It's a beautiful section of the road called Hoapili Trail, about 2 miles long, and it's really clear where the King's Highway is; you can see the blue rocks. This newfound behavior may offer a clue to how these reptiles will respond to a warming planet. Or see Waimanu Valley, a backpack or extreme dayhike to this majestic spot. All rights reserved. Kauai, though, remained relatively untouched by the traders in comparison to the other islands. Valley of the Kings. Our administration is committed to ensuring safe and equitable access to Waipio Valley. Today, there are less . This was an incredible, life-enhancing experience. On a clear day, you will see white waves crashing onto the black sand beach below. Kukuihaele, HI 96727. Pololu Valley sits at the opposite end, approximately 10 miles (16k) to the northwest. This was a place celebrated for its nioi tree (Eugenia reinwardtiana) known as the Nioi wela o Paakalana ("The burning Nioi of Paakalana"). On Hawaii 04-02-22: Hawaii's 'Valley of the Kings' now off limits to The most sacred and famous is Pakaalana. In the late 1700s, Kamehameha the Great was raised in this valley and proclaimed future ruler of the Hawaiian Islands by the war god Kukailimoku there. Many kings were buried there. Waipi'o means "curved water" in the Hawaiian language. It is felt that because of their mana (divine power), no harm will come to those who live in the valley. There is a considerable amount of bad information available on the internet and in some popular guidebooks concerning Waipi'o. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. The Pyramids of Giza and the Nile Delta were the tombs of choice for pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom. It was the site of many important heiaus (temples). Who buys lion bones? Today, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reports that less than 100 people reside there and they need safe access to their home. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. A number of guiding services, shuttles, and horseback tours operate in Waipio and take also visitors down to the valley floor. Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB), has an intimate connection to the valley: His wife was born and raised there.He says that the closure of Waipio Valley Road is purely a safety issue. Return to the black sand beach the way you came. According to legend, Kauai was the name of his favorite son, and a favorite place around ones neck was (and perhaps still is) the universal place to carry ones most beloved child. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Note: Honolulu Board of REALTORS receives inquiries seeking professional advice; however the Honolulu Board of REALTORS staff is not qualified, nor licensed, by the state of Hawaii to properly address real estate or legal issues. [9] At the upper end of the valley, Waimanu Gap at 2,089 feet (637m) elevation leads to the south end of Waimanu Valley.