Waipi'o means "curved water" and the valley is often referred to as the "Valley of the Kings" because it once was the home to the rulers of Hawai'i. Waipi'o Valley has both historical and cultural importance. It is also considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth. One of the most magnificent waterfalls in the valley are the twin falls of Hi'ilawe and Hakalaoa.

A perfect way to see the valley is on horseback. Waipi'o Naalapa Trail Rides (808 775-0419) provides horseback tours. Also available is the Waipi'o Valley Wagon Tours (Ann Smith at 808 775-9518) which features a trip through the valley in an open mule- drawn wagon. One of the first waterfalls you'll pass are the twin falls of Hi'ilawe and Hakalaoa.

Waipi'o Valley is a sacred place for Hawaiians. It was the site of many important heiaus. The most sacred, Pakaalana, was also the site of one of the island's two major pu`uhonua or places of refuge, the other being Pu`uhonua O Honaunau. Ancient burial caves are located in the sides of the steep cliffs on either side of the valley. Many kings were buried there, and it is felt that because of their mana, no harm will come to those who live in the valley. In fact, despite great devastation in the 1946 tsunami and the 1979 flood, no one died in those events.

Waipi'o is also a mystical place. Many of the ancient stories of the gods are set in Waipi'o. Beside the falls of Hi'ilawe, the brothers of Lono found Kaikiani dwelling in a breadfruit grove. Lono descended on a rainbow and made her his wife only to later kill her when he discovered a chief of the earth making love to her. As she died she assured Lono of her innocence and her love for him. In her honor Lono instituted the Makahiki games.

As you travel on horseback through the valley you see taro fields, lush tropical vegetation, and breadfruit, orange, guava, noni and lime trees. Pink and white impatiens climb the cliff walls. If you are lucky you might even see wild horses. You ride across streams and the Wailoa River. Taro farming will be the subject of an upcoming feature in the near future.

The horses are wonderfully tame. Some of these were actually the horses that you may have seen at the conclusion of Kevin Costner's feature film "Waterworld," the ending of which was filmed on the beautiful black sand beach of Waipio.