. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Island of Hawaii. 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. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Once at the bottom take the road to the right. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. There was an error submitting your subscription. 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. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Tripadvisor There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. 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 . Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. By doing the hike, you . 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. But the hike up is quite steep. See Wild Horses In Hawaii Roam Free In The Waipio Valley This is a great place to bring a picnic. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA 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. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. 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. 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. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. Intermediate. It is not considered a swimming beach and sometimes inundated with Portuguese man-o-wars, so do not try to swim this dangerous beach especially with no resources for helping in drowning conditions. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . Recommended Posts. 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. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. 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 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. All of the land upriver is privately owned. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. 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). Your email address will not be published. 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? STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Hiking on the Big Island Maluhia Hale at Hualalai If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. 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. 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. Once you get Waipio Valley Hike Guide: Directions, Length, and Trail Map Home 7 . Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Please try again. 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. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. 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. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty 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. EVERGLADES FL 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. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? Start early - like 730-8 in morning. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. The Hawaii Black Sand Beaches (Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai) Great info Colleen and RJ. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Trailhead: Take Hwy. By Tiphany Myers. 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. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. YELLOWSTONE WY 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. 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. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original Your email address will not be published. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. BADLANDS SD The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. Both times, the parking area was packed. 4. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. NEW YORK Let me know in the comments! Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. Can these both be done on the same day? . 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. GRAND TETON WY Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. Island of Hawaii. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. You have to turn around. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! Come prepared! Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. 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. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. Waipio Valley - Waimea Message Board - Tripadvisor Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. The hike down the side of the cliff to the valley floor is short but steep: ~420 ft in 0.6 miles (126 meters in 1.0 kilometers) and takes about 20 to 25 minutes for the average hiker. BRYCE CANYON UT Easy to moderate. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The trail is The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life 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! This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. The photos he took were spectacular. During or after rains the trail can be slippery and because of the relatively steep average grade of the trail (13%) we rate the difficulty as moderate. You 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. 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. There is a trail that leads through the canyon gulch at a distance but visitors are not allowed to pass beyond a certain area since it is private lands. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. Want to report conditions for this trail? Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. You'll hear from me shortly. 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 stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Day 6: Big Island Road Trip Itinerary (Waipi'o Valley and Polol Valley) WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. Beyond the Lookout: Exploring the Big Island's Pololu Valley 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. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . 4 Incredible Spots to Watch a Sunrise on the Big Island Mahalo! 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. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. 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. SOUTH DAKOTA The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. we didn't end up going all the way. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Date first visited: . Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. so sad! The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. 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. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Views It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. Definitely worth walking up the other side. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Hike down on broken paved road. GRAND CANYON AZ Also the water was too high for us to be able to cross without getting soaked above the knees so we missed the back half because we werent prepared. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . of water with you on the short hike and sun screen for hot days, Trail and rocky and rough so hiking shoes or tennis shoes are necessary. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND 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. Very steep. Waipio Valley. 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. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! MAHALO! Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. Colleen you need to do this hike. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Bummer! The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The trail climbs the eastern ridge of Pololu through a series of muddy and often slippery switchbacks and leads to a wooden bench that overlooks the Honokane Nui Valley and part of the Honokane Iki Valley. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. 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. If you're heading there from one of the main towns, the drive is still about an hour and a half from Hilo, and two hours from Kona. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. By: Wasabi Tours. Locals only. 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. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! There is room for about 10 cars at the end . 31. Polol Valley Hike, Big Island Hawaii 2023 - Hawaii vacation.com Waipio Valley Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! Big Island vs Maui - Which is the Better Vacation? I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Gear: Standard hiking gear. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. Check out Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. People are starting the hike, ending the hike, and simply coming to admire the views. 18. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. 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. 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. 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. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. One week on the Big Island : r/travel The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. MAMMOTH CAVE KY At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. Mahalo! One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. ZION UT Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. 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. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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.