You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. Gear: Standard hiking gear. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. Lots of wildlife near the trail. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. So be careful. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Hike down on broken paved road. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. 6. just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the one at Waipio, but it's on a hiking trail, vs. Waipio where you'll be hiking on a poorly maintained, very steep . However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88584435', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai and Maui pretty extensively and will be heading to Maui after BI this trip. Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Be careful when it rains, very slick. The closest restrooms are at the Keokea Beach Park (10 minutes from the overlook) and just behind the King Kameha Statue which you will pass in Kapaau en-route to the overlook from Hawi. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. More information at the Keokea beach park website. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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 ? The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor Please try again. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. To get there you have to follow the Akoni Pule Highway (highway 270) until it ends ends 8 miles east of the town of Hawi at the Pololu Valley lookout. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. 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. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. The simplest is driving to the lookout for the views, but you can also make a small (but steep) hike to the valley floor to check out the beach. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. Come prepared! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. PEARL HARBOR HI Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. 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 commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. 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. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! Crossing the river had water a bit above our knees, but again, it was well worth it to get to the rocks at the far end of the beach. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! They get to share Polols great historical and cultural values, along with the and significance the area has for those living in and visiting Kohala. Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again, Location: Trailhead is at the Pololu Lookout on the Big Island of Hawaii, Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip (including the Honokane Nui Lookout). Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI How long does the Waipio Valley hike take? My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. 18. Date first visited: . Amazing is an understatement. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. 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. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Pololu valley. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is unclear if the trail continues. Some of the cars in the morning may have been from people who were camping in the valley, but overall, it is best to mentally prepare for this popular spot to be busy. 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. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. But the hike up is quite steep. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. Head east on the Akoni Pule Highway and drive to the end of the road before parking at the Pololu Valley Overlook where the trail begins. Looks good for potentially running also. Hood Moonlit Snowshoe Tour w/ Rare Earth Adventures, Product Review Recreating Liz Robbins Outfit with Modern Royal Robbins Clothing, Product Review Gregory Maya 10 Hiking Backpack, Product Review Kuhl Travel Pants: FreeFlex Move & Kultivtr Crop, Purple leggings while I got these years ago, here are a few lilac tights I found as of August 2022: These on. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Bummer! They get to share Polols great historical and cultural values, along with the and significance the area has for those living in and visiting Kohala. MAUI Recommended Posts. (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). As you get to the beach areas there is a variety of camp sites and abandoned sites with refused from ocean findings that probably washed onshore. The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. Followers 1. SOUTH DAKOTA The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. 2022 Closure Notice On February 25, 2022, the County of Hawaii issued an Emergency Rule announcing the closure of Waipio Valley Road to visitors as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate . Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. GRAND CANYON AZ Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. Waipio Valley Lookout discounts - what to see at The Big Island (Hawaii island) - check out reviews and 4 photos for Waipio Valley Lookout - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Waipio Valley Lookout * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. 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. Beautiful place. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. 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. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but it was only a mile long so we made it up the steep bits in about 30 minutes. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED]. If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). This 22 mile network of flumes and ditches is essential for the water supply of a part of the island but also made sure that there are no permanent residents anymore in Pololu Valley. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. The total length of this hike is . This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. Should be great! Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. All of the land upriver is privately owned. The string of gulches on the Hamakua and Kohala side of the island starts at Polulu and ends up in Waipio valley on the other side of the island. Its steeep. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. . 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. The hike down the side of the cliff to the valley floor is short but steep: ~420 ft in 0.6 miles (126 meters in 1.0 kilometers) and takes about 20 to 25 minutes for the average hiker. A lush tropical forest surrounded by almost 500 ft high cliffs and fronted by an ocean that more often than not has high surf and rough waves. Shop around on. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. By syr101, October 30, 2014 in Hawaii. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. 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! From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. It can be distressing for locals to see people coming out of the bushes near the Pololu Valley trailhead, presuming why people are coming out of the bushes. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Slick when wet. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty Longitude: -155.7274313. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. . Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. The crossing might be dry. There is no lifeguard. Island of Hawaii. The early settlers grew taro farms in the area and is still grown to process poi a staple root plant eaten by locals on the island. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. can find more details about the original Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. ARIZONA Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Trailhead: Take Hwy. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. GULF ISLANDS FL Your email address will not be published. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. ZION UT The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. All Rights Reserved. If youre There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI The following 2.5 minute video shows aerial footage of the cliffs, the beach and the upper valley: The Pololu lookout gives you a magnificent view over Pololu Valley and the impressive sea cliffs that slowly crumble into the ocean. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Explore majestic Waipi'o Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this day full of fun and exciting adventure. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . It was sprinkling and gusting when I first arrived at the lookout, but luckily the wind did calm down for me to be able to enjoy the view and grab some photos. Have fun. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. How to get there? The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. This is a relatively short hike to the bottom and nice to explore the slowly rambling stream that ends at the ocean or just amble from one end of the black sand beach to the cliffs on the other side and maybe do a climb to another gorge beyond if you feel challenged to do more exploring. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. to reach the bottom, On rainy Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. High surf, undertow, and rip tides are frequently present so only go in the water if you are a good swimmer and dont get in too deep. 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! The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. 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. The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? On the day we hiked, it was pretty crowded and there were lots of cars driving throughout the trail (maybe one ever minute or two). Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. To see which of our walks in the Kohala Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikersand see what they had to say about each walk. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. By Tiphany Myers. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? Waipi'o Valley hike time: The hike will take a total of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the fitness level of the group and time spent exploring the valley floor. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Useful 3. Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to Starting at the Waipio Valley overlook (photo above), the hike down to the black sand beach on the valley floor is about 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers. Glow, horses. Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. You can also make it a valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a Pololu Valley + Waipio Valley kind of day. Island of Hawaii. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. If youre looking for something to do somewhat in the area, you might have a look at Lapakahi State Historical Park for a top Big Island snorkeling spot and to walk through an ancient Hawaiian village, or Hapuna Beach state park which has been called one of the best beaches on the Big Island. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. If you're heading there from one of the main towns, the drive is still about an hour and a half from Hilo, and two hours from Kona. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. 02:09. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. Once you get picture taking. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. 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 trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. This series consists of the following valleys: Water has eroded 7 deep valleys into the windward side of the Kohala Volcano of the Big Island.

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