As you approach the Pololu Valley Lookout, you'll start to see the grand ocean views even as you're driving. Respect the private land and the people living in the valley. Beautiful spot to meditate if you go early (8 am) to avoid crowds. There are no oceanfront resorts. I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. The hike down is scenic and easy because it is 0.5 mile downhill; however, remember you still have to come back up the same way so conserve your water. Cookie Notice You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. On the way to Pololu, you can visit Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Some bitched and moaned about not being able to use the elevator, not being able to get right back to the rooms (they checked every one of them for issues like things fallen off walls, TVs fallen down, cracks), stuff like that. Kahaluu closed for coral spawning May 5 thru 12 2023. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. 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. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the one at Waipio, but it's on a hiking trail, vs. Waipio where you'll be hiking on a poorly maintained, very steep road shared with. The beach looks beautiful and is a very good place to relax after coming down into the valley, but take care with going into the water. Definitely Pololu, and definitely hike down to the beach, its beautiful from above but awesome when your down at sea level. I would highly recommend making time to see them both if possible. This series consists of the following valleys: Water has eroded 7 deep valleys into the windward side of the Kohala Volcano of the Big Island. The town of Honokaa near Waipio is worth a stop if you go to Waipio - I think Hawi has more character, but Honokaa is an interesting town as well. Polol translates to " long spear" in Hawaiian and is named for the many battles that took place in the region. Want to report conditions for this trail? The views from the lookout are better at Waipio are better; but if youre willing to walk a bit of the trail into Pololu Valley, views become just as spectacular. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. The drive to the Lookout is worth it in any case, for that iconic view and photos. Your options to get down to the valley floor with a tour range from: Explore majestic Waipio Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this day full of fun and exciting adventure. Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys . Fortunately, they only had some cosmetic cracks, even though some of them were pretty scary-looking. Great video on reef etiquette. 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). Fortunately there are enough people with this issue to sustain a lively business of Waipio Valley tours that take people down to the valley floor. Ditto the above re swimming. I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. These stones can make it uncomfortable to walk into the water so if you do want to take a swim try to bring shoes that can get wet. Elevation Gain: 300'. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Why not to use nicknames or English translations, Trip Reports! From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi'o Valley. Which one would be better to do and why. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. West Side Beaches: Which ones should I visit ? 110% worth it!! Hikers are respectful by nature, that argument is not good enough to appropriate the whole area. Honokne Nui. Parking is fairly easy! In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Altitude sickness, taking kids, risks when visiting Mauna Kea summit. I've read that the best way into Wai'pio Valley is a wagon or horse tour, but that it is ok to hike into. Note ancient cobble stones still embedded in sections of the trail. It is a gorgeous beach (I've stayed there a few times pre-earthquake). Waipi'o can also be hiked into, but the hike down is hard and the hike up is murder. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o. This spot is lesser known than the Waipio Valley, but is certainly worth the effort to get to. I'll stop in Hawi for Tropical Dreams ice creamyummy:), Probably still worth trying to get one of the spots at Mauna Kea - people come and go all day, so a spot just might be available, or if you get there early enough, it might not be filled yet gorgeous beach, and Hapuna is now charging $5. People do it, but it's not as fun that way. On the steepest part, it rises 800 ft in only 0.6 miles. We would like to visit one of the lookouts - Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout. Right around 400 feet. Waimanu Valley. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. Hilo to Waipio Valley is about a 1 hour drive, maybe just a little bit more. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Polol Valley is another one of the seven valleys along Kohala volcano that's been sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. Pololu valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala. And trip up was much easier than this grandma expected. Where can I camp (tent or camper) and what are the rules? north to south or vice versa. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. It is not an all day thing unless you want it to be. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. If I could only choose one, which would you recommend? Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. Waipio is a short side trip along the Hamakua Coast, so that can work, if youre only going to the overlook. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. Are both valleys pretty similiar? We just went to the Wai'pio valley lookout but did not do any of the tours because we didn't book anything in advance and the next tour was 2 hours away. Thanks! Make a game out of it. I think we will visit Pololu Valley we stopped at those two historical markers that Chi_Dave mentioned. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. Awini Trail. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. There was no need for concern. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. This wild part of the Big Island is home to a series of seven deep valleys, the first of which is Pololu Valley - the next stop. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Looking for general advice on visiting the Island of Hawaii. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. Must see. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. 5. more, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, Get answers to your questions about Island of Hawaii. All the things Chi-Dave mentioned are great, and Hawi town is a great stop. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia. If you're up for a real adventure then find the trail near the far side of the beach and hike up to the top of the ridge between Pololu and the next valley, Honokane Nui. Start out early at Pololu because parking is scarce there. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. 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. I am thankful that this sacred place of the Hawaiian ancestors is being shared with visitors. 4. The views are incredible. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Use hiking shoes, they help. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. To get there you have to follow the Akoni Pule Highway (highway 270) until it ends ends 8 miles east of the town of Hawi at the Pololu Valley lookout. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Beautiful views! I also like the North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Limited parking at the top but it doesnt seem like many people go there. Polulu Valley, where North Kohala's main artery, Hwy-270, comes to a dead end, is the last of the chain of inaccessible valleys, and for the moment is every bit as pristine as Waipio. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. Great trail! What to do the day of a red eye flight out. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. It's pretty short and very steep. There are people living in Waipio Valley. Ocean sounds the whole way. Many beautiful views! The town of Honokaa near Waipio is worth a stop if you go to Waipio - I think Hawi has more character, but Honokaa is an interesting town as well. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). Should I camp? I will just add that Waipio does have more of a sandy beach if you want to hang out for a while. That must have been quite the experience! One of the best hikes my husband and I did while on the big Island. After visiting the lookout, stop at Fresh Off The Grid food truck for a yummy snack or meal. I have a car rented at King. The black sand beach is a great place for a quick dip. If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. 3. If you are very lucky (or unlucky, that depends on how much you mind the rain) you can see the Kaluahine Falls on your right hand (east) side once you get to the beach. These falls only exist when it is raining a LOT. Not to say Waipio isn't great because it is, but there's something truly special about Pololu and feels more secluded with no cars down there Alarmed-Marketing616 2 yr. ago Loved it.very tranquil when I was there this morningthank you for the advice! 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. Pololu Valley Beach Hike. Beautiful beach. 1 here. I marked that down as a place we will have to stop. Can anyone confirm the closure. Ive driven down Waipio a few times but not sure the reward at the end is worth the walk down and then back up unless you plan on staying for a while. Image credit: hawaiivolcanovacations. Hwy 250 ends close to Waimea, intersecting with Hwy 19. chi_dave - Thank you for the detailed reply! You wouldnt have time to hike down. Itnwoukd be curious to know how many times she was there. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Short and fairly steep trail with beautiful views and a black sand and stone beach at the bottom. To this day, the memory of Waipio Valley fills me with joy and dreams of going back. Waipi'o (or Waipio) Valley is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley ( wai-pio means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. 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. Worth it to get to the black sand beach at the bottom though. Honu_Ohana covered it well. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. Make every step intentional. Just curious what your hours in port are? The sign says it's 1.2 miles and over 800' of elevation gain. Several of the images in this guide have been provided by Georgios Tsiminis (Instagram, Flickr). Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. In part though it depends where you are starting your trip from. In Pololu Valley, a lush tropical forest surrounds 500-foot-high cliffs and fronts, an ocean that often has high surf and rough waves. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. The Pololu Trail Steward program is a recent initiative in which one or more local stewards are present at the Pololu Valley trailhead to inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. You had to wait until he "unticked" and would allow a car to take that "tick" You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Most just get out and take in the view, so if it's full wait a few minutes and a spot will open up. Great for first-time visitors. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern . Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Just curious what your hours in port are? Privacy Policy. p.s. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). Mud reported earlier is mostly dry. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. ending, but rather Waipio valley. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112270925', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Big Island for 4 nights in April on our way to Maui. Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Honokne Iki. Beautiful hike!!! Island of Hawaii You can see the steep Waipio Valley access road, the black sand beach, and taro fields. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. I think those days are past me now, though the last time I did it I was 70. As you drive north on Highway 270 where the black lava landscapes of the Kohala Coast give way to the flourishing, green pastures of North Kohala, you'll be rewarded at the end of your journey with an unforgettable view from the Polol Valley Overlook. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) The valley meets the ocean towards the north with a beautiful black sand beach that is cut in two by the river. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Waipio Valley Directions and Map Taking Highways 19 and 240 will get you there. 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. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. The trail is slippery at the very top. While the falls didn't look all that tall from the ground, we were fortunate to see the falls from a helicopter. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112302825', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pololu Valley Lookout. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Best boogie boarding, body surfing beaches. There is a somewhat steep dirt trail that leads to the valley and the beach (black sand, not good for swimming). The reason Im giving this such a low rating is because you literally can not do anything but walk up and down the hill. Agree that it's probably best to go to Pololu first, and beaches on the way back - except if you get an early start, I'd try to do a quick stop at the beach at the Mauna Kea resort. Id do a North Kohala excursion, which is far more convenient to where youre staying. If Pololu then you could make a day of it by early breakfast in Waimea, then up and over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? She didn't seem to work for any authority. If I LOVE the Mauna Lani, where would we stay on Maui? Look east across the beach in the distance and notice a waterfall straight from the cliff onto the rocky shore. Dont waste your time on this one, the view is gorgeous but I would never classify this as a hike its simply a walk down a hill to a beach youre not allowed to touch anything on.. skip it and go somewhere else for the day. What are some quality cultural and educational activities on the Big Island? As a first-time visitor to the Big Island I didnt know what to do so I got some local knowledge on where I could go to make memories. 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. You can make this a part of your scenic drive around the Big Island! If you're staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, it's a bit closer and might take around an hour. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours, You always can get majestic views of Waipio Valley is from the, If you want to get down to the valley floor you must now do so as part of a. And once at the beach below, it's anything but crowded. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! 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]. They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. 2. 83 reviews of Pololu Valley Lookout "PLEASE READ! For Waipio Valley, you walk on a two land road so do have to dodge traffic, plus I think it's a much steeper and longer walk). To get here, take Hwy 270 to Mile Marker 28. Great for first-time visitors. Waipio (or Waipio) Valley is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley (wai-pio means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. Small parking lot at end of the road at trailhead. If you feel like stretching your legs you can try either of the following two hikes: You can see these waterfalls already from the access road down into the valley but the best view can be gotten from the Muliwai trail described above as hike #2. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Rips, sharky. What are some good splurge or special occasion restaurants on the Big Island? Just be sure not to poach any of the loungers that are there for hotel guests, When I visit the Big Island, I always have to make the drive all the way up to the Pololu Lookout. That seems right to me. What is good reef etiquette? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 8-6 is a good length of time you would be able to get back to Kailua Kona with a comfortable amount of time to spare, and if you have an extra hour there, you can wander around the area near the port. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Another option is trying to find a parking spot over at the Hapuna Prince Hotel (I was staying at the Hapuna Prince DURING the earthquakes!!) The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the one at Waipio, but it's on a hiking trail, vs. Waipio where you'll be hiking on a poorly maintained, very steep road shared with vehicles. The vista that greeted me when I arrived to the valley outlook was breathtaking. avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. Which Island do you recommend? Honopue. I got the feeling that she gave the same recommendation for one reason or another just to stop people from hiking down. Not at all. If youre into photography, one consideration would be that views from Waipio are generally west facing, whereas at Pololu, they generally face east. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. These hikes, however, are not easy. Of course, Waipi'o is the better hike. Get to know this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. 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 Hwy ends at a viewpoint that overlooks the valley with its scenic backdrop of steeply scalloped coastal cliffs spreading out to the east. Some of my teen/young adult sons did mess around in the water at Pololu, but it isn't advisable. Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is very Rocky down and can be slippery especially after rain. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor. 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. The Waipio Valley Road is a 25% grade paved road that descends 900 feet in only one mile. Trail is slippery when wet and is rocky or packed clay. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. Contribute to the local initiative by signing the Save Polulu petition at Change.org. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Amazing views of ocean, valley, lake, and cliffs. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys Waipio overlook has more 'wow factor' for the view, but Pololu has some great views as well. When you get to the bottom, there's a lovely stream, a scenic black sand beach and a unique, lush area just back from the black sand beach that I would swear had fairies living in it. here's an even better photo (a 360 degree panorama) of the trail at Pololu beach. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. We have also gone down for a horse back ride, and I have twice hiked down, across the beach and up the other side about half way. Lush green forests covering every hillside and a beckoning black beach made for a timeless landscape. Polol Valley Lookout. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Theres only just a few spots in the actual parking lot but tons of parking on the side of the road leading in. The water that carved out these valleys is also the reason why these valleys were a popular place to live for the native Hawaiians: a constant supply of water is essential to grow culturally significant crops such as Taro. Caution, as high surf, undertow, and rip tides occur in the ocean here. What can I do--or avoid--to be a responsible visitor? We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Be aware though that the ocean currents can be strong so do not go into the water too deep. If you take the time to drive all the way to Pololu Valley at the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook!
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