I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. Date first visited: . Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. PICTURED ROCKS MI 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). The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. Let me know in the comments! This short trail has beautiful coastal views. 2022 Closure Notice On February 25, 2022, the County of Hawaii issued an Emergency Rule announcing the closure of Waipio Valley Road to visitors as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate . Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town. 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. The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. GRAND CANYON AZ 2. This is a popular spot, so go on off times! Good workout. It is located on the west side of the island. The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. And if it becomes a big problem, thats when there may even start to be more serious talks about limiting visitors to visit such places like Pololu Valley. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Waipi'o Valley - Valley of the Kings , by ALOHA DEAN The Seven Sacred Pools is part of Haleakala National Park and located on the eastern part of Maui, about 40 minutes beyond Hana. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. only come here for the lookout. 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. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but it was only a mile long so we made it up the steep bits in about 30 minutes. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty Easy to moderate. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! 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. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. Also the water was too high for us to be able to cross without getting soaked above the knees so we missed the back half because we werent prepared. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! The photos he took were spectacular. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. WIND CAVE SD Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Waipi'o Valley hike time: The hike will take a total of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the fitness level of the group and time spent exploring the valley floor. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. LANAI There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! 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. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) It was sprinkling and gusting when I first arrived at the lookout, but luckily the wind did calm down for me to be able to enjoy the view and grab some photos. 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. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. Your email address will not be published. Great hike. The strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see . See more state parks on the Big Island. 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. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. 6. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. So be careful. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. 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! Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. March 3, 2023. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. 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. Island of Hawaii. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. PEARL HARBOR HI Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. 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. 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. I ran out of water. Waipio Valley. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . so sad! 84. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC It is unclear if the trail continues. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. 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. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. 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]. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. Hike down on broken paved road. 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. Bring a flashlight. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. 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. How to get to Pololu Valley. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. Colleen you need to do this hike. 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. just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and 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. 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. Lots of wildlife near the trail. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. 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. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! 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 IDAHO Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Lets get into the hike! Share More sharing options. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. YELLOWSTONE WY Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. All Rights Reserved. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! 4. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. 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. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. 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. BIG ISLAND Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . 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. However, they are not easy to walk along! This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 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. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. The trail is I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Its steeep. 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 recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. This is a great place to bring a picnic. The early settlers grew taro farms in the area and is still grown to process poi a staple root plant eaten by locals on the island. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. 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). The hike 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. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. 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. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. Over all its 25% grade. EVERGLADES FL Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. 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. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! Followers 1. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. . Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. . The 9-mile Muliwai Trail from Waipi'o Valley into Waimanu Valley is rough, hazardous and extremely steep in spots, so only experienced backcountry hikers should attempt it. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to 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. There is no lifeguard. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. . We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. No . 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 . I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. 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? I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. #1. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. 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. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. 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. Pololu Valley Lookout. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. Not only is Pololu valley scenic as an overlook at the end of road, but the hike and views going downhill, the walk across the gorgeous black sand beach is a wonderful experience. 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. leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Click here to read my full disclosure policy. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. . 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 . Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. All rights reserved. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. Yes, it is a busy trail, which is why I recommend continuing to the Honokane Nui Lookout if you have the fitness to do so. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did.
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