Over all its 25% grade. 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. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. Let me know in the comments! Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. So I guess I do believe in miracles. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. 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. 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. How long is pololu Valley hike? Big Island vs Maui: Food. Absolutely beautiful. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Lots of wildlife near the trail. MAUI Longitude: -155.7274313. Living on the Big Island and traveling regularly to the neighbor islands, Noel and team actively search and share the latest information and updates to Hawaii travel, food, adventure and various lifestyle activities on the islands for your planning and vacation. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Its steeep. #1. You can hike to two of the valleys at Polulu provided that you stay on the trails and not wander through the mostly land that is private . Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. 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. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! There was an error submitting your subscription. 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. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. 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 strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Crossing the river had water a bit above our knees, but again, it was well worth it to get to the rocks at the far end of the beach. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. The crossing might be dry. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. 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. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. 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. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. 84. 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 ? Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. Amazing is an understatement. 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). MUD!! The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. It is unclear if the trail continues. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. 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. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. Big Island Activities I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. 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. 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. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Continue to cliffs, a bit inland you will find a trail. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. As you get to the beach areas there is a variety of camp sites and abandoned sites with refused from ocean findings that probably washed onshore. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. 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? The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. 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. 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. SOUTH DAKOTA 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to WIND CAVE SD Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. 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. Gear: Standard hiking gear. OAHU The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. And so, on a January morning earlier this year, trail shoes, blister cream, extra bandages, water bottles and emergency One-Ton Chips from Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory in tow, we set out from the Pololu Valley lookout ready for anything nature chose to send our way on the hike to the valley floor. A short way across you will come to a stream. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. 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. Hike: Start at the Polol Valley overlook and find the trailhead for the Awini Trail marked by an extensive array of danger signs. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. 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. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. This is a popular spot, so go on off times! Please try again. to reach the bottom, On rainy That is why only a part of the hike is described here. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. 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. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Michele Falzone/Getty Images. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. 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. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. High surf, undertow, and rip tides are frequently present so only go in the water if you are a good swimmer and dont get in too deep. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . Definitely worth walking up the other side. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. LANAI NATIONAL LAKESHORES It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! Don't miss these. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. we didn't end up going all the way.