Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . Don't miss these. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING OAHU My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. 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. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Some of the cars in the morning may have been from people who were camping in the valley, but overall, it is best to mentally prepare for this popular spot to be busy. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. Mahalo! 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. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. Big Island Activities 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. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Waipi'o Valley Big Island Hikes A short way across you will come to a stream. --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. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. By doing the hike, you . Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. 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. The ascent on both ends of this hike will test your cardiovascular system but are well worth it. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. Nearly all streams in Hawaii pose the threat of bacteria. A visit to Pololu Valley in Hawaii - Travel Photo Discovery The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. 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. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. 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. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. Once you get There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. 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. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! call before planning any hike. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. 4 Incredible Spots to Watch a Sunrise on the Big Island Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Glum, cement and cars. 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. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. 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 reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. I have done both several times. If you're interested in Waipio Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: Pololu Valley hike Pololu Trail | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails Looks good for potentially running also. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. 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! 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. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. explore and see in the area. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. Locals only. Your email address will not be published. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. Best Hikes Big Island - 12 Incredible Adventures - Tripster Travel Guide 6. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. GULF ISLANDS FL Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. Pololu Valley Lookout. The cliffs of Pololu and valley are unspoiled and have been natural until the first arrival of humans into the valley around the 15th Century. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. There is no lifeguard. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. Funny 1. But the hike up is quite steep. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. 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. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . 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. Should be great! Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. If you can find the river area on the far right, there is a small pond area that is relatively safe for swimming in depending on the water levels and weather. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. 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. There are are group tours that lead visitors directly to see the waterfall at Pololu called Kapoloa Falls, this is managed by Hawaii Forest and Trail. Interested? You'll hear from me shortly. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. 4. How to get there? Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. 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. 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. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. Bummer! Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. YELLOWSTONE WY It is unclear if the trail continues. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum Can you still hike into Waipio Valley? | Dependable WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see MICHIGAN More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. 7 . The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. 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! But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. Theres a sense of magic here. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more.