The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 That is why only a part of the hike is described here. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. 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 black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. 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. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 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. Easy to moderate. STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! 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. 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. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. 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. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Funny 1. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! 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. The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. so sad! Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . If you choose to hike down, the trail has been fixed is a challenging going through two sets of ropes for rappeling down a mostly dirt and rock area, a gorgeous walk through native fan palms and surprising a stunning natural bamboo grove. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. Fun stuff. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. 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. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. 18. leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. Pololu valley. Answer 1 of 8: We are planning to spend an entire day hiking down the trail in Waipo ValleyIs there a parking area at the top ?Do we need a permitI know that there is private property there and we will respect that by not trespassing, just. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Bummer! 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. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. 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. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. As you get to the beach areas there is a variety of camp sites and abandoned sites with refused from ocean findings that probably washed onshore. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Island of Hawaii. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is By: Wasabi Tours. Come prepared! Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! 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). You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. However, they are not easy to walk along! Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Take the time to explore. The ornamental . P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. There is only one way inby foot on the Muliwai Trail, a nine-mile backpacking trek ascending the north face of Waipio via a series of steep switchbacks (visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout) and winding through miles of plateau gulches and forests before descending treacherous switchbacks on Waimanu's south face to the valley floor. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and MICHIGAN Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. WIND CAVE SD Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. 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 challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. 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. 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. How to get there? downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and 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. . Some of the most popular scenery on the big island includes the Pololu Valley, Haleakala Volcano, Maui's Road to Hana, Waipio Valley Isle, Lanai's Kaunolu, Oahu's North Shore, and some stunning beaches that depict the true Hawaiian culture. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? HALEAKALA HI If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. 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. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. A short way across you will come to a stream. The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. 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. 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. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . 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. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. 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. How long is pololu Valley hike? The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. The trail is The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. GRAND CANYON AZ Interested? Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. I have read about the hike / walk to. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. GULF ISLANDS FL Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. 02:09. Sign indicated trail was closed until 2025, but we parked and immediately hiked down the steep, paved path to the black sand beach without any issues. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. 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. Trailhead: Take Hwy. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. 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. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. 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. 1. Please share your thoughts and comments below. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. 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. Views If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. See more state parks on the Big Island. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. Pololu Valley Lookout. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? 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.