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. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO The cliffs of the Kohala coastline were formed during a catastrophic landslide between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago during which a large part of the volcano slipped into the ocean. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! BRYCE CANYON UT 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. of water with you on the short hike and sun screen for hot days, Trail and rocky and rough so hiking shoes or tennis shoes are necessary. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. . 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). And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. Trailhead: Take Hwy. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! The small town of Kapaau has Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. 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! Find climbing partners in Oceania and Pacific Islands. 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. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. Waipio Valley Trail [CLOSED] | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. You can also make it a one day Big Island valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Waipio Valley + Pololu Valley" kind of day. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. There are also horses on the trail. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. Gear: Standard hiking gear. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide ARIZONA Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Definitely worth walking up the other side. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. 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 ? Although the ground is rocky . Pololu Trail | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. 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. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). All rights reserved. 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). Intermediate. Pololu valley and waipio valley - Island of Hawaii Forum Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. picture taking. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. There is no lifeguard. YELLOWSTONE WY Download your copy of our Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. The trail climbs the eastern ridge of Pololu through a series of muddy and often slippery switchbacks and leads to a wooden bench that overlooks the Honokane Nui Valley and part of the Honokane Iki Valley. 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. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout Hike Waipio Valley Big Island, Hawaii - Backcountrycow and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. 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. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! Waipi'o Valley Big Island Hikes Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community Also, if you want an adventure, check out Kaumana Caves. 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. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Pololu Valley Look out point. But the hike up is quite steep. The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. By doing the hike, you . Your email address will not be published. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Hike down on broken paved road. The hike You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. MICHIGAN Absolutely beautiful. 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. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Yes, it is a busy trail, which is why I recommend continuing to the Honokane Nui Lookout if you have the fitness to do so. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Required fields are marked *. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. Take the time to explore. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. The total length of this hike is . 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. By: Wasabi Tours. Hiking on the Big Island Maluhia Hale at Hualalai So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. Your email address will not be published. 84. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. Hiilawe Falls - Legendary Waterfall with Temporary Flow The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. Funny 1. Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. Let me know in the comments! 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. Shop around on. A History of the Waipio Valley on Hawaii's Big Island - TripSavvy Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. Hawaii's Waipio Valley closed indefinitely due to hazardous road - SFGATE With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. 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). You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. . Glum, cement and cars. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. OAHU Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. 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. No . From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. Mahalo! Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. MAUI Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED]. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. 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. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). 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. 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. 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. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) 31. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. Pololu valley. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). One week on the Big Island : r/travel Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. 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. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Waipio Valley Hike Guide: Directions, Length, and Trail Map Home 18. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. 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. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Top 10 Volcanoes in Hawaii | Town & Tourist WIND CAVE SD Your hike down to the beach was mostly facing the ocean, and your hike back to the parking lot will be more of facing the valley! We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! Mahalo! The Pololu Trail Steward program is a recent initiative in which one or more local stewards are present at the Pololu Valley trailhead to inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach.