Waipio Valley on the Hamakua Coast is a beautiful valley surrounded by steep cliffs and waterfalls and fronted by a mile long black sand beach. The area has a rich history and is a sacred place for Hawaiians. Many Big Island kings lived in the valley and are buried in secret locations along the sides of the cliffs. Hiilawe Falls, the Big Island's tallest waterfall, cascades down 1,300 feet in the back of Waipio. Today the valley is sparsely populated. The road into the valley is too steep to drive, most will get a ride on a wagon or horse..