Our guidebook has some controversy about it. I won’t be able to fully explain it all here, but here are some words.

While in Maui, we read a book called Maui Revealed by Andrew Doughty. It turned out to be a fantastic book, slightly funny and with lots of great tips that you could pick apart very easily. When we got to the Big Island, I saw the BI version of it on the shelves of our first place, and decided I wanted a copy for our trip.

Since we left Volcano, this book has been (in my mind) a god-send. Clear directions, with useful information about things you might care about, genuinely interesting to read. I don’t think our vacation would have been the same, or as filled with great sights, without it.

While at the Waipio Wayside this morning, we mentioned the book to our host. She was shocked that we would use it – apparently the author has a bad name with the locals, and when interviewed blurs out his face and has promoted practises that have caused heated issues with landowners in the Waipio Valley.

As visitors, we have no idea about this. But as responsible people, we care about this.

Everything that our host had said makes sense, I think she was entirely correct. The edition of the book that we’re reading even says and all but apologizes for causing some issues in the Valley.

We Google any controversy with the fellow and find a long and well written TripAdvisor post on the book. Talking about more landowner issues, promoting trespassing, etc. This, again, doesn’t surprise me. Particularly since, again, in the 6th edition has a section specifically saying do not go against any signs, this road is public, the land on either side is NOT public.

I feel a little betrayed, as I love this little book. But I also completely appreciate these peoples opinions and desires to not have some strange author promoting irresponsible behavior.

The only thing I can say is…that within the framework of two responsible adult human beings, this book has been amazing. If you were blindly following previous editions, maybe you should buy a less risque book.

But the next problem is…now I feel like I can’t talk about this amazing book, for fear of getting someone angry with me. How can you tell the difference between the responsible adults and irresponsible ones? You can’t, except by getting to know them.