On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and The third guich is higher in elevation and some of the trail is very tricky with barely any trail walking the sides of loose slope but with some helpful ropes to keep you from sliding down hill. Big Island Earthquake Update. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. 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! WYOMING , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. 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. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Please try again. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. High surf, undertow, and rip tides are frequently present so only go in the water if you are a good swimmer and dont get in too deep. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! 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. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. 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. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! 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. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Pololu Valley was formed over 250,000 to 300,000 years ago when the Kohala Volcano experienced a huge collapse and landslide with a large part falling into the ocean and creating this massive gulch and valley that we see today. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. The scenery is breath-taking with the rough ocean waves crashing against the sea cliffs and black sand beach on one side, and the densely forrested valley on the other. This series consists of the following valleys: Water has eroded 7 deep valleys into the windward side of the Kohala Volcano of the Big Island. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Come prepared! A short way across you will come to a stream. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. I have read about the hike / walk to. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. NATIONAL LAKESHORES Island of Hawaii. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) 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. I think the admin of this web page is genuinely working hard in support of his website, for the reason that here every material is quality based material. My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Great hike. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. 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. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. 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 a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. Mahalo! There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. 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. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. March 3, 2023. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. ARIZONA You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. 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. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. It also helped that I knew what to expect. . 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. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. 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. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88624665', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui one week we'll go out there at least twice if not more). 31. Kamehameha stature here for more information. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! Easy to moderate. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Alternatively, the Waipio Valley Shuttle is the original 4-wheel drive tour of "the land of curving water" and is a mesmerizing and intimate look at the valley. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Pololu Valley Lookout. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Island of Hawaii. Let me know in the comments! and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. If youre looking for something to do somewhat in the area, you might have a look at Lapakahi State Historical Park for a top Big Island snorkeling spot and to walk through an ancient Hawaiian village, or Hapuna Beach state park which has been called one of the best beaches on the Big Island. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). The closest restrooms are at the Keokea Beach Park (10 minutes from the overlook) and just behind the King Kameha Statue which you will pass in Kapaau en-route to the overlook from Hawi. Also, if you want an adventure, check out Kaumana Caves. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. It can be distressing for locals to see people coming out of the bushes near the Pololu Valley trailhead, presuming why people are coming out of the bushes. I started walking down in order to get away from the people, but was surprised it really was a road, not a trail, and the vans driving down were a bit of a turn-off. You can also make it a valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Pololu Valley + Waipio Valley" kind of day. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Its a shame that they dont realize that hiking one or two switch-backs down toward Polol Beach provides a much better photo vantage. 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. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. The photos he took were spectacular. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. EVERGLADES FL I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. . During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. At Pololu, btw, you can go to the far end of the beach and hike up another mile or so for a view of the next valley over. 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. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Trailhead: Take Hwy. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles How long is pololu Valley hike? of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. 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. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. 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. Big Island Activities Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . SOUTH DAKOTA 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. You can stick around for 10 minutes to snap a few pictures of the breathtaking coastline and take in the scenery but the real attraction at Pololu is the short but steep hike down into the valley and the black sand beach at the valley floor. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. 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. 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 . 4. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. Book your tickets online for Pololu Valley Lookout, Island of Hawaii: See 1,143 reviews, articles, and 1,562 photos of Pololu Valley Lookout, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 501 attractions in Island of Hawaii. 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 . The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. On the day we hiked, it was pretty crowded and there were lots of cars driving throughout the trail (maybe one ever minute or two). 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. Theres a sense of magic here. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). . 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. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. Since you can find similar views at Pololu Valley, I'd save Waipi'o Valley for a time when the road has re-opened and it's safe to hike down to the valley. 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. The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. OAHU Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). 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. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. Your email address will not be published. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. Head east on the Akoni Pule Highway and drive to the end of the road before parking at the Pololu Valley Overlook where the trail begins. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. to reach the bottom, On rainy Michele Falzone/Getty Images. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Share More sharing options. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. Good workout. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Ultra grateful to the couple from Tennessee who gave us a lift back up in their Toyota Tacoma- even though we left a pricey hiking pole in their car by accident- grateful to have not done the hike up- my body/feet wouldve just gotten too torn up! Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. 18. call before planning any hike. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. 2. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island.
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