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I have 4wd but have never used it going into waipio. Never been stopped to check it by the guy on top when he is there which he is not early in the morning. Hike down that hill blows (and I have hiked into waimanu)
The road is narrow but there are sections where two cars can fit. Never had an issue as everyone goes slow and makes room (except for the extra wide tourists from Wisconsin that walk down the middle of the road)
http://www.wedekingphotography.com
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King cab Silverado 4WD and is an auto, but does have an auto nonskid button if you are ona sketchy area you are unsure of - would something like that be able to go down to the valley?
islandgirl
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It's steep and paved and rough. Never had a loss of traction issue (driving, walking yes). Creep down in low to ease use of brakes. Your biggest "danger" is brake failure and/or overheating but it's not that long of a drive (5 / 10 minutes).
http://www.wedekingphotography.com
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Not a good idea with an Outback whether the "Guard" is there or not. You don't want to get stuck down there or have a problem on the road going up. Also, if you are having hip problems, the walk up could be impossible.
Why not do a one day jeep rental. Just please drive more carefully than some of the tourists who think they are on a race course or at a party.
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Yeah, definitely not a good hike if you've got hip problems.
If you're doing a tour, I heard the 4-wheeler tour is fun (per Vince the Kite Man).
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
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We have twice done the Waipio Valley wagon tour and enjoyed it immensely. They take you down in a 4WD van and then you board a mule drawn wagon for a trip up the valley. Our guide on both occasions was very knowledgeable having grown up in the valley.
Two thumbs up!
FYI, all the rental car agencies other than possibly Harper's, specifically prohibit driving into Waipi'o. It will void your insurance, all your insurance, so any damage to the car will be out of pocket, and those are new Jeeps.
Some Valley residents are angry at seeing rental Jeeps and will associate any rental with a lot of bad insensitive behavior.
Waipi'o is a special place, but too many treat it as Disney Adventureland.
I did take the tour. It supports local families.
Whatever you do, don't take the hike to Hi'ilawe set out in Big Island Revealed. It is trespassing. I know one of the Hawaiian landowner's affected (the one other than Bishop Estate). The publication of that "hike" has caused her great grief. (The book pretends it isn't trespassing, but not true.)
If you drive down, best to go to the beach and leave the back of the Valley alone. Take a tour to visit the interior.
I was told the Ranger program is pau. It was a pilot program and is no longer being funded.
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Having lived in the valley in my youth, raised two children there and had a business in which I hauled taro out of the valley for other farmers I can say the pali road should not be taken lightly. You must have a real 4x4! I have seen cars without not be able to get out of there! One rule that is absolute.. and for good reason is that up hill traffic has the right of way! In otherwords if you are going down you must stop at all places where there is room and be sure there is no traffic coming up! This is critical and if not followed can cost lives!
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We went down by ourselves in a 4x4 jeep. Ther beach is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I still reminisce about it to put my mind in a happy place. Not to be missed. Same with sunset at the top of Mauna Kea. We also went up ourselves and followed the caravan of cars to the top. Going up to Mauna Kea scared me worse than the road down toWaipio. I would do both again.
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I was down in the valley on a horseback tour and saw some ATV down there. Is it possible to ride a 4x4 ATV down that steep road?
