Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. Great for first-time visitors. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. V: Pololu Valley - emilyberkson I have read about the hike / walk to. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. 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 hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Good workout. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. 1. 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. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. 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! 18. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. Bring a flashlight. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Easy to moderate. One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. 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. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. There are are group tours that lead visitors directly to see the waterfall at Pololu called Kapoloa Falls, this is managed by Hawaii Forest and Trail. How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike Lets get into the hike! What island is honokaa on? - vknao.hioctanefuel.com The closest restrooms are at the Keokea Beach Park (10 minutes from the overlook) and just behind the King Kameha Statue which you will pass in Kapaau en-route to the overlook from Hawi. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. syr101 . However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming. 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. 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. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. ATV tours in Kohala ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. Waipi'o valley is the most southern valley that carved into the Kohala volcano, where Pololu valley is at the north side of this cliff section. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. Hiking on the Big Island Maluhia Hale at Hualalai It also helped that I knew what to expect. Can these both be done on the same day? The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) 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. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. POLOLU VALLEY - 278 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp 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. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. How long does the Waipio Valley hike take? We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. MICHIGAN Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. Fun stuff. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. These stones can make it uncomfortable to walk into the water so if you do want to take a swim try to bring shoes that can get wet. On the day we hiked, it was pretty crowded and there were lots of cars driving throughout the trail (maybe one ever minute or two). There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. 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. The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. 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. BADLANDS SD Recommended Posts. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum Colleen you need to do this hike. 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. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. Check out The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. Waipio Valley Trail [CLOSED] | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails Beautiful place. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Interested? 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). We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. By Tiphany Myers. Top 5 Hikes and Walks in the Kohala Mountains | Komoot 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. MUD!! Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. Don't miss these. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. 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). My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is 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. Big Island Earthquake Update. IDAHO Absolutely beautiful. All Rights Reserved. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout Please share your thoughts and comments below. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. the fertile Pololu . They get to share Polols great historical and cultural values, along with the and significance the area has for those living in and visiting Kohala. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. Views The third guich is higher in elevation and some of the trail is very tricky with barely any trail walking the sides of loose slope but with some helpful ropes to keep you from sliding down hill. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? Although the ground is rocky . . The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. Lots of wildlife near the trail. Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. Top 10 Volcanoes in Hawaii | Town & Tourist Stunning View of the Waipio Valley #shorts - YouTube For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. Waipi'o Valley Big Island Hikes 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. 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). Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! 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. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. ARIZONA That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Hike down on broken paved road. Waipio Valley Hike Guide: Directions, Length, and Trail Map Home Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. 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. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and 02:09. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). This short trail has beautiful coastal views. 1/22/2023. 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. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. Waipio Valley - Waimea Message Board - Tripadvisor This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. 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. 5. See more state parks on the Big Island. Waipio Valley. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. OAHU Required fields are marked *. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. Have fun. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide . Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to If you take the time to drive all the way toPololu Valleyat the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! Beyond the Lookout: Exploring the Big Island's Pololu Valley explore and see in the area. The string of gulches on the Hamakua and Kohala side of the island starts at Polulu and ends up in Waipio valley on the other side of the island. A short way across you will come to a stream. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. Slick when wet. MAMMOTH CAVE KY I ran out of water. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. One week on the Big Island : r/travel . 4. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. Bummer! The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Hawaii Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting