teadrinker

Waipi'o valley appears to be a beautiful place to visit but can we go there without a 4-wheel drive or is there just one area we won't be able to get to (that bring Waipi'o Valley Road)? Thank you

sylvia3

You can take a tour down (4WD; www.waipiovalleyshuttle.com/), but it will cost you. You can't drive your rental car down into the valley. If you take that (8 mile side trip) drive to the overlook, that's what you get. The overlook. Pretty, but a long way to go for a view.

teadrinker

Doesn't sound worth it.
We thought about trading in our rental car for a 4-WD to check the area out. It sounds like quite the town with such beautiful scenery and interesting residents. I read about it in The Big Island Revealed book. Thank you

sylvia3

Good call.
Unless you are a very experienced 4WD driver, I wouldn't recommend that road (you can actually get a link to someone doing it downhill, and it's gnarly) or any other road on the Big Island that you actually need a 4WD for.
Frankly, there are so many other places to visit on the Big Island (where you're actually welcome), that one really isn't worth the time, $$, and effort, IMO. (a tour, maybe)

Inakauaidavidababy

sylvia, your negativity towards Waipio is astounding. Other then it is a bad idea to drive down, I disagree with all of your perceptions. People who drive down are only unwelcome when they feel entitled to drive around the valley which is mostly private land. Would you like tourist traipsing in your backyard?

I find the area and the 8 mile drive remarkable if you are in the area. And I've flown a long long way for that view which is not just a view.

newtome

We took a tour in four-wheel-drive with a local resident revisited there. It was an amazing trip We learned a lot more about the culture and history then we would have otherwise.

sylvia3

Ina, your assumptions are incorrect and your tone and attitude are insulting.
I recommended a tour, not driving into and around the valley. So keep your misperceptions and naive conclusions to yourself.

FaceInTheCrowd

I believe there are tours on horseback into Waipi'o.

Inakauaidavidababy

sylv, there was no assumptions, tone or attitude. Simply a response to your written words. There were no misperceptions or naive conclusions. Just what you wrote.

sylvia3

I now understand some responses here to your odd posts. This is a forum where people ask for advice, etc., not a clearinghouse for your personal opinions about those comments (erroneous as they are).

Inakauaidavidababy

Oh Sylvia,

Let's not start a mini war. I simply disagreed with your posts and I still am astounded as I have never found anyone to be so dismissive of this storied land with rich history and stunning beauty.

Recap:
You never really recommend a tour. You mentioned one with a link, but said it was costly. Then later you gave the option a tepid 'maybe'

You posted that it was a long way to go for a view and a 16 mile trip off the main road isn't worth the time, money and effort. What's the price and time invested? $2 in gas and an hour if you take the time to stroll down to the spectacular overlook.

You posted that they couldn't drive down and then suggested they google the drive. You never suggested anything about driving around the valley.

You did imply that visitors are unwelcome there, which is not really true. You will get stink eye if you drive down and trespass, or hike down and trespass. I'm an assertive driver but one tour down and I knew it wasn't something for a confidant armchair adventure driver. I can only imagine the frustration for residents of the valley trying to dodge arrogant tourists.

I posted that I was astounded by your opinion and disagreed with much of it. Isn't this forum about getting different opinions

You responded with words like, "incorrect assumptions, insulting tone and attitude, misperceptions and naive conclusions"

I disagreed with your opinion and you responded with a character assassination that is erroneous.

Please explain how the OP made a "good call" not going. They wanted to see it. You painted it with dark colors. Please explain how driving down a paved road with ocean on one side and forest on the other is a waste of time. Please explain how getting out of your car and strolling down to the outlook is a waste of time and 'just' a view.

I meant no disrespect to you but you certainly have disrespected me by turning this into a personal attack.

sylvia3

Your bizarre conclusions and interpretations are matched only by your astounding lack of reading comprehension.
Please do not direct any further commentary at me.

Inakauaidavidababy

Yikes, rather than reread your written words and explain your opinion, you choose to suggest I am illiterate. And then you request I be silent?

What nerve could I have possibly hit that makes you think it is ok to continue attacking me rather then writing a sentence or two defending what may perhaps have been poorly written thoughts.

You prefer to write ugly words at me rather then explain how an 8 mile drive is a waste of time and money.

Your words are there. I have not twisted them in anyway. Everyone can see them.

You said please do not direct any further commentary after trashing me. So I should take your attacks and like them and remain silent?

Teadrinker, I hope you do a trip report and get a chance to return if you fell in love with the islands and see Waipio

sylvia3

You have now written paragraphs in several very odd diatribes based on your personal interpretation of "more welcome"; again, please take a pill and leave me alone.
I stand by every one of the (very few) words I used. I do not accept your rant.
Yes, please be silent. I doubt very much that you can, though.

Inakauaidavidababy

Ok, you are right. I am a horrible ignorant person that speaks in paragraphs to try to find a middle ground.