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Wailua Valley Wayside
MM 18
Recommended
A small state wayside just past Mile 18 that's easy to drive right past. If you can grab one of the few parking spots, a short stairway climbs to a lookout with views over the Wailua Valley's taro fields on one side and the coast and bay on the other.
⏱ 10 min at stop
🚗 80 min from Pāʻia
✓ Free to access
At a glance
What you'll see: Valley one way, coast the other — From the top of the stairs you look inland over the green Wailua Valley and its taro fields, then turn to take in the village, bay, and coastline.
Parking: Only a few spaces — Room for roughly three or four cars, and the sign appears at the last moment. Remember not to block the gated private road, and don't stop if there's no space.
The lookout: A short stairway up — A small set of stairs leads up through overhanging trees to the viewpoint.
Time needed: About 10 min — A quick photo stop. There are no facilities here, so it's a look-and-go rather than a place to linger.
About Wailua Valley Wayside
Wailua Valley State Wayside sits just past Mile 18, and it's very easy to miss as the brown sign comes up at the last second and there's space for 3 cars. If nothing's open, it's better to carry on than block the entrance.
When you can pull in, a short stairway climbs up through the trees to a small lookout. The reward is two views from one spot: turn inland and you're looking up the Wailua Valley, a broad green basin patterned with taro fields and the village below; turn the other way and the land opens out toward Wailua Bay and the coastline.
After rain, distant waterfalls sometimes thread down the valley walls, though whether you'll see them depends entirely on recent weather. On a clear, dry day the falls may be absent altogether, but typically the distant range is shrouded in clouds.
Good to know
The turnoff sneaks up on you, so slow down as you approach Mile 18 and only commit if there's a clear space.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Wailua Valley State Wayside worth stopping at?
- Yes, provided there's a space. It's a quick, free lookout with expansive views. If it's full, try again on your way back.
- Where is the Wailua Valley Wayside?
- It's a small state wayside just past Mile 18 on the Hāna Highway, a few miles beyond Keʻanae. The sign appears suddenly, so watch for it as you approach.
- Is there parking at Wailua Valley Wayside?
- Only a little room for about three or four cars. If it's full, it's safer to keep driving than to stop along the road. Don't block the gated private road next to the pull-off.
- Can you see waterfalls from the lookout?
- Occassionaly, but cloud cover often interferes. After recent rain, distant waterfalls can appear on the valley walls, but on dry days you may not see any. The valley and coast views are the draw.