It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! 31. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. MAMMOTH CAVE KY With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. This is a great place to bring a picnic. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. Funny 1. Waipi'o Valley - Valley of the Kings , by ALOHA DEAN The Seven Sacred Pools is part of Haleakala National Park and located on the eastern part of Maui, about 40 minutes beyond Hana. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. The ornamental . Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. 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! It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . can find more details about the original GRAND TETON WY Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. 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. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Island of Hawaii. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! All Rights Reserved. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. BIG ISLAND Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. --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. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS WIND CAVE SD The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. 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. NORTH DAKOTA days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again, Location: Trailhead is at the Pololu Lookout on the Big Island of Hawaii, Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip (including the Honokane Nui Lookout). Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. syr101 . Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. More information at the Keokea beach park website. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. 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. Beautiful place. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. 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 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. 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. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. ZION UT Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. 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 ? Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. All of the land upriver is privately owned. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. Both times, the parking area was packed. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! A lush tropical forest surrounded by almost 500 ft high cliffs and fronted by an ocean that more often than not has high surf and rough waves. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. 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. Intermediate. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Want to report conditions for this trail? The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. 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. But the hike up is quite steep. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. 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. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Recommended Posts. 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. See more state parks on the Big Island. CARDIO!! 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. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . PICTURED ROCKS MI By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. MAUI 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. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Alternatively, you may use, Island of Hawaii Hotels and Places to Stay, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. Mahalo! Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. 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. Have fun. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. Glow, horses. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. How to get to Pololu Valley. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. 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. 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. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. Its a shame that they dont realize that hiking one or two switch-backs down toward Polol Beach provides a much better photo vantage. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. picture taking. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Mahalo! and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. Pololu Valley Lookout. 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. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. 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). Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. Here are some comparisons: Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. Theme by 17th Avenue. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). Once you get The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Definitely worth walking up the other side. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. 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. Nearly all streams in Hawaii pose the threat of bacteria. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. MUD!! Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Island of Hawaii. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. NEW YORK . Book your tickets online for Pololu Valley Lookout, Island of Hawaii: See 1,143 reviews, articles, and 1,562 photos of Pololu Valley Lookout, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 501 attractions in Island of Hawaii. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. BRYCE CANYON UT It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? 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. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Also found a beautiful waterfall. No . The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! Start early - like 730-8 in morning. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Pololu valley. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. 2. . Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. opportunity in the area. Hike down on broken paved road. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. Share More sharing options. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to 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. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. REI Co-op tights are calling them buttery-soft, 23 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii, Camping, Permits, and Gear for the Enchantments, GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND, Product Review Testing the Adventure Wagon Interior Modular System, Oregon Mt. PEARL HARBOR HI Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. Great for first-time visitors. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . You can also park There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. 6. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Come prepared! How to get there? Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. 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]. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . . Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. Big Island Activities From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Your email address will not be published. Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. 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. Followers 1. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Lots of water and snacks. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. 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. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. 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. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. A short way across you will come to a stream. 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. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. You have to turn around. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but it was only a mile long so we made it up the steep bits in about 30 minutes. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! 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. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. 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. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Fun stuff. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) 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. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. Useful 3. Great hike. 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. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! 7 . HALEAKALA HI 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. 84. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. Getting There. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. 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. The water that carved out these valleys is also the reason why these valleys were a popular place to live for the native Hawaiians: a constant supply of water is essential to grow culturally significant crops such as Taro. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! By doing the hike, you . ARIZONA At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor In less than a mile hike, you'll be treated to some of the best views of sheer cliffs and lush rolling valley hills. Looks good for potentially running also. (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition).
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pololu valley to waipio valley hike
