Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). 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. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. YELLOWSTONE WY https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Great for first-time visitors. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. There is only one way inby foot on the Muliwai Trail, a nine-mile backpacking trek ascending the north face of Waipio via a series of steep switchbacks (visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout) and winding through miles of plateau gulches and forests before descending treacherous switchbacks on Waimanu's south face to the valley floor. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. 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. So I guess I do believe in miracles. Check out . Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. 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. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. 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. This 22 mile network of flumes and ditches is essential for the water supply of a part of the island but also made sure that there are no permanent residents anymore in Pololu Valley. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. --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. 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. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. Both times, the parking area was packed. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. The ornamental . OR if youre headed to a National Park at the last minute, check out my tips for GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. You have to turn around. 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). . The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to 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. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. 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. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. The cliffs of the Kohala coastline were formed during a catastrophic landslide between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago during which a large part of the volcano slipped into the ocean. Polol valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. OAHU Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. 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. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! This is a popular spot, so go on off times! Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. Required fields are marked *. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. Very steep. The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. Cool 2. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. Please try again. Steep but beautiful! By Tiphany Myers. 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. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Fun stuff. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. Island of Hawaii. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. 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. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. More information at the Keokea beach park website. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. 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. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. I have done both several times. #1. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. There are no trails heading out to the rocky beach areas but you can walk down through an old Hawaiian village and area of rock walls and pond enclosures that were probably made for growing taro, keeping animals and shelter which is truly amazing to visit. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. 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. 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. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. The trail is 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 Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) 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 waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. 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! The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. . further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. BADLANDS SD The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. If you're visiting the Big Island of Hawaii soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Big Island Visitor Guides. 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. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Glow, horses. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. 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. There are no lifeguards on the beach and the surf breaks and the beach with undertow is treacherous so swimming is not encouraged on the beach. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. 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. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. we didn't end up going all the way. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. 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. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Looks good for potentially running also. Lots of wildlife near the trail. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Beautiful place. The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). You'll hear from me shortly. The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. CARDIO!! leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. One day of hiking to the Big Island valley beaches, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. 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. to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the 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. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Sign indicated trail was closed until 2025, but we parked and immediately hiked down the steep, paved path to the black sand beach without any issues. Slick when wet. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. 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. 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! Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. call before planning any hike. Please share your thoughts and comments below. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail.