The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. 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. 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. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. The Waipio Valley hike down to the beach (hiking back into the valley isn't allowed) is quite a bit steeper and longer, more like 45-60 minutes each way. LANAI Should be great! 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. There is no lifeguard. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. Steep but beautiful! 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. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. You'll hear from me shortly. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. opportunity in the area. During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. There people are often volunteering their time to give visitors information about visiting the valley and the make sure parking only happens in allowed spaces. Let me know in the comments! Click here to read my full disclosure policy. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. 02:09. Recommended Posts. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. If youre Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . one of my friends got a cut on their ankles and we asked a local for a ride up and not having to climb us was the highlight of the trip, INDEFINITE CLOSURE: as of February, 2022, the road leading to this trailhead, Wai'po Valley Road, is closed indefinitely. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. How to get there? Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Please share your thoughts and comments below. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. Over all its 25% grade. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. GRAND TETON WY On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. 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. Although the ground is rocky . There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Pololu Valley Lookout. Absolutely beautiful. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. So I guess I do believe in miracles. It is not considered a swimming beach and sometimes inundated with Portuguese man-o-wars, so do not try to swim this dangerous beach especially with no resources for helping in drowning conditions. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. 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. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. Gear: Standard hiking gear. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . There are parking spots directly next to the trailhead, but I recommend parking a bit further up the street because the pedestrian flow around this area is almost constant. syr101 . 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. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Easy to moderate. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. Once you get Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Big Island Earthquake Update. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. 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 hike Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Must cross water to go up the other side though. 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. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. It is unclear if the trail continues. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. Hiking east of Polol Valley is prohibited due to private property. . The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Hike down on broken paved road. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. YELLOWSTONE WY Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Mahalo! Duration: 10 to 11 hours. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. 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. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Cool 2. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the one at Waipio, but it's on a hiking trail, vs. Waipio where you'll be hiking on a poorly maintained, very steep . Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. You can stick around for 10 minutes to snap a few pictures of the breathtaking coastline and take in the scenery but the real attraction at Pololu is the short but steep hike down into the valley and the black sand beach at the valley floor. Lots of water and snacks. On my trips to the Big Island of Hawaii I have had the opportunity to hike down into both Pololu and Waipio Valleys and up the trails on the far rims towards Honopue and Waimanu Valleys respectively. Big Island vs Maui: Food. 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. 1. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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 . How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is we didn't end up going all the way. many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. If you desire dramatic views of Hawaii Island's northeastern coastline, including impressive cliffs, verdant valleys, and lush landscapes, head to Pololu Valley, Waipio Valley's lesser-known but still just as gorgeous cousin at the end of Hawaii Island's seven major valleys carved into the Kohala Coast. 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. Can these both be done on the same day? CARDIO!! pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. Both times, the parking area was packed. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. Great info Colleen and RJ. Find climbing partners in Oceania and Pacific Islands. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. 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. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Be careful when it rains, very slick. On my trips to the Big Island of Hawaii I have had the opportunity to hike down into both Pololu and Waipio Valleys and up the trails on the far rims towards Honopue and Waimanu Valleys respectively. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Take the time to explore. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. 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. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . 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. 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. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. explore and see in the area. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. Followers 1. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. 6. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. 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. NEW YORK Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu 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. 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. 3. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. How to get to Pololu Valley. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. OR if youre headed to a National Park at the last minute, check out my tips for GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. Amazing is an understatement. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the Northeast Coast together or is it a jungle bushwack beyond the above mentioned valleys making a connection between the roads at either end a near impossibility? But the hike up is quite steep. 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. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. 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. In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. Also, if you want an adventure, check out Kaumana Caves.