Waipio Valley Shuttle
Waipio Valley Shuttle
5
Cultural Tours4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
The Waipi'o Valley Shuttle provides a 90 minute guided tour of Waipi'o Valley. You hear about why the Ancient Hawaiians considered Waipi'o Valley sacred and it's importance to the Hawaiians. You will see the 1200 ft high Hi'ilawe Falls and learn how the Hawaiians used plants found in the valley. Most of the windows have been removed for your viewing pleasure.
Kukuihaele, Hawaii
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Waipio Valley Shuttle
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
606 reviews
Excellent
558
Very good
29
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
4
Beau L
Centennial, CO6 contributions
Feb 2022
There were four of us adults who all went on this shuttle and each one of us had an amazing experience. From the moment you check in to the end, you feel like you are stepping into the culture of the Waipio Valley community. From stories to history, you get it all and of course its a huge bonus getting to see wild horses, stopping for pictures, and seeing the amazing waterfalls. We would defiantly recommend this experience to anyone who is visiting the area. We cannot wait to come back!
Written February 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John
7 contributions
Sep 2021
We did a morning tour and were fortunate to visit during one of the very rare non-rainy days. Our driver had lived in the Valley his entire life and was very knowledgeable and eager to share his family's history and culture with us. The valley was absolutely breathtaking and our guide was very informative. He made it fun and memorable for our kids as well. I can't recommend this tour highly enough. If you're on the big island, this is a must-see!!!
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paul w
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
Light weight diversion for 90 minutes with a super friendly and informative driver - glad to tip him for being so affable and upbeat . His family have their roots in the valley so he had inside knowledge eg plants to tsunami of 1946 etc . Don’t be tempted to hike and see the valley - I hike a lot amd it’s OK going down but super hard coming back and the roads is dangerous from 4x4 tourists .. also the van goes a lot further than you’d get to in anything less than a whole day . Only drawback ; the van does NOT get to the beach - Id suggest you have to do that separate . The valley is primitive/ off grid so no rest stops !! Find a big tree for that
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lennae W
2 contributions
Dec 2020
This was my second time visit Waipio Valley. The first time I hiked. My friend and I really enjoyed taking the shuttle. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and took time to even teach us about some of the vegetation in the valley. He was very friendly. I'm sorry I can't remember his name. He stated that he had family who still lives in the Valley.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conseiller99
Roseland, NJ1,398 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
A great trip into the valley! We finally got to see Hi’ilawe Falls….one of our favorite Hawaiian songs about its legend. Our driver, Forest, was simply terrific. He had lived and worked in the valley for two years, and really knew his way around, knowing the locals, etc. The road down, and I mean down, into the valley is only for the most skilled driver, and you cannot, by law, go down there on your own. The van was comfortable and we always felt safe despite looking down the steep dirt road, much of the time which becomes the stream when you reach the valley floor. Seeing the kalo plots, the wild horses, and most of all, the legendary waterfalls, is simply magnificent. We were prepared to perhaps get a little wet, but stayed totally dry the whole time. You start at a nice little shop, which has some excellent wood carvings and other Hawaiian art, in addition to coffee, snacks, and even Tropical Dreams ice cream. Highly recommend!
Written May 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MF2403
San Mateo31 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
If you do nothing else on the big island, you must do this. The jaw dropping views are enhanced by the ride down into the valley, in an open air van on a tenuous "road" (path). Forest navigates it perfectly, and gives a non-stop history and geography lesson for the entire 1.5 hours. We made a few stops once down there, to wade through the crystal clear stream, feed the wild horses (yes, they are wild, born and raised), and take advantage of the endless photo ops. Well worth the trip and cost. Great souvenir shop, too.
Written June 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olivia A
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Solo
Omg! Such a stunning experience! The fact that you can’t access to the valley if you are not local was what made me decide to book the tour, but after experiencing I know I would book it again even if I could go by myself. Forrest was such a great guide! He tought us a lot of thing about the Waipio Valley, flowers, trees, fruits, falls, wild horses, camaleons!! I have no words. He was also really up to take us photos, give us flowers to smell, and give us tips for visiting the rest of the island! Don’t doubt and take it!!
Written April 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony G
2 contributions
Feb 2023
My wife and I booked this tour after coming to the Waipio Valley Lookout in 2006 and not being able to go in to the valley. When we booked this vacation trip (2023) we made sure that we found a way to be able to go in to the valley. Booking our tour through Waipio Valley Shuttle was the only way we were going to be able to see the valley. Then while researching the tour I read that the county was doing work on the road in to the valley and that their were road closures but I booked the tour anyway hoping that this tour owner knew whether or not we would be able to complete the tour. We were not disappointed with this tour. Our tour driver, Noah (a 1/8 Hawaiin that lived in the valley for the first 25 years of his life), he knows a lot about the valley and really loves the valley, the people and sharing his knowledge and experiences in the valley. I will warn you, it rains a lot in this valley and the 21 passenger van has no windows (to permit unobstructed views of the valley) so you might want to bring rain gear. The valley has 3 waterfalls (unless it has rained a lot and then Noah said there are close to 100 waterfalls flowing in to the valley. The ride in to and out of the valley gives you many spots to take pictures along the way and you might get lucky like we did and get a beautiful rainbow pictures. Thanks, Noah and Waipio Valley Shuttle.
Written March 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EvB
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Tour guide did a great job of driving the very steep and bumpy road and telling us the history of the valley. This is the only way to see the valley at this time. Such beautiful views. Finished the tour with a Hawaiian lunch at the food truck down the road them a fruit stand on the way home. A perfect day.
Written December 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WisconsinRaydar
Waterford, WI43 contributions
Apr 2021
What a wonderful "adventure" The tour guide who lives in the valley was very informative about the valley and very considerate of his passengers. What beautiful scenery ! It was fun crossing the rivers, seeing the wild horses and also being able to get out of the van and walk around and take pictures. Don't miss this trip!
The shop where we met at to meet the van had a lot of neat art pieces, jewelry and some food treats. The woman that ran it was so nice. Definitely a good place to shop.
The shop where we met at to meet the van had a lot of neat art pieces, jewelry and some food treats. The woman that ran it was so nice. Definitely a good place to shop.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This valley is so majestic, a 1-2 hour tour feels like a tease. Is it possible to go down with the tour in the morning and ride back up with the last van so we have time to truly relax and enjoy this remarkable place?
Written January 19, 2024
To take more advantage of the beach, you can be asked to be dropped at the beach and skipped the valley tour all together. If you go to the right, there is a trail that goes to a waterfall. If you go to the left and hike all the way to the end of the beach, you will see a sign for another trail head that lead to a multiday hike. Hike as far as you'd like to appreciate the views, then turn around and come back. To get to it you need to cross a river crossing, which is about waist high. But you can leave your stuff at the bank and just wade over. There's no getting around getting wet though.
Written January 22, 2024
The booking site list kids option as 3-11. Do they allow 2 year old child? And how do they charge for less than 3 year old kids ?
Written November 28, 2021
Gary M
Kukuihaele, Hawaii
Aloha, Yes children under 3 are allowed free of charge. Please make a note that you have a infant in your party when making your reservation. Mahalo Gary
Written July 2, 2024
How strenuous is the walking on this tour? Would a active Senior be able to do this tour?
Written April 22, 2021
Gary M
Kukuihaele, Hawaii
This tour is best for senoirs compared to other options. There is not much walking and you can stay in the van if want.
Written July 3, 2024
If getting dropped off in the valley is there enough room to bring a folded jogging stroller?
Written January 16, 2020
Yes.
If you “go to the right” at bottom of the descent , a rough dirt road (maybe little less than a mile) takes you to the beach. We enjoyed that a lot. The river flows into the ocean there and you can swim in fresh water. Black sand beach, almost like black Talcum Powder. The surf is a little too rough to get in the ocean above the knees.
The opposite direction requires the tour to go more than about a half mile.
We did the tour, and stayed on the beach for about 90 min and ride back up with the same tour people- although a later group. You must make that arrangement when you book the tour. May or may not cost additional- depends on how busy they are.
Definitely worth the time and money. We brought our own beer, drinks, & picnic food.
Written January 17, 2020
How long is the trail to the beach from where you can get dropped off and picked up?
Written January 13, 2020
We got to the beach in about 15 minutes or so - lovely walk - one of our favorite parts of the entire trip. The beach was VERY windy when we were there.
Written January 13, 2020
When you make the reservation, ask if they can accommodate your request. I found them to be very helpful and flexible. They make every effort to help you enjoy the visit.
Written January 21, 2020
Is this tour appropriate for a 3 and 4 year old? We will have 4 adults also in our group. Just wondering if the drive causes car sickness.
Written December 3, 2019
Since there is not a lot of stopping and getting out; a three-year old might be bored. It is a wonderful tour for the adults and a view into a lifestyle that is lost.
Written December 14, 2019
How bumpy is the trip? Does the shuttle have shocks to absorb some of the bumps?
Written September 27, 2019
Gary M
Kukuihaele, Hawaii
We advise people that have had back surgery or on their first pregnancy not to do the tour. The guide that works Monday thur Thursday is most comfortable. Please call me at (808) 775-7121 for more helpful info. Mahalo Gary
Written September 27, 2019
Don't need a guide however trip is extremely strenuous and jeeps are going down and coming up the very narrow pathway/road. At points it seems to go straight down. I wouldn't be surprised if slope were 30-49% grade at many points. Plus the small cost for the trip is more thAn compensated by a very friendly and interesting tour guide
Written July 30, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 19