4. Amazing is an understatement. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. 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. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. 7 . March 3, 2023. 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. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. 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. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Especially with kids. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. NORTH DAKOTA Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. Pololu Valley Lookout. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. . 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. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. Check out by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. 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. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Interested? Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. HALEAKALA HI The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Shop around on. I think the admin of this web page is genuinely working hard in support of his website, for the reason that here every material is quality based material. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. 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 . White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. 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. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. 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. Recommended Posts. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. Mahalo! 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. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. 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. 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. 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. . No . The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. PICTURED ROCKS MI Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. 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. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the one at Waipio, but it's on a hiking trail, vs. Waipio where you'll be hiking on a poorly maintained, very steep . Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. 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. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. Don't miss these. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. Mahalo! So I guess I do believe in miracles. 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. All Rights Reserved. Take the time to explore. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. 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. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. How to get there? GULF ISLANDS FL Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. People are starting the hike, ending the hike, and simply coming to admire the views. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! ZION UT Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. 1. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. 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. 18. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. Hike down on broken paved road. MAUI Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. 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. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. 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. Glum, cement and cars. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD We list below a few things to do / places to see close to Pololu: Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower, restrooms, and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley (2.5 miles, about 10 minutes by car). Download your copy of our NATIONAL LAKESHORES Locals only. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. This series consists of the following valleys: Water has eroded 7 deep valleys into the windward side of the Kohala Volcano of the Big Island. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Island of Hawaii. 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. 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]. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. The total length of this hike is . The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. . Very steep. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. 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. 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. Definitely worth walking up the other side. You Living on the Big Island and traveling regularly to the neighbor islands, Noel and team actively search and share the latest information and updates to Hawaii travel, food, adventure and various lifestyle activities on the islands for your planning and vacation. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. 2. 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. 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. Waipio Valley. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . Please share your thoughts and comments below. 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. You have to turn around. Its steeep. 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. Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land.