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. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. The trail down to the beach drops 400 feet in 20 minutes of hikingbe warned, the hike up is difficult for those not in good physical shape and the hike down should not be attempted if you have doubts about being able to hike back up. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. HALEAKALA HI Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles At the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala, the black sand beach at the mouth of Pololu Valley is accessible to adventurous visitors via a steep, 25-minute hike. So be careful. Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. 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. 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). explore and see in the area. 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 hike If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. Yay, it worked! On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. A short way across you will come to a stream. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Can these both be done on the same day? With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. 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. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. Since you can find similar views at Pololu Valley, I'd save Waipi'o Valley for a time when the road has re-opened and it's safe to hike down to the valley. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. 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. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. Once you reach the valley, you'll pass through a small picnic area and can either continue on the path above the beach or go down and wiggle your toes in some black sand. Required fields are marked *. ATV tours in Kohala ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Glow, horses. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. The trail is Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. You can also park What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. Your email address will not be published. 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. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. You'll hear from me shortly. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. At Pololu, btw, you can go to the far end of the beach and hike up another mile or so for a view of the next valley over. Please share your thoughts and comments below. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. 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. However, they are not easy to walk along! The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Pololu Valley was formed over 250,000 to 300,000 years ago when the Kohala Volcano experienced a huge collapse and landslide with a large part falling into the ocean and creating this massive gulch and valley that we see today. It is unclear if the trail continues. All Rights Reserved. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. I could not tell in person which way it went from the lookout, so if you are planning to go further, you will have to do additional research. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. The small town of Kapaau has Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? Your email address will not be published. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. 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]. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. BIG ISLAND You can also make it a one day Big Island valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Waipio Valley + Pololu Valley" kind of day. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. opportunity in the area. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. 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. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. 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. Cool 2. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. On my trips to the Big Island of Hawaii I have had the opportunity to hike down into both Pololu and Waipio Valleys and up the trails on the far rims towards Honopue and Waimanu Valleys respectively. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. 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). Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, Phantom 4 Drone footage of Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pro tip (for the early birds): The Pololu Lookout is a, This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our. Steep but beautiful! If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. All rights reserved. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . Glum, cement and cars. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Let me know in the comments! Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. (driving directions using google maps). Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. Waipi'o valley is the most southern valley that carved into the Kohala volcano, where Pololu valley is at the north side of this cliff section. But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. YELLOWSTONE WY MICHIGAN We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD By: Wasabi Tours. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. 4. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. I have read about the hike / walk to. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. 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. BADLANDS SD 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. My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. --Ernest Hemingway, Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, Re: Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46mHlI3pD0. How to get there? In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Views Also, if you want an adventure, check out Kaumana Caves. In terms of color, its not the blackest black sand beach on the Big Island, but the wet sand can make it appear especially black. Find climbing partners in Oceania and Pacific Islands. Slick when wet. Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. It takes about 30 - 45 minutes, but the walk back up will take anywhere between 1 - 1.5 hours depending on your level of physical fitness. The ornamental . Bummer, this trail is closed. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . 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. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Lots of water and snacks. 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. 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. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. Very steep. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Funny 1. There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. 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. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. 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. the fertile Pololu . Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. IDAHO Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. only come here for the lookout. Have fun. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. If you are going to Pololu Valley during whale season (between ~December and March) and want to include a whale-watching picnic to your visit you should start by checking out our DIY whale watching tips. Nearly all streams in Hawaii pose the threat of bacteria. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. 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 . Date first visited: . 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. Be careful when it rains, very slick. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. Theme by 17th Avenue. Alternatively, the Waipio Valley Shuttle is the original 4-wheel drive tour of "the land of curving water" and is a mesmerizing and intimate look at the valley. 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. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. NEW YORK 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. If youre I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. There was an error submitting your subscription. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. Answer 1 of 8: We are planning to spend an entire day hiking down the trail in Waipo ValleyIs there a parking area at the top ?Do we need a permitI know that there is private property there and we will respect that by not trespassing, just. Also found a beautiful waterfall. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Click here to read my full disclosure policy. 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. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. We list below a few things to do / places to see close to Pololu: Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower, restrooms, and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley (2.5 miles, about 10 minutes by car). Some of the most popular scenery on the big island includes the Pololu Valley, Haleakala Volcano, Maui's Road to Hana, Waipio Valley Isle, Lanai's Kaunolu, Oahu's North Shore, and some stunning beaches that depict the true Hawaiian culture. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. . Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. 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. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Both times, the parking area was packed. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. Its a relatively easy 30 minute hike down to the floor and then to the black sand beach which you can hike from end to end. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. EVERGLADES FL Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). 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. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. 7 . You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. There is limited parking space available at the lookout point with minimal space to turn around so it is possible you need to turn around and park your car on the shoulder of the road and then walk back a few minutes to the valley entrance. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. . The strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. Recommended Posts. ARIZONA There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Great for first-time visitors. Easy to moderate. I stopped by twice once because we were in the area around 3:00 pm and the other to start the hike at 8:30 am. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. The reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . 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. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. This is a popular spot, so go on off times! The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. syr101 . Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. Mahalo! Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. If you're interested in Waipio Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: Pololu Valley hike I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Getting There. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Hike down on broken paved road. leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." GRAND TETON WY Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. 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. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00.