So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! 1/22/2023. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. 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. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. 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. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Also found a beautiful waterfall. Alternatively, you may use, Island of Hawaii Hotels and Places to Stay, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. There are some trails parallel to the beach that make it easy to get to the other side of the valley (and continue the hike to other valleys) that are worth exploring if you have 20 minutes and a bit of energy to spare. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. 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. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. PEARL HARBOR HI Island of Hawaii. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. You'll hear from me shortly. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Tripadvisor Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. Don't miss these. 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. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. Pololu valley. Theme by 17th Avenue. Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but it was only a mile long so we made it up the steep bits in about 30 minutes. 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? If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. 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. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. Required fields are marked *. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Pololu valley and waipio valley - Island of Hawaii Forum Some of the cars in the morning may have been from people who were camping in the valley, but overall, it is best to mentally prepare for this popular spot to be busy. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Longitude: -155.7274313. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. Your email address will not be published. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . Take the time to explore. No . The following 2.5 minute video shows aerial footage of the cliffs, the beach and the upper valley: The Pololu lookout gives you a magnificent view over Pololu Valley and the impressive sea cliffs that slowly crumble into the ocean. More information at the Keokea beach park website. Definitely worth walking up the other side. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. Download your copy of our If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. 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. If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. I started walking down in order to get away from the people, but was surprised it really was a road, not a trail, and the vans driving down were a bit of a turn-off. Hawaii's Awini Trail Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of - OnlyInYourState Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. All of the land upriver is privately owned. All of the land upriver is privately owned. 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. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO How to get to Pololu Valley. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. 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. My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . Fun stuff. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). Day 6: Big Island Road Trip Itinerary (Waipi'o Valley and Polol Valley) So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. 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. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. 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. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. It also helped that I knew what to expect. 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. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. 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. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . And so, on a January morning earlier this year, trail shoes, blister cream, extra bandages, water bottles and emergency One-Ton Chips from Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory in tow, we set out from the Pololu Valley lookout ready for anything nature chose to send our way on the hike to the valley floor. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. 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. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. 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. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. POLOLU VALLEY TRAIL--BIG ISLAND - thehikinghi A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. Funny 1. BADLANDS SD Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) --Ernest Hemingway, Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, Re: Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46mHlI3pD0. Intermediate. 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. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to Let's Go Hawaii - Hiking the Pololu Valley Have fun. 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. 6.12 km. 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. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. 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. You can also park UTAH 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 ? Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. 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. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Beautiful place. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. High surf, undertow, and rip tides are frequently present so only go in the water if you are a good swimmer and dont get in too deep. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Hiking Down Into Pololu Valley, Big Island of Hawaii Duration: 10 to 11 hours. 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! At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. If you're interested in Waipio Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: Pololu Valley hike You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And At least 1 liter of water You cannot go wrong with, Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Stay Organized with this Trip Planning Template, Day 4 was our last day on the river, and I finally, Lodge fashion is a little different from river fas, Primarily rafting, we also did a little hiking on, A Rogue waterfall! Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Expect 1-1.5 miles of total hiking + beach exploring; more if you continue along Awini Trail, Hike down to beach is moderate to strenuous when hiking out, Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. only come here for the lookout. Kamehameha stature here for more information. Big Island vs Maui: Food. . With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. 6. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. Start at the small, 10-car parking lot at the Pololu Valley Lookout and follow signs for the Awini Trail descending down 300 feet over half a mile to the valley floor and the beach. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Pololu Valley - Savor the Moment Photography OAHU Waipio Valley Trail [CLOSED] | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails 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. Recommended Posts. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. A History of the Waipio Valley on Hawaii's Big Island - TripSavvy Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . 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. 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. By syr101, October 30, 2014 in Hawaii. IDAHO 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. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Colleen you need to do this hike. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. 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. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. I stopped by twice once because we were in the area around 3:00 pm and the other to start the hike at 8:30 am. Pololu Valley Lookout (Island of Hawaii): All You Need to Know , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. The water that carved out these valleys is also the reason why these valleys were a popular place to live for the native Hawaiians: a constant supply of water is essential to grow culturally significant crops such as Taro. 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). If youre looking for something to do somewhat in the area, you might have a look at Lapakahi State Historical Park for a top Big Island snorkeling spot and to walk through an ancient Hawaiian village, or Hapuna Beach state park which has been called one of the best beaches on the Big Island. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Let me know in the comments! steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles It is located on the west side of the island. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. You 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. According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Image by: Floyd Stewart/Flickr. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. So I guess I do believe in miracles. 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 . explore and see in the area. Good workout. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. 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). 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. picture taking. Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. 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. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. If youre staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, its a bit closer and might take around an hour. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii Backcountrycow | Backpacking Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. 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. Exploring Hawaii's Big Island volcanoes and valleys | CNN Travel Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. Once you get 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! It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. 1. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Great hike. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! It can be distressing for locals to see people coming out of the bushes near the Pololu Valley trailhead, presuming why people are coming out of the bushes. just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. . 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's a short but steep hike, and parking is . So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. WYOMING There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. 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. 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! Since you can find similar views at Pololu Valley, I'd save Waipi'o Valley for a time when the road has re-opened and it's safe to hike down to the valley.