Honokaa town is located in the Hamakua Coast, at 64 km/40 mi in the north of Hilo. The area is a historic district on Big Island, Hawaii because the town's economy was once based on sugar production from the Hamakua Sugar Company, until 1994.
After that, the town became a touristic destination with the beautiful Waipio Valley and Kalopa Native Forest State. Waipio Valley is one mile across and about 5 mi/8 km deep, surrounded by mountains with impressive waterfalls and green fields. In order to reach Waipio Valley beach, you have to drive down an extremely steep paved road, suitable only for 4wd.
The beach has black sand and is very popular to surfers. The quality of the wave is regional classic, taking both right and left directions with powerful speed, ideal only for experienced surfers. It offers a good wind direction coming from south and the swell size starts at 1 m/3 ft and holds up to 2.5 m+/8 ft+.
Waipio Valley beach is a popular destination and during weekends is very crowded. Surfers should be careful of sharp rocks, rip currents and sharks. For accommodation you can either stay in Hilo town or choose a hotel in Honokaa with a great view of Waipio Valley.