If there is one tour you must do this is it. The guides tell all the history of the land and show one of the most sacred valleys they have as well as beautiful waterfalls. These views are only accessible through this company. Best of all this tour didn’t feel like a tour at all when it came to driving. We got to fly down the dirt roads and plow through the mud puddles. Plan on getting dirty. Of course the reason the tour is so much fun is due to the stellar guides. It was a blast to be with them. Special shout out to Blake who is their certified Bad A**. A must do if you like beautiful views and having fun.

Hands down, this was by far my favorite experience on a recent trip my family took to the Big Island to celebrate my mom's life who recently passed away. There were 10 of us ranging in age from 7 to 77, and we all loved the adventure. The children rode in side-by-sides with a parent while our older members rode with a guide in a buggy. The terrain is bumpy, but the guides are extremely safety conscious. The guides are fabulous. They become your friends. The kindness they showed my elderly father who could not get around very well was wonderful. They cared for him like he was family. The lead guide, I will call him "P" because I know I will butcher his name, was incredible. He is a true story-teller and his knowledge of the history, spirituality and culture of this area and native Hawaiians deeply enhanced what was already an emotional and spiritual journey for our family in saying goodbye to my mom. I simply cannot thank him enough for the gift that he gave us. As he told the stories at the various stops along the way, you could envision the people and the culture on that land at the various times. While the trails are bumpy and there are puddles of mud, they are wide and far safer than other ATV trails we've been on. Someone who has not previously driven an ATV can easily navigate them, and this ride is a perfect "first time" ATVing opportunity. You ride through fields of Eucalyptus and beautiful forests. You stop at multiple "look out" points along the way that are breathtaking. I highly recommend bringing closed toe swim shoes so you can go into the pond at the waterfall. You can strap down a bag of personal belongings on the back of your ATV. The view of the valley and the waterfall is one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. That alone was worth it. I rode in a side-by-side with my 24 year old son so I could focus on enjoying the views. One minute I had tears streaming down my cheeks as I thought about my mom and understood why the Big Island was her favorite place, and the next minute I was laughing hysterically as my son made sure he hit the puddle just right to optimally splash us with muddy water. While we were by far the most covered in mud, the guide made sure my dad and aunt were kept quite clean. For me, the mud is part of the fun of the experience. While my mom never had a chance to see the Waipio Valley while she was alive, I'm certain she was with us that day and it became her favorite place on the island. "P", you and your staff have become part of honorary members of our family. Thank you for your compassion and time on August 9, 2017 and helping us say goodbye to my mom and celebrate her life while honoring the place she loved so much.

While on my honeymoon myself and my wife went on the Ride the Rim ATV tour of the Waipio Valley. We had a fantastic time. It was my wife's first time riding an ATV and she found it very fun. The instruction on how to operate the ATVs was top notch and there was a good safety culture from the company. The ATVs themselves appear to be very well maintained. We both enjoyed all the local history from the guides, they really know their stuff. The trails you ride are great and well maintained. One issue we did have was that other people on the tour caused delay to our tour as they didn't know who in their party was going to ride an ATV or a side by side etc. They also didn't listen to the instructions they were given. The guides did their best to keep things moving along and apologised for the delays. As the guides did their best to keep things moving I can't dock any stars for this. If we ever go back to the Big Island we will take this tour again. Note: we found out about the tour through the advert on Big Island TV.

This was one of the highlights of our trip to the big island! The history of the valley is so rich and it is breathtaking! We had a fun time on the trails because the day before our tour it rained, so going through the mud and puddles was pretty fun! Definitely recommend this to anyone who visits the island, it was an amazing experience! And our guides were great! They gave a lot of great information at each of our stops and did a great job teaching us about the history of the valley.

It was a really great time riding an ATV. I highly recommend doing an ATV ride with them or at least doing an ATV ride somewhere. They have it so you can be a single rider or a group. The staff is amazing and were so nice. They are very knowledgable about the area and you can ask them questions. They really took care of my Mom when she slipped and twisted her ankle. The views are spectacular along the ride and it was fun being in the jungle. They take you to a pit stop to see a small waterfall and pool along with a stop to see the Waipio Valley. Depending on the weather you can get pretty muddy so wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

I was a first time ATV rider and felt well taken care of. Having to repeat the same info twice a day, every day could become tedious. You wouldn't know it with this group of guides. They were happy, patient and informative. It's not a complicated thing to ride an ATV, but never having done it I didn't know what to expect. It was a great tour. Long enough on the ATV's, with just enough stops to learn a little and enjoy the breathtaking views. As with any vacation tour it's expensive, but felt I got my money's worth. Tour guides have an "Aloha Jar". They are well worth a generous tip.

Went with my wife and inlaws and had a wonderful time. The guides were awesome and we learned a lot while we were having time in the gorgeous surroundings. The waterfall temp is cold but so great.

Jamie and Grace did an exceptional ride and the scenery and history is very engaging. Both guides were knowledgeable and open with information. The van ride to the bottom of the valley can be a bit harrowing (only county road in HI that pedestrians do NOT have the right of way). Well worth the -$90/ adult rider.

Staff was very nice and friendly. Probably the best trained horses we ever had. Definetely recommended for parents with kids or people who haven't sat on a horse for a while. Also newbies will definetely enjoy the valley way more from a horseback rather than from a tourbus. Unfortunately the horse ride itself didn't last the promised 2,5 hours. In total it wasn't even two hours on the horse. Also we missed to trot or canter - it was just walking speed the whole way. But still this is probably the best way to experience the beautiful Waipi'o Valley!

SUCH A GREAT TIME! The views from the valley were unbelievable. It was an incredibly fun activity for the whole family, which included novice and seasoned riders. The only thing I'll warn you about is the van ride down- now that is not for the faint for heart- but once you're down there it is SO SO WORTH IT!! Cannot recommend enough!!

This was one of the best experiences my husband and i had on the island. The guides are very knowledgable and friendly. The view is to die for and you have a great view of Hiilawe falls and other falls. The horses also very friendly and easy to ride.

The horseback ride to waipi'o valley is surreal. The valley is truly a paradise and more. My wife and I went to visit big island, October 2021. This is our first horseback ride. Grace and Jamie were both excellent and communicative. The horses were gentle and well trained. The instructions were simple and clear. The tour was in between 2 and 2.5 hours total. The valley itself was beautiful, it was calm,soothing and just being there was therapeutic. Interacting with the horses just makes the experience even more wonderful. I would highly recommend this tour.

Great trail ride experience! The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and took care to match horses to riders. I’m an experienced rider and my husband is a confident beginner, and we both really enjoyed it. The horses know their job and are well cared for. We’d definitely ride here again and recommend it to anyone.

My husband and I had Grace for our tour guide. Grace was professional, warm and a lovely person full of knowledge about the local way of life and the area! We felt comfortable on the horses, with a mix of beginners and advanced riders in our group. The guides matched the riders to the horses with loads of thought and everyone's needs were catered for. the ride itself was amazing and should be noted as a must do when in the area. I can not recommend this place enough! Thanks so much for the Hawaiian welcome girls!

Informative, interesting shuttle tour of the stunning Waipio valley on the big island. You will be in an open air van driven by a knowledgeable and professional guide from the local community. The valley is closed so this is really the only way you can see it, and it’s well worth it. The valley is one of (if not the most) scenic location on the entire island- absolutely jaw dropping beauty. You get to learn all about its history, culture, and inhabitants via interactive dialogue with the guide. There are chances to stop and take photos as well as explore a local river and see farms. I’m not a big group tour person, but this is a really special experience- do not miss it!!

We were so happy that we chose the journey to Waipiʻo Valley! Forest was such a kind and funny guide who had lived there for some time and helped the local families. He was very informative! Let’s keep this place sacred and travel with Waipiʻo Valley Shuttle!

Amazing day trip Journey down into the valley of the kings!!! Our guide Forrest extremely knowledgeable and filled with aloha spirit! Get there early to the starting point to enjoy some local treats and browse over 150 local artists work laid out in a beautiful gallery with super friendly price points and amazing offerings. All the staff were gracious and friendly . It was a trip I would highly recommend over and over!

We loved our trip with Waipio Valley Shuttle tours! Aside from the Manta Ray night snorkel, this has been the highlight of the trip. Forest was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and a pleasure to talk with. We loved learning about the history of the valley while we drove through this amazing place! Thanks Forest!

I went scuba diving on the Kona Coast during my recent Hawaii trip and even then I can still say this tour was the highlight of my trip. Forest was our tour guide and he gives a unique perspective of the Waipio Valley as he resided here for several years. A tour operator is still the only way to access the bottom of the valley if you are a non-resident (in my opinion this is for the best as the infastructure cannot handle an influx of tourist car traffic). Forest points out the rich cultural history of the valley and its residents, as well as the significance of the current land to the island. This is a must-do tour while you are on the Big Island.

Waipi’o valley is a MUST SEE on the big island. It is magical there. And the tour bus takes you down into the valley. We saw a waterfall and a lot of plants (flowers and fruits) and our tour guide Forest was extremely knowledgeable. If you want to hike out to the black sand beach (15 min) do a tour later in the day and ask for the drop off. They will drop you off down there and pick you back up later on.

Placing this tour in our top 5 while visiting beautiful Big Island. Our guide (I'm sorry I can't recall his name) was exceptionally knowledgeable of the area, history, plants, you name it. WPO valley is like a beautiful original artwork of Hawaii. We chose a 9am trip, pretty how the light shows off the valley. Save time to shop hand crafted treasures in sweet store. Mahalo! Still listening to Kappa FM a month later from NC

Beautiful art & crafts from around the island. Post cards, silks, koa wood works, an alcove with food items. And easy parking across the street. A beautiful place to stop off on our way through town.

They have a big collection of original Hawaiian artwork! Friendly and knowledgeable staff and a great location with easy parking. Definitely worth a visit!!!

This is a sweet little place to stop before or after visiting the Waipio Valley Lookout. I live in Waimea and take my guests to the gallery for a little shopping followed by a bowl of ice cream on the lanai. There are gifts for every budget. You can browse the collection of valuable Koa bowls, and pick up reasonably priced gifts made by local artists. I've bought books, cutting boards and earrings. The owner and the employees are friendly and helpful.

Beautiful gift shop. We bought a pair of earring. A bit prices but very unique collection of woodwork and jewelry. There is no internet in the valley but they offer free Wi-Fi. They also sale coffee and ice cream.

Beautiful Art Works! Ever corner and section of the gallery has so many lovely items to admire/shop/buy. We spent quite a bit of time there and the staff were very nice and knowledgeable. Was a fun day exploring and we left with some great treasures too. Oh - and definitely try the homemade ice cream too!

Yep! Do a tour outta this place! Get down into the waipio valley without walking and learn fun facts and about all the plants. shop has really awesome souvenirs!

Surprisingly well curated art gallery in a fairly rural alcove of the Waipio Valley. Wide selection of koa wooden bowls, but don't be surprised by the process associated with this rare wood (which can't be cut down, as a protected Hawaiian species). Ornaments, photos, and other locally made souvenirs also available.

Great hike from visitor center down the very steep road but not too difficult. The views are spectacular. This also a very sacred place for the locals so be respectful. Bathrooms and views form up to that do not require hiking are also worth the trip.

We didn’t do the trail as we were told it’s for residents/native Hawaiians only. Totally understandable. It’s a scared spot so go with respect for the land and its people but seems like hiking isn’t recommended for visitors. Ok to walk over the lookout and take in all the history of the area. It’s truly breathtaking.

This is an absolute gem of a place… In order to get on the beach you have to know a local and you need a four-wheel-drive car to get down into the valley. There is a beautiful exotic fruit stand right outside the area that you have got to stop at. My most favorite part was seeing the black sand and that the river end up connecting to the ocean. You can also camp out there. I’ve never been to such a magical place @TheAmericanMermaid_

Not a trail, pedestrians aren’t allowed on the road. You cannot drive to this valley unless you are a Hawaii resident. If you are not, the only way to get down there is to go with a tour company. The drive is super steep on a small windy road. We did a tour, $69/person which is quite pricy. It was beautiful down there.

This is one of the most beautiful places my family and I have ever visited. After we made it down the steepest road in all of America, we felt like we were transported into another time a place. It felt a bit like Jurassic Park, to be honest. From the free-roaming horses of the valley to the natural streams and towering waterfall, this is somewhere you absolutely must visit to enjoy the splendor of completely.

Amazing views, definitely worth going! The way down is very easy, the way up a bit more challenging but VERY doable - it's a very short hike. The valley is simply gorgeous! If you get there before 7 am, you can go down without a problem - no guards are there.

My wife and I were at first disappointed to learn that we were not allowed to hike on our own into the Waipio Valley because of a rule implemented in 2022. It forced us to book a tour with Waipio Valley Shuttle because it is the only way tourists are allowed to visit the valley floor. The experience was infinitely more enjoyable, educational, and rewarding than hiking on our own or visiting the scenic outlook (open to the public with free parking) would have been. Visiting the scenic overlook on your own for free is fine if you're short on time, but taking this tour is well worth the time and expense.