Our Family Trip to Waipio Valley

On Friday, December 23, 2011, my family visited Waipio Valley where some people say Jurassic Park was filmed. 

So now we've seen the site of the Jurassic Park film, and yet we've never seen Jurassic Park ... go figure.

This picture shows Waipio Valley from the look-out point, which any ordinary tourist can visit by car.

It takes dedicated people (or dumb people -- take your pick), however, to descend into the valley.

The reason why? Because there is a killer road. 

The road into Waipio Valley

This photo really doesn't show how steep the road is. (The second one is a bit better.) At times it went down at a forty-five degree angle. Wikipedia says that this road leading into Waipio Valley, if classified as a road, is the steepest road in America, and possibly the world. 

Some stats about the road: it gains 800 feet in 0.6 miles (according to Wikipedia) and is a two-wheeled drive vehicle's worst nightmare. 

Us climbing down the steepest road in America

After finally descending that torturous descent, it got much better and much worse. Better, because the view was awesome and the place was absolutely stunning (as the pictures below show). And worse, because it soon started raining. Before long, all of us were soaked, tired, wet, and miserable.

The puddles in the middle of the trail were the size of small ponds, and some of the roads were literally streams. The locals drove right through them, but we -- we had to walk. Or rather, wade. 

Wading through the so-called "streets" of Waipio Valley and awkwardly posing along the way.

(By the way, these incredible photos were taken by Jean-Patrick Perrin who came along with us along with his son, Emmanuel, and his wife, Ruth.)

Wet, tired and miserable people attempting to smile.

Before long, we found a stream that wouldn't let us across, and finally turned back.

How locals really feel about tourists.

Catcalls allowed. 

Some of us (like me) went on to the black sand beach while others started on their way back up that road.

If you ever wondered how the Kuperuses stay fit, you need not wonder any more.

The black sand beach.

In the end, however, I think the rain, the road, and the wading through streams was worth it. We were able to see a place very few people get to see. Also, on the way back from Waipio Valley we were able to see the most amazing rainbow.

 (all photos were taken by Jean-Patrick Perrin)