CARDIO!! Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. Lots of water and snacks. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Useful 3. I have done both several times. 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. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? SOUTH DAKOTA The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to Start at the small, 10-car parking lot at the Pololu Valley Lookout and follow signs for the Awini Trail descending down 300 feet over half a mile to the valley floor and the beach. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. Best bet is to check the daily weather patterns for the day and see if it works with your plans to visit for the area. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! Required fields are marked *. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. of water with you on the short hike and sun screen for hot days, Trail and rocky and rough so hiking shoes or tennis shoes are necessary. MICHIGAN But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. UTAH Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. Followers 1. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. You can also hike down the beach and up the Mulawai zigzag trail about 30 minutes to the third switchback for great views of the valley and beach. The trail is GRAND TETON WY Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. BADLANDS SD We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. 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. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. The photos he took were spectacular. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. 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. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Great hike. 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. How to get to Pololu Valley. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. 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. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. 2. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. 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. Easy to moderate. It also helped that I knew what to expect. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . 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. Alternatively, you may use, Island of Hawaii Hotels and Places to Stay, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. 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. Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. All Rights Reserved. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Please share your thoughts and comments below. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. Couple that with the recent closure of the access road to the similarly popular Waipio Valley, and the crowds are growing. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. 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. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. syr101 . Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. 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. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) 84. 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. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. On my trips to the Big Island of Hawaii I have had the opportunity to hike down into both Pololu and Waipio Valleys and up the trails on the far rims towards Honopue and Waimanu Valleys respectively. 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. 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. The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. NEW YORK Slick when wet. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. Recommended Posts. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to If you desire dramatic views of Hawaii Island's northeastern coastline, including impressive cliffs, verdant valleys, and lush landscapes, head to Pololu Valley, Waipio Valley's lesser-known but still just as gorgeous cousin at the end of Hawaii Island's seven major valleys carved into the Kohala Coast. Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. 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. MAUI Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. 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. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. 7 . Hike down on broken paved road. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. 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. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. All rights reserved. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. 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. HALEAKALA HI The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. MUD!! 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. 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? Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. 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. 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. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . See more state parks on the Big Island. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! 1/22/2023. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. I have read about the hike / walk to. 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. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. 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. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. 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! Duration: 10 to 11 hours. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. 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. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. 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. so sad! Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. 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. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. picture taking. There is no lifeguard. The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. MAMMOTH CAVE KY Take the time to explore. If you take the time to drive all the way toPololu Valleyat the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley.