Waipi'o Beach, Hawaii

Spectacular Waipi'o Valley is hemmed in by towering mountains, except where the valley meets the ocean. Here you'll find a mile-wide strip of black sand, the dramatic Waipi'o Beach.

Unless you've got a robust 4 wheel drive vehicle, capable of a 25° slope, park up at the Waipi'o Lookout, and hike down towards the beach. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the beach, a rugged shelf of black lava sands. Catch your breath, sit down, and admire the panaroma set before you. In front lie stormy choppy waters, without a single surfer in sight. On either side the beach is framed by steep high headlands with mighty cascading waterfalls. Behind there's fine woodland, with gnarled old leaning trees, which tell of the stormy winds which can lash this side of the island.

To investigate some more of the valley, cross the river to pick up a rough trail. The path takes you on a tour of several amazing waterfalls, all over 1000' high. Though proper walking boots are definitely needed.