Waipio Valley Adventures

After 31 plus years of living right down the road from Waipio Valley its beauty still amazes me. This post is going to be for guests that just have a few hours to explore and enjoy the valley before moving on.

Early morning right after breakfast is a great time to hike. The weather is still cool and the light is great for photography. I always offer my walking poles, a great saver for the knees. The grade is 27% plus, the good news it is only 3/4 of a mile. When I used to walk the hill I was on tiptoe in three places.

As your time is limited at the bottom of the hill turn right to the ocean. There is a mile long “black sand” beach that has been light gray for many years. Enjoy the beach and start your hike back up. Or if you are inclined at the bottom of the hill wave a $5 or $10 bill at any car driving up the hill for a ride back. This little hike to & back from the beach will take about 2 hours. And you will have a stunning introduction to the amazing valley of the Hawaiian kings.

Waipio Wayside B&B Macadamia Nut Muffins

Preheat oven to 400   Butter or Pam muffin tins with 12 sections

Sift together:

2 cups organic flour ( I like to use 1/2 cup barley flour)

3/4 cup organic sugar

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 /12 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup chopped mac nuts

Melt and set aside to cool: ( I brown the butter for a richer flavor)

1/4 cube organic butter

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Mix together:

1 cup buttermilk

2 large organic eggs (mixed well)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

Mix dry ingredients into buttermilk mixture. 

Add melted butter. Mix in 10 turns.

Divide evenly in muffin pan.

Cook 18 to 20 minutes or until tops turn lightly brown.

Hiking Waipio”o #2

This hike is for when you have a little more time and/or a little more energy. I am going to say this each time I make a post for hiking Waipi’o -“Waipi’o hill is very steep 25% + grade”. If you are walking I always zig zag down the hill so I do not blow out my knees.

At the bottom of the paved road turn right. It is a short walk to the beach on a dirt road that turns muddy when it rains. Expect to throw away your once white socks at the end of the day.

The beach is split by a river that flows into the ocean.  The river mouth is rocky and the rocks are mossy so it is best to cross with a walking stick. My option is to walk into the ocean where there is sand and no rocks. Depending on the tide you may or may not get wet. For me that is part of the fun. I always tell guests I can tell how much fun they have had by how dirty they are when they return to the B&B.

Once you cross the river walk to the far end of the beach where you pick up the switchback trail. Part way up are stunning views seven miles to the back of Waipi’o. You can continue up the trail to the top and on to a small waterfall and pond that crossed the path leading to Waimanu Valley. Expect this hike to range from 4 to 5 hours and longer if you stop to enjoy the waves and serenity of Waipi’o.

For the faint of heart at the end of a long days hiking you can take a $5, $10 or $20 bill with you to catch a ride up the hill. Stand at the bottom of the hill and wave your $$’s at any car going up.

Please note: Winter water is very dangerous. I do not recommend swimming in Waipi’o in the winter months (December, January and February) unless you are an Olympic level swimmer.

Canoehouse Kit Kat Bar

The Canoehouse Kit Kay bar is perhaps the best deserts on the Big Island. Crunchy cookies filled with peanut butter and chocolate. Drizzled with a dark rich chocolate and topped with chopped peanuts. Accompanied by a paper thin round cookie that is covered in a deep dark chocolate and a lovely fresh strawberry.  But why talk about fruit when you can focus on chocolate!!

Canoehouse Coastal Trio

Chef Allan Hess of Canoehouse’s new menu offers a delightful trio of Big Island fish.

The octopus was deliciously tender. The ahi and hamachi melt in the mouth. The

pickled cucumber a burst of freshness. These are some of the best bites of Hawaii fish.

Canoehouse “Pipi”

By far this is the best steak I have ever eaten. For “foodie” reference I am putting it up against the perfect 1″ square bite of Kobe beef I enjoyed at Yoyokaku Ryokan in Kyushu Japan.

It  was tender, melt in the mouth goodness topped with shiso and garlic. If you are like me & rarely eat meat – this is the steak and this is the time. Amazingly it was as good cold sliced for breakfast as it was served hot at the table. BRAVO.

Canoehouse Lobster Cake

Chef Allan Hess of Canoehouse offers a stunning Kona lobster cake sitting on a bed of delcious ho’i’o kimchee salade. I was surprised and delighted to bite into substantial chunks of lobster.

The presentation was visually artistic and the taste was a perfect balance of richness, crisp kimchee salad and a touch of heat.

Hiking Waipi’o #1

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Most guests ask how to see Waipi’o Valley. If you are active and love walking hiking is a great way to see the valley. I always ask “Do you want a moderate, difficult or radical hike”? I am talking about a moderate hike here.

Waipi’o hill is very steep 25% + grade. I always zig zag down the hill so I do not blow out my knees. I also tell guests to take a $5, $10 or $20 bill in case you don’t want to walk back up. You can stand at the bottom of the hill and wave money to catch a ride. Or you can stand there and someone will offer you a ride.

At the bottom of the paved road turn left into the valley to see Hi’ilawe waterfall and a view of the Taro fields.

To get to the beach at the bottom of the hill take a right. It is a short walk to the beach. Waipi’o Bay is a mile long black sand beach. The longest black sand beach in Hawaii. It is a major surfing area. Also a great place to spend the day walking the beach and enjoying a picnic lunch.

Please note: Winter water is very dangerous. I do not recommend swimming in Waipi’o in the winter months (December, January and February) unless you are an Olympic level swimmer.

Waipi’o Valley

Waipi’o Valley

Located along the stunning Hamakua Coast on the northeast shore of the Big Island. Waipio Valley is a mile wide at the coastline and almost 6 miles deep.

Waipi’o  means “curved water” in the Hawaiian language. The meandering  Waipi’o river flows through the valley and enters the ocean at the beach.

Both sides of the valley are hugged with 1,500 to 2,000 foot cliffs dotted with cascading waterfalls

View of Waipio Valley from overlook

Waipi’o Valley – Valley of the Kings

Waipi’o Valley – Valley of the Kings

Waipi’o Valley is often refereed to as the “Valley of the Kings” because it was once home to many of the rulers of Hawaii. The valley has both historical and cultural importance to Hawaii and the Hawaiian people. Oral history tell us as few as 4000 or as many as 10,000 Hawaiians before the arrival of Captain Cook.

View into Waipio Valley from overlook

Waipio Valley from overlook