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. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. Don't miss these. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. 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. The photos he took were spectacular. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. syr101 . BIG ISLAND PEARL HARBOR HI You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. 6. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. 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. Your email address will not be published. BRYCE CANYON UT 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 spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . I have done both several times. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. Please try again. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Bummer! Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. 1. Interested? The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Date first visited: . Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. Big Island Activities Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. You have to turn around. 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! Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . The trail is located about a hundred feet from the shoreline with a small trail located with low lying ferns and on the eastern ridge of Polulu. IDAHO Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Waipio Valley. we didn't end up going all the way. Slick when wet. I have read about the hike / walk to. 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. Also found a beautiful waterfall. so sad! 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. 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. ZION UT The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. At least 1 liter of water You cannot go wrong with, Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Stay Organized with this Trip Planning Template, Day 4 was our last day on the river, and I finally, Lodge fashion is a little different from river fas, Primarily rafting, we also did a little hiking on, A Rogue waterfall! The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. But the hike up is quite steep. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. How to get to Pololu Valley. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Start early - like 730-8 in morning. UTAH Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. However, they are not easy to walk along! If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. . If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. Recommended Posts. 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. Intermediate. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. The trail down to the beach drops 400 feet in 20 minutes of hikingbe warned, the hike up is difficult for those not in good physical shape and the hike down should not be attempted if you have doubts about being able to hike back up. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. 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. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, Phantom 4 Drone footage of Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pro tip (for the early birds): The Pololu Lookout is a, This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our. The following 2.5 minute video shows aerial footage of the cliffs, the beach and the upper valley: The Pololu lookout gives you a magnificent view over Pololu Valley and the impressive sea cliffs that slowly crumble into the ocean. 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. I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. It is unclear if the trail continues. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. The crossing might be dry. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. 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. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Island of Hawaii. Great for first-time visitors. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs.