Your email address will not be published. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. 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. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is located on the west side of the island. 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. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community 2. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. YELLOWSTONE WY Slick when wet. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. Cool 2. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii Backcountrycow | Backpacking My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. PEARL HARBOR HI we didn't end up going all the way. WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see Going Beyond Polulu Valley-Hard Hike On Hawaii Island 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. Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. 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. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. REI Co-op tights are calling them buttery-soft, 23 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii, Camping, Permits, and Gear for the Enchantments, GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND, Product Review Testing the Adventure Wagon Interior Modular System, Oregon Mt. Good workout. 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. Here are some comparisons: Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Funny 1. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Beautiful place. syr101 . Pololu Valley Lookout (Island of Hawaii): All You Need to Know I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. MICHIGAN 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. Check out Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. Pololu Valley Lookout. Amazing is an understatement. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And 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. call before planning any hike. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the 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. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. 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? Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. Trailhead: Take Hwy. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. 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. Polol Valley Hike, Big Island Hawaii 2023 - Hawaii vacation.com HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Hawaii's Waipio Valley closed indefinitely due to hazardous road - SFGATE Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. Hikes on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Isaac Art Center Waimea - This Hawaii Life, Waimea Farmers Markets - This Hawaii Life, Black sand beaches of Hawaii - This Hawaii Life, Kapoho black sand beach - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Ha'ena Beach - This Hawaii Life, Green sand beach on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Free or cheap things to do on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Narnia - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike at Puuwaawaa - This Hawaii Life. 2. Hiilawe Falls - Legendary Waterfall with Temporary Flow After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. 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. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! 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! If youre 1/22/2023. Please try again. Great info Colleen and RJ. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. 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. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. 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). done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. GRAND TETON WY According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. . Hike the Pololu Valley - letsgo-hawaii.com MAUI White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Waipi'o Valley Big Island Hikes Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. Definitely worth walking up the other side. Followers 1. 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. Useful 3. The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . Intermediate. 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. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. The ornamental . To see which of our walks in the Kohala Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikersand see what they had to say about each walk. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED]. 6.12 km. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. 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. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. The small town of Kapaau has Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. POLOLU VALLEY TRAIL--BIG ISLAND - thehikinghi Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. Interested? The reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. HALEAKALA HI Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? Big Island vs Maui - Which is the Better Vacation? The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. only come here for the lookout. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. 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. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. 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. POLOLU VALLEY Hike to Pololu Valley beach OR just see the lookout? Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Theme by 17th Avenue. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. The hike EVERGLADES FL 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. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. 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. 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. Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. By Tiphany Myers. 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 ? The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). 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. UTAH The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. 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. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. 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. A lush tropical forest surrounded by almost 500 ft high cliffs and fronted by an ocean that more often than not has high surf and rough waves. 4 Incredible Spots to Watch a Sunrise on the Big Island More information at the Keokea beach park website. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO There is no lifeguard. I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. NORTH DAKOTA From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes 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. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural 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. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. NATIONAL LAKESHORES How long is pololu Valley hike? Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. Download your copy of our In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. 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. 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. 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. Best Hikes Big Island - 12 Incredible Adventures - Tripster Travel Guide You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. The third guich is higher in elevation and some of the trail is very tricky with barely any trail walking the sides of loose slope but with some helpful ropes to keep you from sliding down hill. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. Very steep. ARIZONA The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! 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! IDAHO Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. 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. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide 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. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. By: Wasabi Tours. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. GULF ISLANDS FL 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. Top 5 Hikes and Walks in the Kohala Mountains | Komoot The ascent on both ends of this hike will test your cardiovascular system but are well worth it. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. 3. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. 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! Whether you are on a guided tour exploring the otherworldly landscapes shaped by lava, stargazing atop Mauna Kea, or relaxing seaside in a luxury B&B, the Big Island is sure to impress! 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. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. . Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline.