WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. Lots of water and snacks. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. I have done both several times. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. How long is pololu Valley hike? Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. 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. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. 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. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. 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. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. I have read about the hike / walk to. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. Mahalo! We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) to reach the bottom, On rainy 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. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. 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). As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. ARIZONA 84. Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. 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. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 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. 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. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. 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. 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 ? Especially with kids. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. 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. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. 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. Looks good for potentially running also. Muliwai trail brochure Hiking east of Polol Valley is prohibited due to private property. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. We list below a few things to do / places to see close to Pololu: Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower, restrooms, and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley (2.5 miles, about 10 minutes by car). So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . Hiking Down Into Pololu Valley, Big Island of Hawaii 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! 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. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! Lots of wildlife near the trail. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. 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. Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. Let me know in the comments! Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . 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. 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. 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. PEARL HARBOR HI 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. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than 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. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Theres a sense of magic here. Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. opportunity in the area. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Beyond the Lookout: Exploring the Big Island's Pololu Valley visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no 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. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages MICHIGAN On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. You can also park Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. Funny 1. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. 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. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. 1. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) 2. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. The total length of this hike is . Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Pololu Trail | Map, Guide - Hawaii, Hawaii | AllTrails Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. You can get some great scenic views from the Pololu Valley lookout right near the parking area. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . 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. 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. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. See more state parks on the Big Island. The trail down to the beach drops 400 feet in 20 minutes of hikingbe warned, the hike up is difficult for those not in good physical shape and the hike down should not be attempted if you have doubts about being able to hike back up. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Big Island - Waipi'o Valley The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. 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. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. 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