Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Don't miss these. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). STOP OVERPACKING for your trip and pack just the right amount! Best Hikes Big Island - 12 Incredible Adventures - Tripster Travel Guide 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 . Answer 1 of 8: We are planning to spend an entire day hiking down the trail in Waipo ValleyIs there a parking area at the top ?Do we need a permitI know that there is private property there and we will respect that by not trespassing, just. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. . 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! From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. MAUI For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. YELLOWSTONE WY How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. to reach the bottom, On rainy Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. 3. Big Island Activities Recommended Posts. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. Longitude: -155.7274313. call before planning any hike. SNORKELING SHIRTS Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming. I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? A gorgeous hike from the top to the gorgeous black sandy beaches of Pololu Valley, the drive alone and panoramic views of the cliffs and coastlines impresses the moment you park on the end of road. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. There people are often volunteering their time to give visitors information about visiting the valley and the make sure parking only happens in allowed spaces. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Please try again. Its steeep. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach 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. Hiking east of Polol Valley is prohibited due to private property. Good workout. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. 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. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. 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 ? You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Big Island Earthquake Update. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED]. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. MUD!! This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Muliwai trail brochure Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. 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 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. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Check out Pololu Trail | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. the fertile Pololu . Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor Views All of the land upriver is privately owned. 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. Take Kohala Mountain Road on your way back ~ another stunning drive. Take the time to explore. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. Going Beyond Polulu Valley-Hard Hike On Hawaii Island It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. 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. Polol Valley Hike, Big Island Hawaii 2023 - Hawaii vacation.com 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. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Pololu valley. Colleen you need to do this hike. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. There are parking spots directly next to the trailhead, but I recommend parking a bit further up the street because the pedestrian flow around this area is almost constant. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . MOUNT RUSHMORE SD But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO 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. IDAHO You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again, Location: Trailhead is at the Pololu Lookout on the Big Island of Hawaii, Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip (including the Honokane Nui Lookout). Exploring Hawaii's Big Island volcanoes and valleys | CNN Travel The small town of Kapaau has Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii Backcountrycow | Backpacking You The Top 10 Hikes on Hawaii Island - TripSavvy 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! Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. Date first visited: . Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum Once at the bottom take the road to the right. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING LANAI You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. 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. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. ARIZONA 1/22/2023. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the 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. But the hike up is quite steep. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island 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. Hiking on the Big Island Maluhia Hale at Hualalai There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. 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! It is unclear if the trail continues. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. How long does the Waipio Valley hike take? The reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. 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. . The total length of this hike is . All Rights Reserved. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! What island is honokaa on? - vknao.hioctanefuel.com Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. 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. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. Waipio Valley Hike Guide: Directions, Length, and Trail Map Home Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. . Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. A visit to Pololu Valley in Hawaii - Travel Photo Discovery The ornamental . 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). Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. Kamehameha stature here for more information. 2. (driving directions using google maps). According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. 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. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. 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. 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. Mahalo! 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. explore and see in the area. 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. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. The photos he took were spectacular. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. I ran out of water. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. MICHIGAN We would love to see things that are truly unique to big island; we have hiked (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A short way across you will come to a stream. Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. Hikes on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Isaac Art Center Waimea - This Hawaii Life, Waimea Farmers Markets - This Hawaii Life, Black sand beaches of Hawaii - This Hawaii Life, Kapoho black sand beach - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Ha'ena Beach - This Hawaii Life, Green sand beach on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Free or cheap things to do on the Big Island - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike to Narnia - This Hawaii Life, Big Island hike at Puuwaawaa - This Hawaii Life.