Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Waipiʻo Valley Lookout?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: Kids can peer safely from the railing and spot horses, restrooms and tables ease breaks, and discounted shuttle seats allow a gentle valley ride, yet there is no playground and steep hiking road is off-limits.
Positives:
- Free Facilities: Parking, restrooms, and picnic tables are all free at the lookout.
- Stroller-Friendly Path: The paved path to the overlook is short and suitable for strollers until the fence.
- Educational Signs: Interpretive panels explain Hawaiian history and taro farming.
Challenges:
- No Independent Valley Access: Private vehicles and independent hiking down the steep road are not allowed; shuttle booking is required.
- Unpredictable Weather: Rain can start quickly; wet surfaces may be slippery for kids.
- Shuttle Seating: The shuttle has no built-in child seats; call the provider about car-seat rules.
What is Waipiʻo Valley Lookout?
- A cliff-top scenic overlook on Hawaiʻi Island offering panoramic views of the verdant Waipiʻo Valley and distant coastline
- A paved viewing platform equipped with safety railings and interpretive signage, positioned roughly 800 feet above sea level
- A vantage point showcasing sheer volcanic cliffs, lush taro terraces, and a sweeping vista of the Pacific Ocean horizon
What is so special about Waipiʻo Valley Lookout for with kids?
- Panoramic, paved lookout with free parking and restrooms
- Shaded picnic area ideal for family lunches
- Short, stroller-friendly walk to the valley fence
- Kids spot wild horses grazing on cliffside pastures
- Optional 4×4 shuttle tour onto the valley floor
- Roadside fruit stands offer fresh snacks for the drive
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the overlook, picnic, and a shuttle tour without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Scenic Overlook Walk:
Walk the short paved path to the fenced lookout for valley views.
Tip: Bring a stroller if needed; the path is paved and ends at a sturdy rail.
Picnic at Pavilion:
Use shaded tables behind the restrooms for lunch with a view of the valley.
Tip: Pack easy-to-eat items; let kids run safely on the grass nearby.
Valley Shuttle Tour:
Board a 4×4 shuttle into the valley floor to see taro fields and rivers.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance; children (3–11) ride for USD 36.50 each.
Fruit Stand Stop:
Sample tropical fruits from roadside stands along Highway 240.
Tip: Stop early for fresh pineapple; carry fruit in a cooler bag.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
- Arrive Early: Visit before 9 AM to secure parking close to the overlook.
- Pre-Book Shuttle: Reserve shuttle tickets online at least a day ahead to secure spots.
- Pack a Cooler: Bring a small cooler to keep drinks and snacks cold for the picnic.
Reviews of Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Drasti Vadhar
Words can’t describe how beautiful the view was — so calming yet overwhelming at the same time. The whole area is incredibly well maintained, which made the experience even better.
Doug Hoppe
Scenic lookout of the coastline. Even more scenery of the Waipio Valley can be seen if you take a shuttle into the valley (which are depicted in several pictures here.
Matthijs
The view is alright. I guess you can drive down as the road and beach are public land. They just make it seem like you can't with the guard house. It feels a bit lame. Not very welcoming.
Juliana “BigIslandGirl808” Cruz
A must stop on your Big Island sightseeing seeing adventure. Worth the drive to the lookout especially on a day when the weather is good and the view down into the valley in clear. Historic and sacred Waipi'o Valley is breathtaking!
Karmyn Sullivan
We really enjoyed the views at this lookout. You can no longer hike down to the beach, but the views from up top were stunning. There was free roadside parking with a quaint and lovely little walk down to the lookout. Highly recommend!
When is the best time to visit Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (Hawaii, United States)?
Waipi‘o gets more rain Nov–Mar; trails may be muddy. Visit after sunrise for drier conditions and pack rain jackets. In summer, bring sunscreen and hats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 4×4 shuttle tickets (2 adults) | USD 134 |
| 4×4 shuttle tickets (2 children) | USD 73 |
| Picnic supplies and snacks | USD 30 |
| Total Estimated | USD 237 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
Address: Waipio Valley Lookout, Hawaii 96727, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (Hawaii)?
About Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities