Officials warn against visiting irrigation flume on Big Island
Hikers trespass to slide 30 feet through water in a Big Island irrigation flume, behavior that one tourism official warns against promoting.
Hawaii News Now reports the spot is no secret to locals and word has been spreading online.
The two-hour trek to the flume in Waipio Valley takes hikers onto private and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property as well as state conservation land.
Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association President and CEO Mufi Hannemann says the Internet and social media make it difficult to contain information that could appeal to visitors looking for a reckless experience.
Hannemann said there is plenty to do in Hawaii without taking a risk like this.
There have been no reports of major injuries in the area.
15 responses to “Officials warn against visiting irrigation flume on Big Island”
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Many years ago this was a popular local hiking attraction, and nobody made a stink about access because it was a common adventure for local kids and adults who were respectful of the area and its residents. But now that the excursion has made it into the tourist guide books and onto social media, hordes of people are descending on an area that cannot accommodate such influx. The residents along the access road are understandably upset at the disruption, noise, and constant traffic. There is barely any room for parking the many rental cars that bring the boatloads of tourists with their “blue books” in hand. They are in Hawaii “too have a good time” at any expense, and by God…they drove this far and found this place, so heck with the signs, “Were going in anyway!”. Over impact by disrespectful people has once again screwed up a good thing.
What an excellent written comment! Are you a professional writer? Hope the guilty parties have access to your post on this subject and take heed!
The Nei is missing out on a huge financial windfall here.
1st – Post no trespassing signage at all parking areas, along the access routes.
2nd – Post No Parking signs where the trespassers park their cars. Agent waiting incognito, soon as they leave the area, slaps a parking ticket on the car.
3rd – Agents are waiting at the site. Soon as the trespassers show up each is given a massive fine/ticket for willfully trespassing.
All fines/tickets must be paid by credit/debit card on the spot. $25 processing fee. No pay, car is impounded.
This will easily bring in tens of thousands of dollars in free money. It will also quickly be updated on the social media sites advising people to visit this “Hidden Beauty.”
Hit them where it hurts. Their pocket books.
Sound familiar to the Haiku Valley stairs.
So are you starting a list? Let’s add… Maunawili falls, Manoa Falls, Crouching Lion (who knew, right?),Lanikai pillboxes…oh forget it, not enough time or space for the list.
Cost to maintain flumes not committed. If properly maintained should be another Hawaiian experience to cherish. Why not, its part of the plantation era nostalgia?
And when someone gets hurt or dies there?
But that’s just the point, cojef: It’s not another “Hawaiian experience” to be enjoyed by the “plantation era” people…..The area and the “experience” are being abused by the “L.A. bling” staying at their time shares.
You got that right!!
I remember some friends in the Army who were drinking and decided to slide down the irrigation flume in Wahiawa. A piece of metal sticking out and ripped my friends you know what and he couldn’t walk for a month after sewing him up. That’s going to happen or already happened and no one saying anything about it.
That sounds vaguely familiar…1960’s or 70’s perhaps?
Does anyone remember Waipahe’e Falls on Kauai? Better known as “slippery slide”? Now THAT was a natural experience! No pieces of metal projecting from the water worn lave slide there!
*lava slide
Yeah. That was huge fun back then.
Thanks for the information. When I visit I’ll be sure to tell em Mufi sent me and told me to use caution, and Star Advertiser gave me the directions, Mahalo!