits are available from the Division of Wildlife and Forestry in Hilo.

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Our top 10 scenic attractions in Hawaii are:

1) Na Pali Coast - KAUAI
dramatic coastline; hiking; scenic beaches

2) Volcano National Park - BIG ISLAND
lava flows; volcanic crater; trails; flora - 1 day minimum

3) Waikiki Beach - OAHU
world famous activity beach and shopping

4) Whale Watching - MAUI
Nov-May; calving late Jan-Mar; excellent viewing from coast

5) Archaeological Sites - BIG ISLAND,
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial

6) Historical Lahaina Town - MAUI
charming seaside town; art galleries; restaurants

7) Pearl Harbor - OAHU
historical world war two site and USS Arizona War Memorial

8) Waimea Canyon - KAUI
unusual rock formations, large canyons and walking tracks

9) Waipio Valley - BIG ISLAND
hidden valley of yester-year with taro fields and horse drawn carts

10) Oahu Scenic Coastal Drive - OAHU
blowholes, snorkelling and scenic beaches


Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:

Fiji Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Cook Islands Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Samoa Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tonga Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tahiti Tours - Top 10 Attractions

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Other Recommended Websites: Beautiful Pacific - South Pacific Holidays fiji resorts ; cook islands resorts ; samoa resorts ; tonga resorts ; tahiti resorts

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