The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. 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. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Useful 3. 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. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. 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. 2. Not sure how much you've read about each hike: http://www.bigislandhikes.com/pololu-valley/, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/waipio-valley/. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. 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. 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. 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. 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. Download your copy of our 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. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. 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. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. 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. Kamehameha stature here for more information. Shop around on. 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 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 small town of Kapaau has Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. 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). Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Find climbing partners in Oceania and Pacific Islands. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. One thing my hubby and I really enjoy on vacation is a scenic drive with some character (we are obsessed with Road to Hana--if we're in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. This is a great place to bring a picnic. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. NATIONAL LAKESHORES You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. --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. GULF ISLANDS FL The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. IDAHO May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. 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. Recommended Posts. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. The photos he took were spectacular. There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. BIG ISLAND We'll update this page if and when it reopens. Here are some comparisons: SOUTH DAKOTA . In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. Trailhead: Take Hwy. Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. 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? For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). 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. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! LANAI Because the valley is at the end of the road you will pass a few cool places and things to do that make it easy to make visiting Pololu valley part of a half or whole day road trip. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. There was an error submitting your subscription. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) Bummer, this trail is closed. 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. So I guess I do believe in miracles. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. 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. Please try again. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. 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. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. Theme by 17th Avenue. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. All of the land upriver is privately owned. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . can find more details about the original Take the time to explore. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. 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. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. You have to turn around. You'll hear from me shortly. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. PEARL HARBOR HI Fun stuff. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. GRAND TETON WY 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. No . You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. Once you get 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 first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. CARDIO!! The beach at the bottom is fantastic, with the valley river flowing into the ocean resulting in a nice shallow play area. Over all its 25% grade. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. You can also park 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. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. 3. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. 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 trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. 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. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. 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. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. 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. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. (driving directions using google maps). Beautiful place. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. It was sprinkling and gusting when I first arrived at the lookout, but luckily the wind did calm down for me to be able to enjoy the view and grab some photos. 6.12 km. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Your email address will not be published. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. 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. BRYCE CANYON UT Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. 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. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling.

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