click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. 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 There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Since this hike will likely take 3-4 hours, here is what I recommend you bring with you on the Pololu Valley Hike: The trailhead is at the end of a dead-end road and very easy to find! 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. 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. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. There are also horses on the trail. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. Even now, the natural beauty of Pololu looks untouched in the ages with the rugged cliffs, black sand beach and huge ocean waves crashing on the beach. MICHIGAN Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. 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. 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. Must cross water to go up the other side though. 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. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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 Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. 2. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. You can stick around for 10 minutes to snap a few pictures of the breathtaking coastline and take in the scenery but the real attraction at Pololu is the short but steep hike down into the valley and the black sand beach at the valley floor. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. Required fields are marked *. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. PEARL HARBOR HI In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. NEW YORK ZION UT Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. 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. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. 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. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. 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. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! Funny 1. Best bet is to check the daily weather patterns for the day and see if it works with your plans to visit for the area. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. Cool 2. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI 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 trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Hike down on broken paved road. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 31. PICTURED ROCKS MI It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. The trail is located about a hundred feet from the shoreline with a small trail located with low lying ferns and on the eastern ridge of Polulu. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. However, they are not easy to walk along! I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Please try again. Its steeep. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. If youre Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Expect 1-1.5 miles of total hiking + beach exploring; more if you continue along Awini Trail, Hike down to beach is moderate to strenuous when hiking out, Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. All Rights Reserved. In less than a mile hike, you'll be treated to some of the best views of sheer cliffs and lush rolling valley hills. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Want to report conditions for this trail? Great hike. Big Island Activities We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Polol valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island. . The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. The crossing might be dry. 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. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! Alternatively, you may use, Island of Hawaii Hotels and Places to Stay, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. explore and see in the area. Come prepared! MAHALO! I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. 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. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. The photos he took were spectacular. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. 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 no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. 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! Once you get MUD!! That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. Island of Hawaii. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. You'll hear from me shortly. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Waipio Valley is on the northern peninsula of the Big Island. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty GULF ISLANDS FL 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. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. 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. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. 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 . Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? EVERGLADES FL The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. 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. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. BADLANDS SD . we didn't end up going all the way. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . Ultra grateful to the couple from Tennessee who gave us a lift back up in their Toyota Tacoma- even though we left a pricey hiking pole in their car by accident- grateful to have not done the hike up- my body/feet wouldve just gotten too torn up! Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. 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. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88624665', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui one week we'll go out there at least twice if not more). 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. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. HALEAKALA HI It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. 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. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . Yay, it worked! Steep but beautiful! You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. 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! He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. 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. March 3, 2023. Did this the last visit before I had this app and were heading down again this visit but its closed till probably 2025. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . 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. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. 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 ? What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. 02:09. 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. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. I have read about the hike / walk to. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. The trail is Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. . Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Bummer! This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Bring a flashlight. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. 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. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. NATIONAL LAKESHORES 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. The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. Big Island Earthquake Update. 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. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. 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. 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. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. . further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. BIG ISLAND These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. Locals only. SOUTH DAKOTA Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Great for first-time visitors. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. 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). This is a popular spot, so go on off times! If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Island of Hawaii. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Waipi'o Valley - Valley of the Kings , by ALOHA DEAN The Seven Sacred Pools is part of Haleakala National Park and located on the eastern part of Maui, about 40 minutes beyond Hana. Glow, horses. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. Trailhead: Take Hwy. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. Can these both be done on the same day? In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. 3. I started walking down in order to get away from the people, but was surprised it really was a road, not a trail, and the vans driving down were a bit of a turn-off. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. Your email address will not be published. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. 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. Should be great! I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Let me know in the comments! It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . 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. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. 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.
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