This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Although the ground is rocky . You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. Mahalo! After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . 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. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley Waipio Valley is on the northern peninsula of the Big Island. POLOLU VALLEY - 278 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp 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 strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88584435', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai and Maui pretty extensively and will be heading to Maui after BI this trip. 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. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. As you get to the beach areas there is a variety of camp sites and abandoned sites with refused from ocean findings that probably washed onshore. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. 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. Waipio Valley Lookout discounts - what to see at The Big Island (Hawaii island) - check out reviews and 4 photos for Waipio Valley Lookout - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Waipio Valley Lookout The small town of Kapaau has Trailhead: Take Hwy. How to get to Pololu Valley. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. 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 hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . You can also make it a valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Pololu Valley + Waipio Valley" kind of day. 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. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. 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 ? Going Beyond Polulu Valley-Hard Hike On Hawaii Island That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. 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. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. 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). Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. 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). Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. 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. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. 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. Once you get Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. 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. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. 18. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. Pololu valley. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum How to get there? 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. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Share More sharing options. Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. 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. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. Cool 2. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. 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! You can also make it a valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a Pololu Valley + Waipio Valley kind of day. 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. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Take the time to explore. NORTH DAKOTA Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. 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. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. You have to turn around. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. 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. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING How long is pololu Valley hike? Bring a flashlight. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . 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. GRAND CANYON AZ If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. 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 . The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. Bummer, this trail is closed. People are starting the hike, ending the hike, and simply coming to admire the views. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu 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. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. Waipio Valley Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. 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. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. 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. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! 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. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people.