When one thinks about Hawaii, there are a few things that undoubtedly come to mind: gorgeous white sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, lush jungles, and some of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are visible from the road, or accessible via hiking, but there’s one waterfall hiding in the heart of a Hawaiian valley that’s so remote most people will never experience it up close.
Located on Hawaii Island’s Hamakua Coast is Waipio Valley, the southernmost and largest of the seven valleys of Kohala Mountain. This sacred valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. History aside, “The Valley of the Kings” certainly appears as though it was made for royalty — the valley is surrounded by tropical vegetation and 2,000-foot high cliffs.
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Though the valley’s lookout point is no stranger to tourists hoping to snap a few photographs of this picturesque spot, there is a hidden waterfall at the back of the valley most people will only ever experience from afar.
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Cascading more than 1,200 feet into the valley via Lalakea Stream, Hi’ilawe Falls is not only one of Hawaii’s tallest waterfalls but one of the most remote as well.
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Though Waipio Valley is absolutely breathtaking, the road to the valley’s floor from the lookout is pretty gnarly, gaining 800 vertical feet in just 0.6 miles, making it the steepest road of its length in the United States. Once you reach the valley’s floor, you will be delighted to find this stunning stretch of black sand, but that’s not why we’re here today.
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If you want to experience the ethereal beauty of Hi’ilawe Falls for yourself, it is recommended that you hire a tour guide, because the valley is quite remote, and in addition to private property rights, it is also easy to become lost or stranded here. You can hike, but the best way to visit is to arrange for a horseback riding tour.
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If you make it all the way to the valley floor and to Hiilawe Falls, you will be delighted to find one of the most impressive views you could possibly imagine — especially after a period of heavy rain.
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You see, because the stream above the falls has been diverted for irrigation purposes, the waterfall is often dry — even during the rainy season. Even if you make your way into the valley, you won’t always see this elusive waterfall.
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Whether you make your way to the base of the waterfall itself after a heavy rain or simply gaze in wonder from the mouth of the valley or a helicopter tour, it’s easy to see why Hiilawe Falls is considered to be one of the Aloha State’s best cascades.
Have you ever seen Hiilawe Falls up close? Share your experience with us in the comments below, then head on over to Facebook to join our Hawaii Nature Lovers group to share your favorite Aloha State photographs. You might also want to click here to check out the ultimate bucket list full of Hawaii waterfall hikes.
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Paul Hirst/Wikipedia
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