is a 4WD required in practice to drive down Waipio Valley road?
The Waipio Valley road on Big Island is considered the steepest road in the US with a maximum gradient of 45%. The official recommendation is to use a 4WD, but is it actually needed in practice?
I've visited this road by foot and while it's indeed very steep, the asphalt is very uniform and it didn't seem like it would be that hard to drive. But I'm curious if this road is actually undrivable with an AWD or 2WD.
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Does Waipio Valley require 4 wheel drive?
The tours don't go to the beach but rather focus on the inner areas of the valley. To get down to the valley or the beach requires a four wheel drive vehicle and significant off road skills, or hiking.Can you drive to Waipio Valley Lookout?
Waipio Valley Lookout If you head to Waipio Valley, you will definitely see this. You can drive to this with a regular car. There is a parking area right near the lookout, and from there it's a short walk to the lookout for the stunning famous Big Island valley views from above.Do you need AWD in Maui?
Unlike Big Island (or Kauai), Maui roads are generally good and you absolutely don't need the power of a 4WD to access any point of interest.Is Waipio closed?
Waipio Valley, a popular Big Island visitor destination, is off-limits indefinitely to anyone but valley residents, farmers and property owners.Do you need 4 wheel drive in Hawaii? Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach Travel Vlog
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Images: Kelly L, Julia Volk, ahmad syahrir, Pixabay