Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. You can see this now as a series of 7 valleys (a valley has a flood plane at the valley floor) of which Polol Valley is the most northern one. 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. Waipio Valley Lookout attraction reviews - Waipio Valley Lookout The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. 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. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. 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. 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 fertile Pololu . . many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Although the ground is rocky . Great hike. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Pololu valley. The total length of this hike is . Share More sharing options. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. Intermediate. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. 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. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. Find climbing partners in Oceania and Pacific Islands. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. 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. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. Sturdy shoes I wore tennis shoes, but it would have been helpful to have more grip on the muddy sections on the way to Honokane Nui Lookout. By syr101, October 30, 2014 in Hawaii. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. You'll hear from me shortly. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Getting There. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. Hawaii's Awini Trail Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of - OnlyInYourState All of the land upriver is privately owned. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. opportunity in the area. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. 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. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. 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. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. Its steeep. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. ZION UT On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. Island of Hawaii. Pololu Valley Awini Trail Information & More - Hawaii Guide Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. 1. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Followers 1. The 9-mile Muliwai Trail from Waipi'o Valley into Waimanu Valley is rough, hazardous and extremely steep in spots, so only experienced backcountry hikers should attempt it. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. Amazing is an understatement. . Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. So I guess I do believe in miracles. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. 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. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. But the hike up is quite steep. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). March 3, 2023. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. Steep but beautiful! ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. --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. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. 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]. The Pololu Valley Lookout; The hike into Pololu Valley; The black sand beach; Continue hiking to the next valley: the Honokane Nui trail; How to get to Pololu Valley; Things to do close to Pololu Valley; Pololu Valley history. Pololu Valley - Savor the Moment Photography IDAHO All Rights Reserved. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. 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. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. 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 . Shop around on. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. 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). You can also hike down the beach and up the Mulawai zigzag trail about 30 minutes to the third switchback for great views of the valley and beach. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. There is no lifeguard. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. 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. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. Once you get UTAH Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. At least 1 liter of water You cannot go wrong with, Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Stay Organized with this Trip Planning Template, Day 4 was our last day on the river, and I finally, Lodge fashion is a little different from river fas, Primarily rafting, we also did a little hiking on, A Rogue waterfall! I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the Northeast Coast together or is it a jungle bushwack beyond the above mentioned valleys making a connection between the roads at either end a near impossibility? Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. 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. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). By Tiphany Myers. Glow, horses. 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. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. 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. 5. Beautiful place. 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. Big Island - Waipi'o Valley This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community 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. . Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. ARIZONA GRAND TETON WY Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. Also found a beautiful waterfall. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. 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. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Tripadvisor Cool 2. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. Yes, it is a busy trail, which is why I recommend continuing to the Honokane Nui Lookout if you have the fitness to do so. 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. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. 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. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. Bummer, this trail is closed. Definitely worth walking up the other side. Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. Useful 3. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. 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. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. can find more details about the original It also helped that I knew what to expect. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. 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. Pololu Trail | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. Not only is Pololu valley scenic as an overlook at the end of road, but the hike and views going downhill, the walk across the gorgeous black sand beach is a wonderful experience. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. Big Island vs Maui - Which is the Better Vacation? 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. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. (driving directions using google maps). steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. 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. 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. Colleen you need to do this hike. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Looks good for potentially running also. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. Mahalo! 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. HALEAKALA HI And if it becomes a big problem, thats when there may even start to be more serious talks about limiting visitors to visit such places like Pololu Valley. Hikes on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Isaac Art Center Waimea - This Hawaii Life, Waimea Farmers Markets - This Hawaii Life, Black sand beaches of Hawaii - This Hawaii Life, Kapoho black sand beach - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Ha'ena Beach - This Hawaii Life, Green sand beach on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Free or cheap things to do on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Narnia - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike at Puuwaawaa - This Hawaii Life. The Hawaii Black Sand Beaches (Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai) Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. Let's Go Hawaii - Hiking the Pololu Valley and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. Beyond the Lookout: Exploring the Big Island's Pololu Valley There is only one way inby foot on the Muliwai Trail, a nine-mile backpacking trek ascending the north face of Waipio via a series of steep switchbacks (visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout) and winding through miles of plateau gulches and forests before descending treacherous switchbacks on Waimanu's south face to the valley floor. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. 6. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. EVERGLADES FL 4. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Hawaii Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Lots of water and snacks. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. only come here for the lookout. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. 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. . The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Hiking Down Into Pololu Valley, Big Island of Hawaii I have done both several times. OAHU GRAND CANYON AZ Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Mahalo! From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! Pololu valley and waipio valley - Island of Hawaii Forum 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 ? Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. explore and see in the area. YELLOWSTONE WY SOUTH DAKOTA Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. so sad! SNORKELING SHIRTS Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. 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! Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Sign indicated trail was closed until 2025, but we parked and immediately hiked down the steep, paved path to the black sand beach without any issues. The small town of Kapaau has 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. Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley 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. 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. 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. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. where Julie and I were fortunate enough to see flowing lava While Waipi'o Valley was the easternmost of the valleys in the Kohala Mountains in northeast Big Island, Pololu Valley was the westernmost of these valleys. The Waipio Valley hike down to the beach (hiking back into the valley isn't allowed) is quite a bit steeper and longer, more like 45-60 minutes each way. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. However, they are not easy to walk along! Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake.