Waipio Valley Shuttle
Waipio Valley Shuttle
5
7:00 AM - 9:00 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
2022
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Waipio Valley Shuttle
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
426 reviews
Excellent
386
Very good
24
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Shannon K
Kansas City, KS11 contributions
Feb 2020
This was one of the best afternoons we had this last trip to the Big Island! Our very knowledgeable and wonderful tour guide, Kaleo (apologies if I am misspelling his name), is a local young man who grew up in Waipio Valley, provided so much incredible inside stories and history of this wonderful place. We saw beautiful waterfalls, wild horses, farms, said hello to some locals and had plenty of time to take some very nice photos.
The check-in spot at the Art Gallery has some wonderful pieces. We purchased some ceramic magnets and postcards. Not everything they offer is super expensive, they have lots of affordable choices.
Please take the time and do this tour! You will not regret it and will go away with wonderful memories. We are so glad we did this tour and will do it again in the future.
The check-in spot at the Art Gallery has some wonderful pieces. We purchased some ceramic magnets and postcards. Not everything they offer is super expensive, they have lots of affordable choices.
Please take the time and do this tour! You will not regret it and will go away with wonderful memories. We are so glad we did this tour and will do it again in the future.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
C D
Wickenburg, AZ5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Hili did a fantastic job of educating us all on the fascinating history of the valley as well as the various plants and trees! He put safety first on the drive down and up the valley. Recommend this way of seeing the valley to avoid the hike or renting a 4wd vehicle. Thanks Hili!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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.
Valle&Pablo
Berkeley, CA3 contributions
May 2021
Doing this tour is a very convenient option if you have limited time on the island and you want to schedule multiple things for only a few days, like we did. We could get to enjoy the wonderful sights in the valley, and we had a very pleasant ride with our guide Douglas, who was very fun and informative. We highly recommend this!
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P H
Langhorne, PA.6 contributions
May 2021
A tremendous experience, it is a trip back to a time and place of long ago.
Dripping in tropical fauna and flora, fresh water ponds and streams, waterfalls and wild horses, rich in culture and history, only 100 indigenous people live down there today, this is a very special place, one to be cherished.
This spectacular trip was made perfect with our tour guide, Kaleo, he was born and raised in the valley, he was very informative and great representative and ambassador for the company and valley, before we started our decent into the valley, our guide, Said a prayer and asked for a blessing as an offering to the spirits of the valley.
Would highly recommend this tour, if you do only one on Big Island, this is the one.
Driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle down is an option, but definitely not recommended. It is a very, very steep and winding road down, as well as extremely narrow, so sit back and relax with Waipio Valley Tours, and get educated as well as aesthetically pleased.
This is the breadbasket of Hawaiian history and culture, and every attempt to preserve and nurture this place should be made, to make sure this place lives on forever as it is, was and hopefully will always be.
Please, if at all possible, consider a tour or a hike down, rather than your own vehicle, to lessen the carbon foot print.
Mahalo
Dripping in tropical fauna and flora, fresh water ponds and streams, waterfalls and wild horses, rich in culture and history, only 100 indigenous people live down there today, this is a very special place, one to be cherished.
This spectacular trip was made perfect with our tour guide, Kaleo, he was born and raised in the valley, he was very informative and great representative and ambassador for the company and valley, before we started our decent into the valley, our guide, Said a prayer and asked for a blessing as an offering to the spirits of the valley.
Would highly recommend this tour, if you do only one on Big Island, this is the one.
Driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle down is an option, but definitely not recommended. It is a very, very steep and winding road down, as well as extremely narrow, so sit back and relax with Waipio Valley Tours, and get educated as well as aesthetically pleased.
This is the breadbasket of Hawaiian history and culture, and every attempt to preserve and nurture this place should be made, to make sure this place lives on forever as it is, was and hopefully will always be.
Please, if at all possible, consider a tour or a hike down, rather than your own vehicle, to lessen the carbon foot print.
Mahalo
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pamelawX8755ZY
3 contributions
Apr 2021
We had a total of 9 people on board which was great as we were able to spread out. Our driver, Douglas, was wonderful. He shared his vast knowledge of the valley having grown up there, and his sense of humor kept us smiling. We were fortunate to have had a perfect day weather-wise. Everyone involved was very professional and friendly and, most importantly, very conscious of the COVID protocols necessary. It's a must-see adventure at least once!
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
coloparkers
Highlands Ranch, CO483 contributions
Feb 2022
Taking this tour was so much more meaningful than simply driving your own car down into the valley or walking. If you're considering walking it's about a mile each way with a 900 vertical foot descent and ascent. Not an easy hike for certain.
If you went by yourself, you wouldn't get the commentary and explanations and stories. Douglas was our guide and he went out of his way to make the experience special for everyone. He brought alfalfa snacks to feed the wild horses on the valley floor, picked fruits and flowers for us to smell and taste and touch and even brought fruit from his backyard for us to try. We heard stories about the valley's history as well as a few of his own personal stories about growing up in Hawaii.
It was definitely well worth the time and money to take this tour. We really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
If you went by yourself, you wouldn't get the commentary and explanations and stories. Douglas was our guide and he went out of his way to make the experience special for everyone. He brought alfalfa snacks to feed the wild horses on the valley floor, picked fruits and flowers for us to smell and taste and touch and even brought fruit from his backyard for us to try. We heard stories about the valley's history as well as a few of his own personal stories about growing up in Hawaii.
It was definitely well worth the time and money to take this tour. We really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel bean 997
4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Enjoyable ride into the Valley. Glad we didn’t do it ourselves ! Forest was a great guide very engaging and knowledgeable and we we enjoyed the rides through the river, wild horses, taro patches, and waterfall view. There are two stops - one for pics of waterfall ( in distance) and one by the river at the end of the road. Does not stop by the black sand beach. Windows are all open no glass so views are great. Wear big spray and bring a raincoat .
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ashville
Ewa Beach, HI1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Had an awesome time with Gary. He was very knowledgeable on the trip, took his time to give us a whole experience. Plus we wouldn’t have trusted any other drive to get us up and down the road as safely as Gary. He even stopped when we saw wild horses and gave us food to let horses eat from our window
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Theora M
11 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Easy to book, good confirmations and info for arrival, quality vehicles, and welcoming gallery with restrooms on site. Our driver Forrest made the day. He was skilled driving the crazy 25%-grade road. As a former resident, he was very knowledgeable of the Valley history (natural & human), besides being entertaining and kind. The scenery was dramatic despite drought. Our trip was unexpectedly shorter than usual due to unannounced road issues beyond the tour operator's control, yet they immediately provided a partial refund without even being asked. That is stellar customer service. 5 stars plus a few!
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neo
Bothell, WA1 contribution
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 ?
Sandy C
Waikoloa, HI5 contributions
Unfortunately I don’t know about small children and pricing. On one hand the ride is enclosed so it is safe for children, but it can be a bit jarring as it goes down a 25% grade and over creek beds. I’m not sure how much a child that young would enjoy it.
If getting dropped off in the valley is there enough room to bring a folded jogging stroller?
Jeff
Baton Rouge, LA110 contributions
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.
How long is the trail to the beach from where you can get dropped off and picked up?
sfmamagigi
San Francisco, CA46 contributions
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.
How do you arrange to be dropped off and picked up later?
Jeff
Baton Rouge, LA110 contributions
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.
Christopher M
Brookfield, WI198 contributions
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.
swimmer's_mom
Berkeley, CA57 contributions
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.
DeborahH35
San Francisco, CA27 contributions
How bumpy is the trip? Does the shuttle have shocks to absorb some of the bumps?
Gary M
Kukuihaele, HI
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
Are you able to do this hike without a guided tour?
Doug
1 contribution
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
Cost adults /seniors?
Stanley T
Minneapolis, MN15 contributions
I agree with Jane. Excellent experience.