An old Hawaiian legend recounts how a powerful warrior gouged out the Waipi'o Valley with his huge club. His rival was unimpressed and went on to kill the showman. Today this Valley of the Kings is one of the most sacred places on the island.
   One of the Big Island's deepest and most beautiful valleys, Waipi'o is surrounded on three sides with steep 2000 foot cliffs, tiers of waterfalls, and accessed only by one very steep road. The Waipi'o River winds through the valley and ends on an open-ended section of the coastline where a mile wide black sand beach adds to the beauty of the area.
   A great tsunami cleared out the valley in 1946, and remaining memories kept it uninhabited for 20 years. Slowly the area attracted a new group of people eager to leave main-stream living. Described as a colorful group, residents survive with no power, no running water or television coverage. Police hesitate to get involved with valley affairs and leave most disputes to be settled by its residents.
   Tourist reaching the valley by shuttle bus may find the tour operator and driver are the only friendly faces about. The one lane road into the valley is at least a 25 percent grade. Sightseers are now forbidden to drive this route, but can be reached with a ride from the experts. Here in the valley, Kaluahine and Waiulili falls are beautiful, but the relative small waterfalls are overshadowed by the most impressive waterfall in Hawaii. The Hi'ilawe Falls, dropping over 1200 feet, is the highest waterfall on the Big Island.

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