And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. 6. 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 . 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! Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. SNORKELING SHIRTS 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. 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. 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 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. HALEAKALA HI The small town of Kapaau has From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! 2. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Hikes on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Isaac Art Center Waimea - This Hawaii Life, Waimea Farmers Markets - This Hawaii Life, Black sand beaches of Hawaii - This Hawaii Life, Kapoho black sand beach - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Ha'ena Beach - This Hawaii Life, Green sand beach on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Free or cheap things to do on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Narnia - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike at Puuwaawaa - This Hawaii Life. Looks good for potentially running also. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88584435', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai and Maui pretty extensively and will be heading to Maui after BI this trip. Did this the last visit before I had this app and were heading down again this visit but its closed till probably 2025. It is located on the west side of the island. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. Should be great! 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. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. 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. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. All Rights Reserved. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. 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? Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. 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. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . How long is pololu Valley hike? done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Pololu Valley Look out point. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Both times, the parking area was packed. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . IDAHO Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. If you're heading there from one of the main towns, the drive is still about an hour and a half from Hilo, and two hours from Kona. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. Colleen you need to do this hike. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. OR if youre headed to a National Park at the last minute, check out my tips for GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. 1/22/2023. Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. 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. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. 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). There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Absolutely beautiful. Come prepared! Glow, horses. to reach the bottom, On rainy Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! Good workout. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. YELLOWSTONE WY You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. 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. The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. 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. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Cool 2. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. See more state parks on the Big Island. Hiking east of Polol Valley is prohibited due to private property. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! Image by: Floyd Stewart/Flickr. Bummer, this trail is closed. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! 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 gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! 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 Lookout. 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. The hike A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Followers 1. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. --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. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. 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. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. 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. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. 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. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. LANAI As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. Trailhead: Take Hwy. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. 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. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. 2. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! So be careful. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. 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. 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. 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. Its steeep. Great for first-time visitors. Take the time to explore. I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. One day of hiking to the Big Island valley beaches, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. NEW YORK The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. 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. MAHALO! You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . BRYCE CANYON UT It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. 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. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. 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. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . BIG ISLAND To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It seems like the path is not maintained regularly, so be prepared for it all steep sections, muddy sections, areas with debris, confusing side trails, etc. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. 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. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. A short way across you will come to a stream. Island of Hawaii. 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. just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . The reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! call before planning any hike. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. All rights reserved. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. BADLANDS SD In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. 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. 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. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. Explore majestic Waipi'o Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this day full of fun and exciting adventure. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . This 22 mile network of flumes and ditches is essential for the water supply of a part of the island but also made sure that there are no permanent residents anymore in Pololu Valley. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. The total length of this hike is . Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Easy to moderate. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI There is room for about 10 cars at the end . You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. 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 doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. Longitude: -155.7274313. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. Don't miss these. 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. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. Mahalo! This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. 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. Once you get The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Definitely worth walking up the other side. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 It is unclear if the trail continues. The Pololu Valley Lookout; The hike into Pololu Valley; The black sand beach; Continue hiking to the next valley: the Honokane Nui trail; How to get to Pololu Valley; Things to do close to Pololu Valley; Pololu Valley history. If you're interested in Waipio Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: Pololu Valley hike Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. Be careful when it rains, very slick. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD 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. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. By Tiphany Myers. By doing the hike, you . The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. 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. There are also horses on the trail. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC 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. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. 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. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. Gear: Standard hiking gear. NATIONAL LAKESHORES See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Hawaii Police said a 2000 Toyota 4Runner was traveling downhill on Waipio Access Road, when it experienced a brake failure and collided with a 2004 Ford Econoline, a tour van, traveling uphill. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 2022 Closure Notice On February 25, 2022, the County of Hawaii issued an Emergency Rule announcing the closure of Waipio Valley Road to visitors as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate . Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. 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. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island.