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. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. Lets get into the hike! 18. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. 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. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. We are on the big island for 6 days (I know that's not much but only time everybody was able to get off work). 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. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and 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. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. SOUTH DAKOTA Over all its 25% grade. Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. Hike down on broken paved road. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Pololu Valley Look out point. Intermediate. 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). 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. Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. 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. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. Especially with kids. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. 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). Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. SNORKELING SHIRTS , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. MUD!! Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. Because the valley is at the end of the road you will pass a few cool places and things to do that make it easy to make visiting Pololu valley part of a half or whole day road trip. Great hike. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. explore and see in the area. Good workout. Very steep. 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! 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. 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. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. Bummer! 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. If youre Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. EVERGLADES FL GULF ISLANDS FL I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Amazing is an understatement. Be careful when it rains, very slick. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. Colleen you need to do this hike. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Image by: Floyd Stewart/Flickr. 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. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. 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. 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. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. 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. 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. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Polol valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. Waipio Valley Lookout discounts - what to see at The Big Island (Hawaii island) - check out reviews and 4 photos for Waipio Valley Lookout - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Waipio Valley Lookout 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. You can see this now as a series of 7 valleys (a valley has a flood plane at the valley floor) of which Polol Valley is the most northern one. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Although the ground is rocky . I ran out of water. Its a relatively easy 30 minute hike down to the floor and then to the black sand beach which you can hike from end to end. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. call before planning any hike. 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. UTAH FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES YELLOWSTONE WY See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. How to get to Pololu Valley. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Must cross water to go up the other side though. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) 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 "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. Once you get Lots of water and snacks. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Both times, the parking area was packed. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. You can also park With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! 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. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Come prepared! If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. OAHU Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! (driving directions using google maps). Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. You This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. Your email address will not be published. Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. There is no lifeguard. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. 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. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. However, they are not easy to walk along! 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. LANAI just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. 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. 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. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. I have done both several times. 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. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. 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. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . Theme by 17th Avenue. 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. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. WIND CAVE SD Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. opportunity in the area. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Slick when wet. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. 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. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. 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. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. the fertile Pololu . 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 . Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. 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. Whether you are on a guided tour exploring the otherworldly landscapes shaped by lava, stargazing atop Mauna Kea, or relaxing seaside in a luxury B&B, the Big Island is sure to impress! IDAHO If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. Once you reach the valley, you'll pass through a small picnic area and can either continue on the path above the beach or go down and wiggle your toes in some black sand. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. Don't miss these. 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. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. --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. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. 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 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.