Come prepared! I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! 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. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. MAHALO! Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. A short way across you will come to a stream. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. 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. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. 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. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. How long is pololu Valley hike? However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. The photos he took were spectacular. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. Both times, the parking area was packed. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Locals only. YELLOWSTONE WY Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. There are no lifeguards on the beach and the surf breaks and the beach with undertow is treacherous so swimming is not encouraged on the beach. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Big Island vs Maui: Food. 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. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. 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. 18. Your email address will not be published. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Theme by 17th Avenue. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! 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. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 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. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. Be careful when it rains, very slick. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. You can also make it a one day Big Island valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Waipio Valley + Pololu Valley" kind of day. Intermediate. Definitely worth walking up the other side. 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). Trailhead: Take Hwy. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. The small town of Kapaau has If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. I have read about the hike / walk to. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. 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). However, they are not easy to walk along! Yay, it worked! 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. Have fun. Kamehameha stature here for more information. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Don't miss these. The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. 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. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. 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 ? If you desire dramatic views of Hawaii Island's northeastern coastline, including impressive cliffs, verdant valleys, and lush landscapes, head to Pololu Valley, Waipio Valley's lesser-known but still just as gorgeous cousin at the end of Hawaii Island's seven major valleys carved into the Kohala Coast. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. The string of gulches on the Hamakua and Kohala side of the island starts at Polulu and ends up in Waipio valley on the other side of the island. March 3, 2023. Very steep. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. By Tiphany Myers. Share More sharing options. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . How to get to Pololu Valley. No . Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. I could not tell in person which way it went from the lookout, so if you are planning to go further, you will have to do additional research. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Glum, cement and cars. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. 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. It is unclear if the trail continues. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. 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! If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Can these both be done on the same day? The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. Especially with kids. The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor 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. Island of Hawaii. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. Beautiful place. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. WYOMING Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. 5. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. 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. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. GRAND CANYON AZ We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! 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. The 9-mile Muliwai Trail from Waipi'o Valley into Waimanu Valley is rough, hazardous and extremely steep in spots, so only experienced backcountry hikers should attempt it. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. only come here for the lookout. During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley.