18. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Let me know in the comments! 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. 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. EVERGLADES FL My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. Colleen you need to do this hike. Be careful when it rains, very slick. If youre staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, its a bit closer and might take around an hour. 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. Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine . That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. Hike the Pololu Valley - letsgo-hawaii.com The photos he took were spectacular. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. Views Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Funny 1. Hiking on the Big Island Maluhia Hale at Hualalai If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. Sturdy shoes I wore tennis shoes, but it would have been helpful to have more grip on the muddy sections on the way to Honokane Nui Lookout. 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. we didn't end up going all the way. . Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. REI Co-op tights are calling them buttery-soft, 23 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii, Camping, Permits, and Gear for the Enchantments, GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND, Product Review Testing the Adventure Wagon Interior Modular System, Oregon Mt. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? Big Island vs Maui: Food. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. Mahalo! Your email address will not be published. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. so sad! Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. Pololu Trail | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. 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. 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. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. 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. Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach 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. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. 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! The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Big Island Activities One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. 1. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. MICHIGAN 7 . Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. BRYCE CANYON UT The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! This is a popular spot, so go on off times! Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. 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. You have to turn around. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) This short trail has beautiful coastal views. There people are often volunteering their time to give visitors information about visiting the valley and the make sure parking only happens in allowed spaces. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the 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 I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. How to get there? Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. MAUI Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum I have read about the hike / walk to. Please try again. Lots of wildlife near the trail. 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. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Take the time to explore. Great hike. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community 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). Share More sharing options. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. 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. Recommended Posts. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. 2. call before planning any hike. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). Here are some comparisons: The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Yay, it worked! GULF ISLANDS FL Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley PEARL HARBOR HI Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. By doing the hike, you . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Definitely worth walking up the other side. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. Especially with kids. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. 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. 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. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. 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. 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. Explore majestic Waipi'o Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this day full of fun and exciting adventure. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii Backcountrycow | Backpacking 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. . Looks good for potentially running also. MAMMOTH CAVE KY The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. The crossing might be dry. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion. The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Tripadvisor 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. where Julie and I were fortunate enough to see flowing lava While Waipi'o Valley was the easternmost of the valleys in the Kohala Mountains in northeast Big Island, Pololu Valley was the westernmost of these valleys. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO How long does the Waipio Valley hike take? All Rights Reserved. --Ernest Hemingway, Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, Re: Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46mHlI3pD0. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. Beautiful place. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier.