Hawai'i the Big Island - Hawaii - page 393

stead keep heading straight inland past the camping regulations sign to the trail to the
switchbacks. It takes about two hours to get to the trail shelter, and another two to reach
the waterfall gulch: refill your water here (again, treat before drinking). Exiting the iron-
wood forest soon after, the trail descends back to the floor of Waipiʻo Valley.
Tours
Ride the Rim DRIVING TOUR
( 775-1450; www.ridetherim.com ; adult/child $159/85; tours 9am & 1pm) If you want to
ride an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), what better place to do it than the rim of Waipi'o Val-
ley? Much of the trail takes you through a private forest, with a refreshing stop at a
swimming hole. The highlight is a panoramic overlook stretching from Hi'ilawe across
the valley to the sea.
Drivers must be 16, but children may ride with a guide. Tours depart from Waipi'o
Valley Artworks.
Walking Waipi'o HIKING
( 345-9505; www.walkingwaipio.com ; adult/child 7-12 $120/75; tours 8am Mon-Fri) An un-
common five-hour hiking trip on the valley floor, including some swimming, led by a
valley resident.
Naʻalapa Stables HORSEBACK RIDING
( 775-0419; www.naalapastables.com ; rides $85; tours 9am & 1pm) Visit the valley floor
on a 2½-hour horseback ride; children eight years and over are welcome. This longstand-
ing business has deep roots in the valley. Tours leave from Waipiʻo Valley Artworks.
Waipi'o Valley Shuttle DRIVING TOUR
( 775-7121; www.waipiovalleyshuttle.com ; adult/child $55/25; tours 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Mon-Sat) This longstanding provider offers a 1½-hour valley tour by 4WD van, an effi-
cient choice if you don't want to walk to the bottom. Tours depart from Waipiʻo Valley
Artworks.
Waipiʻo Valley Wagon Tours TOUR
( 775-9518; www.waipiovalleywagontours.com ; adult/child $62/31; tours 10:30am, 12:30pm
& 1:30pm Mon-Sat) This 1½-hour jaunt, in a mule-drawn wagon, carts visitors around the
valley floor. Tours leave from Neptune's Garden.