The overlook is not scary at all as you'rebehind a strong fence.

I’d suggest the nearby Honoka’a as a great place for you while your nephew hikes down into Waipio Valley. It’s a quaint, historic town with shops and lots to see. I’d recommend Grandma’s Kitchen for great food and atmosphere. Honoka’a is about 15 min or so from where your nephew would begin and end his hike.

Distance to Waipio Valley is difficult to calculate without an accurate odometer reading, which I do not have. My review is just an estimate based on my own experience as a hiker. I took the trip in the back of a pickup. My best guess is that it will take about two hours to hike the distance to the beach, but that’s just an estimate. Most of that is after you reach the bottom. As an experienced hiker you know about how long the trip uphill will take compared to downhill. Allow all day for the trip.

According to some quick research I did, apparently there are, but I did not go down to the valley. I just viewed it from the viewpoint at the end of the paved road.

There is no trail leading from the observation area to the beach below. You’ll have to use the one and only road alongside ATVs and possibly larger vehicles. Stay to the side and watch where you put your feet. No one takes this road quickly, so don’t worry about excessive speed. There is always a chance someone could have brake problems or lose control of their car, so keep an eye on vehicles behind you as you descend. Relax, it’s a very slim chance. Most people’s better judgement kicks in when they see the condition of the road. Expect around 40 minutes to reach the bottom. Follow the road to your right. Once again, the only trail is the road. Turn right once more when you are presented with a choice and you’ll find a beach with finely ground black sand and the smell of cooking food. Watch the waves here. They’re pretty choppy. Have fun and expect one hell of a climb back up!

To my knowledge and the knowledge of one local, there is only one road into Waipio valley. 240 leads to the observation area, but I absolutely caution against taking a rental car down the road itself. Nothing teaches like direct experience. Take a look at it when you arrive. To directly answer your question, the road looks as if it was paved once, back in 1970. Any subsequent repairs must literally be carried by ATV in small loads as they are needed. The tropical environment is trying every day to eat away this pitiful intrusion on Mother Peles Island and it will eventually win. Large roots reach all the way across the road and I saw at least one small collapse of the mountain wall the road was carved from. There will be traffic coming up, and downward bound traffic must pull aside to let them pass. All the way down you will see mangled guard rails left to remind you of the mistakes of others. The creek runs alongside the road at the top and helps to erode the road even when it doesn’t rain. This is not for the timid. Hike instead and earn it!

You can always try waving a twenty dollar bill when you see a car coming. Most of the time people won’t even accept your money. Aloha!

I haven't done the mule cart experience so I can't speak to it. We took the tour. My friend did bring a rental to the valley and I think that's what I will do next time. So if you have the chance to bring one I would jump on it.

Yes, you can get there without a four wheel drive. Walk. This is the only way I know, but I’m told there are shuttles and even mule carts.

Lesley, You don’t understand. 240 takes you only to the observation area. The actual road is not for rental cars unless you have a four wheel drive. Even then, I wouldn’t advise it. There are actually tours that will drive you down, and apparently a mule cart! You can also hike to the shore in a couple of hours. Once you reach the shore there is no parking lot. Just a few cars on black sand. Once you descend the road, turn right for a while then right again when you have a choice. Enjoy!