Cool 2. 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. ZION UT Yay, it worked! The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? BRYCE CANYON UT 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. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . Share More sharing options. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. During or after rains the trail can be slippery and because of the relatively steep average grade of the trail (13%) we rate the difficulty as moderate. Have fun. 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. 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 There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. The total length of this hike is . The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. CARDIO!! It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) If youre Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. Lots of wildlife near the trail. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. --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. Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. 1/22/2023. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. . Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. 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. MAUI We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . Longitude: -155.7274313. 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. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Don't miss these. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Hike down on broken paved road. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. Definitely worth walking up the other side. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. 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. It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! 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. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. 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. 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. 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. 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/. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Intermediate. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages 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. Gear: Standard hiking gear. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. 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. To see which of our walks in the Kohala Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikersand see what they had to say about each walk. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). 6. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 7 . The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. 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. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. 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. 02:09. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Look for the rope swings that are usually present. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. I have read about the hike / walk to. can find more details about the original You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. The Pololu Valley Lookout; The hike into Pololu Valley; The black sand beach; Continue hiking to the next valley: the Honokane Nui trail; How to get to Pololu Valley; Things to do close to Pololu Valley; Pololu Valley history. The photos he took were spectacular. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. 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. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. The string of gulches on the Hamakua and Kohala side of the island starts at Polulu and ends up in Waipio valley on the other side of the island. to reach the bottom, On rainy So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). 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. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. Waipio Valley. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. At least 1 liter of water You cannot go wrong with, Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Stay Organized with this Trip Planning Template, Day 4 was our last day on the river, and I finally, Lodge fashion is a little different from river fas, Primarily rafting, we also did a little hiking on, A Rogue waterfall! I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. 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! The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . 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. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. Take the time to explore. The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. ARIZONA The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. If you are going to Pololu Valley during whale season (between ~December and March) and want to include a whale-watching picnic to your visit you should start by checking out our DIY whale watching tips. Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Hawaii Police said a 2000 Toyota 4Runner was traveling downhill on Waipio Access Road, when it experienced a brake failure and collided with a 2004 Ford Econoline, a tour van, traveling uphill. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. 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. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. It is very wide, comforting during the Pandemic to maintain some space between you and other hikers. At the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala, the black sand beach at the mouth of Pololu Valley is accessible to adventurous visitors via a steep, 25-minute hike. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. Be careful when it rains, very slick. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. . Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. 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 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. SOUTH DAKOTA Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. 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. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. 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. The only ones that can be hiked are Waipio Valley near Waimea, Waimanu Valley (from Waipio) and Pololu Valley, which must be approached from the west side. You have to turn around. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Good workout. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! 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. 4. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. Not only is Pololu valley scenic as an overlook at the end of road, but the hike and views going downhill, the walk across the gorgeous black sand beach is a wonderful experience. There is limited parking space available at the lookout point with minimal space to turn around so it is possible you need to turn around and park your car on the shoulder of the road and then walk back a few minutes to the valley entrance. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. 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. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. 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. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. 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. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Also found a beautiful waterfall. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Great hike. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. 6.12 km. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. 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. SNORKELING SHIRTS Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. Big Island Activities Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. MICHIGAN Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. LANAI I stopped by twice once because we were in the area around 3:00 pm and the other to start the hike at 8:30 am. syr101 . Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. 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. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! It is unclear if the trail continues. we didn't end up going all the way. All Rights Reserved. further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. 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. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. 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). JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING 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. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. More information at the Keokea beach park website. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website.

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