Waipiʻo Valley

Waipiʻo Valley on Hawaiʻi Island is a deeply eroded Kohala volcano valley whose floor lies nearly 2,000 feet below the surrounding land, where waterfalls feed a river flowing to a black sand beach. Long associated with taro cultivation, it remained important in Hawaiian history as the capital and residence of many early aliʻi until King ʻUmi and as the reputed court of Kahaimoelea. Tradition also linked it to Pakaʻalana’s famed nioi tree and to an entrance to the Underworld. Once supporting about 10,000 people, the valley later endured an 18th-century raid by Kahekili II and remains notable for its steep restricted-access road and trail to Waimanu Valley.

Kukuihaele, Hawaii · United States