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Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Hiking on the Big Island Maluhia Hale at Hualalai Theres a sense of magic here. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. In terms of color, its not the blackest black sand beach on the Big Island, but the wet sand can make it appear especially black. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Useful 3. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. And so, on a January morning earlier this year, trail shoes, blister cream, extra bandages, water bottles and emergency One-Ton Chips from Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory in tow, we set out from the Pololu Valley lookout ready for anything nature chose to send our way on the hike to the valley floor. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). call before planning any hike. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Mahalo! BIG ISLAND Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. By Tiphany Myers. See Wild Horses In Hawaii Roam Free In The Waipio Valley Check out Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. 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. Especially with kids. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! 2. 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. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. How to get there? done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND By: Wasabi Tours. 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. IDAHO More information at the Keokea beach park website. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 Although the ground is rocky . Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to The crossing might be dry. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. 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. Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. 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. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. . Waipi'o Valley hike time: The hike will take a total of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the fitness level of the group and time spent exploring the valley floor. opportunity in the area. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. (driving directions using google maps). Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. 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 . Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life Can these both be done on the same day? Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. Kamehameha stature here for more information. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . Let me know in the comments! Can you still hike into Waipio Valley? | Dependable If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. Funny 1. 1/22/2023. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. What island is honokaa on? - vknao.hioctanefuel.com The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! Muliwai trail brochure Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike GRAND TETON WY One week on the Big Island : r/travel Looks good for potentially running also. so sad! At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. . The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. Beautiful place. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. 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. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. 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. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. HALEAKALA HI So be careful. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. 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. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Waipio Valley Beach & Muliwai Trail | Hawaii | Hikespeak.com Waipio Valley Trail [CLOSED] | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails 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. Ultra grateful to the couple from Tennessee who gave us a lift back up in their Toyota Tacoma- even though we left a pricey hiking pole in their car by accident- grateful to have not done the hike up- my body/feet wouldve just gotten too torn up! Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. 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 then basically you will be driving to a dead end. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. where Julie and I were fortunate enough to see flowing lava While Waipi'o Valley was the easternmost of the valleys in the Kohala Mountains in northeast Big Island, Pololu Valley was the westernmost of these valleys. GRAND CANYON AZ Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! 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 . inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Tripadvisor the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. 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). After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids . click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Great for first-time visitors. How to get to Pololu Valley. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. the fertile Pololu . I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. 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. 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). Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Over all its 25% grade. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. 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. 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. 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. I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? 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. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. The photos he took were spectacular. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. 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. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Recommended Posts. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. MAHALO! Very steep. 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. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island Hiking east of Polol Valley is prohibited due to private property. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. 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. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! A History of the Waipio Valley on Hawaii's Big Island - TripSavvy All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. 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. 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. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. If you choose to hike down, the trail has been fixed is a challenging going through two sets of ropes for rappeling down a mostly dirt and rock area, a gorgeous walk through native fan palms and surprising a stunning natural bamboo grove. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Locals only. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! Both times, the parking area was packed. The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! Be careful when it rains, very slick. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no This is a popular spot, so go on off times! 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! This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Pololu Valley Lookout (Island of Hawaii): All You Need to Know The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. 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/. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. 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. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. I ran out of water. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. Yay, it worked! Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Bummer! Bring a flashlight. Alternatively, the Waipio Valley Shuttle is the original 4-wheel drive tour of "the land of curving water" and is a mesmerizing and intimate look at the valley. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. The hike So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. to reach the bottom, On rainy Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. I have done both several times. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. There are no trails heading out to the rocky beach areas but you can walk down through an old Hawaiian village and area of rock walls and pond enclosures that were probably made for growing taro, keeping animals and shelter which is truly amazing to visit. The Top 10 Hikes on Hawaii Island - TripSavvy Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. #1. 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! 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). There are also horses on the trail. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. . He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. 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. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Followers 1. 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! The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. POLOLU VALLEY Hike to Pololu Valley beach OR just see the lookout? 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. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Mahalo! 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. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. You All rights reserved. It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . There is limited parking space available at the lookout point with minimal space to turn around so it is possible you need to turn around and park your car on the shoulder of the road and then walk back a few minutes to the valley entrance. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see CARDIO!! My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. Big Island Earthquake Update. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. You can also park But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. Come prepared! There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. 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. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor And if it becomes a big problem, thats when there may even start to be more serious talks about limiting visitors to visit such places like Pololu Valley.