Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! HAWAII VOLCANOES HI We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. 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 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. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. 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. The photos he took were spectacular. If you're interested in Waipio Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: Pololu Valley hike Bummer, this trail is closed. And if it becomes a big problem, thats when there may even start to be more serious talks about limiting visitors to visit such places like Pololu Valley. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. 4. I have done both several times. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. 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. Fun stuff. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Colleen you need to do this hike. 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. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. I ran out of water. You can also park This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. IDAHO SNORKELING SHIRTS This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Good workout. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. Lots of water and snacks. However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming. Funny 1. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. No . 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. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! 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. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. 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. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. There was an error submitting your subscription. Interested? Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. --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. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. Steep but beautiful! UTAH If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Download your copy of our BRYCE CANYON UT 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. 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. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Pololu Valley Look out point. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. Locals only. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. 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. Mahalo! 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). EVERGLADES FL Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. MAHALO! Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. I have done both several times. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. 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. Once you get The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Want to report conditions for this trail? Please share your thoughts and comments below. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. Theme by 17th Avenue. Easy to moderate. Your email address will not be published. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. 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! 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. It was sprinkling and gusting when I first arrived at the lookout, but luckily the wind did calm down for me to be able to enjoy the view and grab some photos. All Rights Reserved. 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. can find more details about the original Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. 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! I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. 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. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. MAUI Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Recommended Posts. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? 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. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. Date first visited: . In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. 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. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. 18. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. MAMMOTH CAVE KY Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. 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! On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. Big Island Earthquake Update. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. During or after rains the trail can be slippery and because of the relatively steep average grade of the trail (13%) we rate the difficulty as moderate. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. 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. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. There are also horses on the trail. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. PICTURED ROCKS MI The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. In less than a mile hike, you'll be treated to some of the best views of sheer cliffs and lush rolling valley hills. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) It is located on the west side of the island. 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. Can these both be done on the same day? The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. 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. 1. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. Image by: Floyd Stewart/Flickr. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. 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. Please try again. 1/22/2023. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. 02:09. 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. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. 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. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. ARIZONA I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. 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. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty NORTH DAKOTA The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. Definitely worth walking up the other side. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. 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. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. 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. 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. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Have fun. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. 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 the hike up is quite steep. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Very steep. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. 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 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. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. 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. 2. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. 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. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! I have read about the hike / walk to. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. 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 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. 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 drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. You I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. See more state parks on the Big Island. 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. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. 5. Over all its 25% grade. You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. 7 . Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. 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. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. 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. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast.