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. 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. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. Can these both be done on the same day? Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. 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. The crossing might be dry. Slick when wet. 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). Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Keokea Beach park a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. 7 . 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. Lets get into the hike! Please try again. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. No . 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. Its a shame that they dont realize that hiking one or two switch-backs down toward Polol Beach provides a much better photo vantage. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Sign indicated trail was closed until 2025, but we parked and immediately hiked down the steep, paved path to the black sand beach without any issues. Some of the most popular scenery on the big island includes the Pololu Valley, Haleakala Volcano, Maui's Road to Hana, Waipio Valley Isle, Lanai's Kaunolu, Oahu's North Shore, and some stunning beaches that depict the true Hawaiian culture. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Nearly all streams in Hawaii pose the threat of bacteria. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. opportunity in the area. The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. 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. 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. During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. Here are some comparisons: ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 84. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Colleen you need to do this hike. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. . Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. 1/22/2023. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. only come here for the lookout. 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. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. 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. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Bummer, this trail is closed. 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. However, they are not easy to walk along! The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. 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. 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. There are also horses on the trail. The ascent on both ends of this hike will test your cardiovascular system but are well worth it. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. How long is pololu Valley hike? steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. More information at the Keokea beach park website. 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. 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. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . Trailhead: Take Hwy. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. Island of Hawaii. 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 Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. Glum, cement and cars. 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 To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Bring a flashlight. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . How to get to Pololu Valley. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. You can see this now as a series of 7 valleys (a valley has a flood plane at the valley floor) of which Polol Valley is the most northern one. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. Yay, it worked! Amazing is an understatement. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. Looks good for potentially running also. Waipi'o Valley hike distance: The round trip hike from the lookout parking lot to the black sand beach and back is just over 3 miles. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. 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. The strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Hike down on broken paved road. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). 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. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. 6.12 km. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? A lush tropical forest surrounded by almost 500 ft high cliffs and fronted by an ocean that more often than not has high surf and rough waves. All Rights Reserved. . 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. Good workout. Your hike down to the beach was mostly facing the ocean, and your hike back to the parking lot will be more of facing the valley! The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. If youre UTAH Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. A short way across you will come to a stream. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. Should be great! The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different.