Comments on: Kipu Kai, Finally

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:35:43 +0000

Yes, the scene showing the family’s land in the movie The Descendants is taken from the private dirt road that goes over a ridge and down to Kipu Kai. If you take the Kipu Ranch ATV tour, I believe they have a permit to take you to that same spot (but not down to Kipu Kai). However, Kipu Kai does have a similar history: the ranch was originally owned by the Rice family, an old missionary family, and it was passed down into the Rice/Waterhouse “dynasty” on Kaua’i. However, the last of the family to die willed it to the county for public access, though his nieces get full private use of the property until their deaths. So sometime around 2030, it should finally be public. It’ll be interesting to see how the county manages access to it at that time.

The movie does take some liberties with locations, because they are driving by Kealia beach, north of Kapaa, when they turn off the road to see their land. The road to Kipu Kai is south-west of Lihue.

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:27:06 +0000

After a little research, I see this is where they filmed to ‘unspoiled nature preserve’ scene in The Descendants.

By: Jenvan

Jenvan — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:38:55 +0000

Gorgeous, wonderful place; I’ve been in via land with the Rice family and picnicked and swum at those beaches.

By: T.M. Anderson

T.M. Anderson — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:17:44 +0000

I have been blessed to stay at Kipu Kai with friends that are “the family”. I hope heaven is that beautiful! There are caretakers who live there and family who stay there based on a schedule kept for vacation time. It is a memory that will be treasured forever.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:08:36 +0000

Wowie: to be fair, ah sam didn’t say it was the queen’s residence, just that she spent time there. However, as much as I admit I don’t know the history of the valley, I haven’t heard of any houses surving from that era. It was my understanding that the current house was a vacation house for the current owners and a caretaker’s house that was more or less permanently inhabited. From the photos, it looks like 2 main buildings. I do believe they are still ranching in Kipu Kai, but I don’t know if the ranch workers stay there or not. If anyone knows, please fill us in.

By: Haole Wowie

Haole Wowie — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:36:21 +0000

To Kaimana ah Sam – just so you know you are mistaken, Queen Emma never lived in Kipu Kai, her residence was in Lawa’i Kai Valley…further west…. so I agree that houses along the shores are eyesores and typically belong to rich Californians. So to give everyone CORRECT history the Queen NEVER lived in that “gorgeous” home.

Booya!

By: kaimana ah sam

kaimana ah sam — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:09:39 +0000

i lived in kipikai for years. we moved back to the big island in 99 but i just had to say that i truley know every square inch of that valley and miss it all!! most beautiful place you could ever visit and im sad that i havent been back since :( i wasnt going to comment but i had to say that even though you dont know the history of the valley i took a little offence to you saying that that “private residence” (which is not lived in, ment only for guest) was an “intrusion” on your adventure. the queen once took residence in that gorgeous home and its a VERY important part of the valley. i literally lived 20 feet from that house and as much as i wish that people could see and learn about these things im glad thats not always possible because it does not need to explain it self. im not trying to be mean im just a little protective of it. but thank you for posting your pictures! makes me home sick!
Ke Akua Ho’omaikai Oe

By: Gordon Jacobsen

Gordon Jacobsen — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:09:16 +0000

Honolulu born and raised, now living on the mainland. As a Boy Scout back in 1963 our scout master (from Kauai, Charlie Scharsch) arranged for us to spend a week camping at Kipu Kai. We rode in on jeeps, picked up large sea shells off the beach, caught wild pigs and turkeys, and probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I do looking back on the experience today. We were definitely blessed to have been allowed in. Have hiked the Kalalau trail twice back in those days as well, when the trail was considered extremely difficult and inaccessible. Great memories. Back then a hermit lived at Kalalau, a Dr. Bernard Wheatley. We drove him crazy but he was still a gracious host to our gang.

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 09:07:00 +0000

Hi, and thanks for the comments. I’m surprised that family can’t get in to visit, but I guess it depends on how well you know the current owners and caretakers. And yes, Kipu Ranch is unrelated, but they do have access on the private road, but only up to the pass. I’ve never gone with them, but from the photos you see on flickr, you get a nice view from up there. But it’s just the view, not access.

By: Miri Waterhouse

Miri Waterhouse — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:35:36 +0000

OK, I just did a little more searching… Kipu Ranch does the ATV tours, and it’s not the same family/location as Kipu Kai… close, but not exactly… now I have to wonder if my (now ex) husband went to the right place to begin with :) LOL