Here’s an opportunity to run on the steepest road in the United States! Waipiʻo Valley Road, located at the northern end of the Big Island, links the Waipiʻo Overlook at the western end of Honokaa-Waipio Road to the Waipiʻo Valley, in the Hamakua District. The paved road climbs 822 feet over 1.3 miles. The average grade is 25%, with the maximum topping out at 45%.

It’s a popular visitor destination for its uniqueness and great views. Note: The road has no sidewalk/shoulder and you will be contenting with cars.  Only 4-wheel drive vehicles are permitted, and downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic. Also note this is the rainy part of the island, so the road could be wet.

Running this road is a bit different than many other ‘hill challenge’ roads. You actually start at the top, with parking at the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout. The views down to the water below are spectacular. Run downhill into the valley, for 1.3 miles. Watch your knees, and run on the opposite side of the road and be aware of oncoming traffic. At the end of the road, turn around to face your uphill challenge! The first 0.5 miles are pretty flat. There’s a super steep 0.4 mile section where you’ll climb ~550 feet. Then, a short 0.1 mile rest before the 200 foot climb over the final 0.3 miles.

Add-On: At the approximate half-way mark of Waipio Valley Road coming down, a dirt road branches off toward Waipi’o Black Sand Beach. It’s 0.6 miles one-way, and features one ~100 foot climb. The beach itself is ruggedly beautiful — but not great for running (soft sand, rocks).