The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. 18. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. BRYCE CANYON UT The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. 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. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. 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). Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But the hike up is quite steep. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. The small town of Kapaau has Over all its 25% grade. 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. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. 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. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 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. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! MAMMOTH CAVE KY Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Big Island - Waipi'o Valley The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. 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. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Lets get into the hike! 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. 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. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Yay, it worked! These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. 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. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . 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. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. I ran out of water. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. . According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. 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. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. 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. 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 waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. By doing the hike, you . Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. 4 Incredible Spots to Watch a Sunrise on the Big Island POLOLU VALLEY TRAIL--BIG ISLAND - thehikinghi Trailhead: Take Hwy. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. Have fun. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. one of my friends got a cut on their ankles and we asked a local for a ride up and not having to climb us was the highlight of the trip, INDEFINITE CLOSURE: as of February, 2022, the road leading to this trailhead, Wai'po Valley Road, is closed indefinitely. Take the time to explore. And so, on a January morning earlier this year, trail shoes, blister cream, extra bandages, water bottles and emergency One-Ton Chips from Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory in tow, we set out from the Pololu Valley lookout ready for anything nature chose to send our way on the hike to the valley floor. PEARL HARBOR HI Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. 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 . ZION UT It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. Image by: Floyd Stewart/Flickr. 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. Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life 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. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! 02:09. The photos he took were spectacular. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! BIG ISLAND , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. BADLANDS SD I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. 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. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages OAHU 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. 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. A gorgeous hike from the top to the gorgeous black sandy beaches of Pololu Valley, the drive alone and panoramic views of the cliffs and coastlines impresses the moment you park on the end of road. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. MUD!! Day 6: Big Island Road Trip Itinerary (Waipi'o Valley and Polol Valley) 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. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Interested? Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. YELLOWSTONE WY Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. 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. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. 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. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? Your email address will not be published. Hawaii's Awini Trail Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of - OnlyInYourState The ascent on both ends of this hike will test your cardiovascular system but are well worth it. The Pololu Trail Steward program is a recent initiative in which one or more local stewards are present at the Pololu Valley trailhead to inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. The Top 10 Hikes on Hawaii Island - TripSavvy MOUNT RUSHMORE SD 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. 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. 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. A short way across you will come to a stream. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. 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. 5. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Easy to moderate. 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. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. 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. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. 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. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. 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. 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! Gear: Standard hiking gear. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. Bummer, this trail is closed. . A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. The crossing might be dry. Glow, horses. 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. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . 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. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. syr101 . In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Hawaii Police said a 2000 Toyota 4Runner was traveling downhill on Waipio Access Road, when it experienced a brake failure and collided with a 2004 Ford Econoline, a tour van, traveling uphill. 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. Slick when wet. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Although the ground is rocky . Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Your hike down to the beach was mostly facing the ocean, and your hike back to the parking lot will be more of facing the valley! 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. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Looks good for potentially running also. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. Steep but beautiful! the fertile Pololu . Especially with kids. 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. 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. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Definitely worth walking up the other side. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). Waipio Valley. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. Must cross water to go up the other side though. See more state parks on the Big Island. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and 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. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. The ornamental . Let me know in the comments! Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. The hike Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. 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. The water that carved out these valleys is also the reason why these valleys were a popular place to live for the native Hawaiians: a constant supply of water is essential to grow culturally significant crops such as Taro. There people are often volunteering their time to give visitors information about visiting the valley and the make sure parking only happens in allowed spaces. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. Kamehameha stature here for more information. Please share your thoughts and comments below. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). By Tiphany Myers. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. The view from the third switchback of Z-Trail offers the most amazing view of Waipio Valley and is well worth the effort to reach. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. Theme by 17th Avenue. 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. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. CARDIO!! Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. 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. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Let's Go Hawaii - Hiking the Pololu Valley 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. Pololu valley and waipio valley - Island of Hawaii Forum You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. NATIONAL LAKESHORES 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. can find more details about the original 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. Mahalo! 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. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs.
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