Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. Also the water was too high for us to be able to cross without getting soaked above the knees so we missed the back half because we werent prepared. The hike However, they are not easy to walk along! Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. LANAI The scenery is breath-taking with the rough ocean waves crashing against the sea cliffs and black sand beach on one side, and the densely forrested valley on the other. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. Waipi'o Valley hike distance: The round trip hike from the lookout parking lot to the black sand beach and back is just over 3 miles. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Whether you are on a guided tour exploring the otherworldly landscapes shaped by lava, stargazing atop Mauna Kea, or relaxing seaside in a luxury B&B, the Big Island is sure to impress! The trail climbs the eastern ridge of Pololu through a series of muddy and often slippery switchbacks and leads to a wooden bench that overlooks the Honokane Nui Valley and part of the Honokane Iki Valley. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. Book your tickets online for Pololu Valley Lookout, Island of Hawaii: See 1,143 reviews, articles, and 1,562 photos of Pololu Valley Lookout, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 501 attractions in Island of Hawaii. Both times, the parking area was packed. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. It seems like the path is not maintained regularly, so be prepared for it all steep sections, muddy sections, areas with debris, confusing side trails, etc. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). If you can find the river area on the far right, there is a small pond area that is relatively safe for swimming in depending on the water levels and weather. Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. CARDIO!! The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. You can hike to two of the valleys at Polulu provided that you stay on the trails and not wander through the mostly land that is private . The small town of Kapaau has MICHIGAN Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Mahalo! We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. to reach the bottom, On rainy Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. UTAH For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. One thing my hubby and I really enjoy on vacation is a scenic drive with some character (we are obsessed with Road to Hana--if we're in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. 84. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. I have done both several times. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Date first visited: . I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. Big Island vs Maui: Food. We are on the big island for 6 days (I know that's not much but only time everybody was able to get off work). The trailhead begins at the end of the road. #1. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. (driving directions using google maps). The trail, sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . If you desire dramatic views of Hawaii Island's northeastern coastline, including impressive cliffs, verdant valleys, and lush landscapes, head to Pololu Valley, Waipio Valley's lesser-known but still just as gorgeous cousin at the end of Hawaii Island's seven major valleys carved into the Kohala Coast. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. 18. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. Cool 2. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. The cliffs of the Kohala coastline were formed during a catastrophic landslide between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago during which a large part of the volcano slipped into the ocean. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. The water that carved out these valleys is also the reason why these valleys were a popular place to live for the native Hawaiians: a constant supply of water is essential to grow culturally significant crops such as Taro. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. If you take the time to drive all the way toPololu Valleyat the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Very steep. Required fields are marked *. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. OR if youre headed to a National Park at the last minute, check out my tips for GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. The only ones that can be hiked are Waipio Valley near Waimea, Waimanu Valley (from Waipio) and Pololu Valley, which must be approached from the west side. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. NATIONAL LAKESHORES Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. Must cross water to go up the other side though. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. I think the admin of this web page is genuinely working hard in support of his website, for the reason that here every material is quality based material. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. How to get there? to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the In less than a mile hike, you'll be treated to some of the best views of sheer cliffs and lush rolling valley hills. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. opportunity in the area. Want to report conditions for this trail? It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. There are some trails parallel to the beach that make it easy to get to the other side of the valley (and continue the hike to other valleys) that are worth exploring if you have 20 minutes and a bit of energy to spare. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. . Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. If youre staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, its a bit closer and might take around an hour. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Because the valley is at the end of the road you will pass a few cool places and things to do that make it easy to make visiting Pololu valley part of a half or whole day road trip. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Slick when wet. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. Intermediate. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. GRAND TETON WY Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. Great for first-time visitors. All rights reserved. The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. During or after rains the trail can be slippery and because of the relatively steep average grade of the trail (13%) we rate the difficulty as moderate. On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. More information at the Keokea beach park website. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. Lots of water and snacks. There are are group tours that lead visitors directly to see the waterfall at Pololu called Kapoloa Falls, this is managed by Hawaii Forest and Trail. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . IDAHO When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. 1/22/2023. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor Download your copy of our During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. Its a shame that they dont realize that hiking one or two switch-backs down toward Polol Beach provides a much better photo vantage. It is not considered a swimming beach and sometimes inundated with Portuguese man-o-wars, so do not try to swim this dangerous beach especially with no resources for helping in drowning conditions. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. There are no lifeguards on the beach and the surf breaks and the beach with undertow is treacherous so swimming is not encouraged on the beach. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. Waipio Valley is on the northern peninsula of the Big Island. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP.
