Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! 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. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. 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. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. Download your copy of our Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. 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. Bummer! Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. You have to turn around. Should be great! It takes about 30 - 45 minutes, but the walk back up will take anywhere between 1 - 1.5 hours depending on your level of physical fitness. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. EVERGLADES FL If you can find the river area on the far right, there is a small pond area that is relatively safe for swimming in depending on the water levels and weather. But the hike up is quite steep. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 31. Waipi'o valley is the most southern valley that carved into the Kohala volcano, where Pololu valley is at the north side of this cliff section. There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. 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. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. 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. 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). 6:30-11:00: Hike into 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. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. 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. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! 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. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. The trail, sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. Here are some comparisons: The trail, sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach (Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. 6. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. 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. There are also horses on the trail. Locals only. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. Take the time to explore. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. 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. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Good workout. There are parking spots directly next to the trailhead, but I recommend parking a bit further up the street because the pedestrian flow around this area is almost constant. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. 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. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. 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). Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. It is unclear if the trail continues. 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! Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 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. Intermediate. There is no lifeguard. . Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. Lots of wildlife near the trail. 6.12 km. Your email address will not be published. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. 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. UTAH (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). Cool 2. Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. . Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. However, they are not easy to walk along! There was an error submitting your subscription. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. 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. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) 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. I have done both several times. #1. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. . The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. 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. Waipio Valley. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two 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. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in 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. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. See more state parks on the Big Island. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. 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! Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. Views Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? Big Island Activities Required fields are marked *. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. 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. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Bummer, this trail is closed. SNORKELING SHIRTS From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Although the ground is rocky . The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. 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. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. These stones can make it uncomfortable to walk into the water so if you do want to take a swim try to bring shoes that can get wet. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Island of Hawaii. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. How to get to Pololu Valley. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. 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. 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. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. . The cliffs of Pololu and valley are unspoiled and have been natural until the first arrival of humans into the valley around the 15th Century. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. 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. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. HALEAKALA HI One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. 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. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. 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. 7 . " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. 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. 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. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) MOUNT RUSHMORE SD many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. Can these both be done on the same day? 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. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. 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. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts.

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