Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. The photos he took were spectacular. 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 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. . The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. 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. 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. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Don't miss these. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? 2. Easy to moderate. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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! By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! 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. 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. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Let me know in the comments! Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. See more state parks on the Big Island. NORTH DAKOTA Good workout. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids Mahalo! downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and The view from the third switchback of Z-Trail offers the most amazing view of Waipio Valley and is well worth the effort to reach. No . . There was an error submitting your subscription. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty It seems like the path is not maintained regularly, so be prepared for it all steep sections, muddy sections, areas with debris, confusing side trails, etc. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. Definitely worth walking up the other side. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . 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. Island of Hawaii. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. However, they are not easy to walk along! After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. . one of my friends got a cut on their ankles and we asked a local for a ride up and not having to climb us was the highlight of the trip, INDEFINITE CLOSURE: as of February, 2022, the road leading to this trailhead, Wai'po Valley Road, is closed indefinitely. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? 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. Muliwai trail brochure Pololu Valley Awini Trail Information & More - Hawaii Guide If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Great info Colleen and RJ. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. 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. 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. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. POLOLU VALLEY Hike to Pololu Valley beach OR just see the lookout? Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. 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. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! 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. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. Share More sharing options. CARDIO!! 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. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. 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. Waipio Valley Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. This is a popular spot, so go on off times! But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. Amazing is an understatement. 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. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. 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/. Must cross water to go up the other side though. 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. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). picture taking. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. 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 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. Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. 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. GULF ISLANDS FL HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Mahalo! Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Very steep. 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. only come here for the lookout. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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 some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. The trail is Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! Yay, it worked! You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Date first visited: . WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley I ran out of water. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. Trailhead: Take Hwy. Hike the Pololu Valley - letsgo-hawaii.com The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is Beautiful place. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. 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. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. 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. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. #1. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Can these both be done on the same day? Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. 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. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. Getting There. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. Pololu Valley Lookout. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. 6. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. 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. BRYCE CANYON UT 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! So be careful. He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. UTAH 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. I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. There is a trail that leads through the canyon gulch at a distance but visitors are not allowed to pass beyond a certain area since it is private lands. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. 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. MUD!! The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Colleen you need to do this hike. Locals only. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages opportunity in the area. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. 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. 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). Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. 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. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. SNORKELING SHIRTS Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. LANAI Followers 1. Big Island - Waipi'o Valley Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. BADLANDS SD I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. 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. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. 18. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and 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. The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . 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. 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. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. . Top 10 Volcanoes in Hawaii | Town & Tourist Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Starting at the Waipio Valley overlook (photo above), the hike down to the black sand beach on the valley floor is about 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. POLOLU VALLEY TRAIL--BIG ISLAND - thehikinghi Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. 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. By: Wasabi Tours. Interested? Please try again. Can you still hike into Waipio Valley? | Dependable Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. 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. The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion.
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