All Rights Reserved. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. 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. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING 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. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. More information at the Keokea beach park website. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. 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. Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . 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. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. 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. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Glow, horses. Recommended Posts. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Intermediate. 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. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. 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 . Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. 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/. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community The trail, sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. Hawaii Police said a 2000 Toyota 4Runner was traveling downhill on Waipio Access Road, when it experienced a brake failure and collided with a 2004 Ford Econoline, a tour van, traveling uphill. Glum, cement and cars. The ornamental . You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! 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! How to get to Pololu Valley. Followers 1. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Lets get into the hike! A visit to Pololu Valley in Hawaii - Travel Photo Discovery Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. Lots of water and snacks. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. 4 Incredible Spots to Watch a Sunrise on the Big Island Here are some comparisons: Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends Funny 1. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion. How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. can find more details about the original 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. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. Living on the Big Island and traveling regularly to the neighbor islands, Noel and team actively search and share the latest information and updates to Hawaii travel, food, adventure and various lifestyle activities on the islands for your planning and vacation. Mahalo! GRAND TETON WY How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. So be careful. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED]. Hiking east of Polol Valley is prohibited due to private property. Muliwai trail brochure The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. Best bet is to check the daily weather patterns for the day and see if it works with your plans to visit for the area. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. Big Island Earthquake Update. #1. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Yay, it worked! Hood Moonlit Snowshoe Tour w/ Rare Earth Adventures, Product Review Recreating Liz Robbins Outfit with Modern Royal Robbins Clothing, Product Review Gregory Maya 10 Hiking Backpack, Product Review Kuhl Travel Pants: FreeFlex Move & Kultivtr Crop, Purple leggings while I got these years ago, here are a few lilac tights I found as of August 2022: These on. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. Absolutely beautiful. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. I have done both several times. 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. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! Over all its 25% grade. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. 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! It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . I have read about the hike / walk to. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. BADLANDS SD How long is pololu Valley hike? It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. All of the land upriver is privately owned. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. 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. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. syr101 . Fun stuff. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. 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. The Pololu Trail Steward program is a recent initiative in which one or more local stewards are present at the Pololu Valley trailhead to inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. This is a popular spot, so go on off times! Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. This is a relatively short hike to the bottom and nice to explore the slowly rambling stream that ends at the ocean or just amble from one end of the black sand beach to the cliffs on the other side and maybe do a climb to another gorge beyond if you feel challenged to do more exploring. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. What island is honokaa on? - vknao.hioctanefuel.com The small town of Kapaau has Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. Hike down on broken paved road.