Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Approaching Storm at Pololu Valley; Due to Frequent Rain Squalls Off the Pacific Ocean, Rain Gear is Highly . On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. WIND CAVE SD What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. Can these both be done on the same day? Hiking Distance: 1/2-1 mile round trip. My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. 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. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. 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. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Amazing is an understatement. 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. NORTH DAKOTA There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . 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. It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. . Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. Mahalo! Its steeep. 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. March 3, 2023. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. to reach the bottom, On rainy Be careful when it rains, very slick. 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. of water with you on the short hike and sun screen for hot days, Trail and rocky and rough so hiking shoes or tennis shoes are necessary. Because the valley is at the end of the road you will pass a few cool places and things to do that make it easy to make visiting Pololu valley part of a half or whole day road trip. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. 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. The hike Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. 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). Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. All Rights Reserved. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. Expect 1-1.5 miles of total hiking + beach exploring; more if you continue along Awini Trail, Hike down to beach is moderate to strenuous when hiking out, Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Getting There. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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! Some of the cars in the morning may have been from people who were camping in the valley, but overall, it is best to mentally prepare for this popular spot to be busy. Although the ground is rocky . Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. 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. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. OAHU We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88624665', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui one week we'll go out there at least twice if not more). 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! 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. Very steep. We walked the opposite direction along the beach, crossed the river inflow and went to the large rocks before turning around. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Waipi'o Valley - Valley of the Kings , by ALOHA DEAN The Seven Sacred Pools is part of Haleakala National Park and located on the eastern part of Maui, about 40 minutes beyond Hana. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. 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 commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). . I had stopped by the trailhead the day before at about 3:00 pm, and it was only slightly more active at that time. Funny 1. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. explore and see in the area. Gear: Standard hiking gear. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. only come here for the lookout. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. Steep but beautiful! It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. Trailhead: Take Hwy. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but it was only a mile long so we made it up the steep bits in about 30 minutes. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. The view from the third switchback of Z-Trail offers the most amazing view of Waipio Valley and is well worth the effort to reach. Good workout. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. 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. 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. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. The scenery is breath-taking with the rough ocean waves crashing against the sea cliffs and black sand beach on one side, and the densely forrested valley on the other. Looks good for potentially running also. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. Especially with kids. 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. 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. There was an error submitting your subscription. 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. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! I have done both several times. Colleen you need to do this hike. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. The strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see Easy to moderate. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. No . The road eventually turns into a trail at Waipio Beach. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. 31. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. The 9-mile Muliwai Trail from Waipi'o Valley into Waimanu Valley is rough, hazardous and extremely steep in spots, so only experienced backcountry hikers should attempt it. Shop around on. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. The trail climbs the eastern ridge of Pololu through a series of muddy and often slippery switchbacks and leads to a wooden bench that overlooks the Honokane Nui Valley and part of the Honokane Iki Valley. On the day we hiked, it was pretty crowded and there were lots of cars driving throughout the trail (maybe one ever minute or two). call before planning any hike. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Come prepared! Theres a sense of magic here. 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 ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Mahalo! Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. 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. Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. The third guich is higher in elevation and some of the trail is very tricky with barely any trail walking the sides of loose slope but with some helpful ropes to keep you from sliding down hill. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. 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. BADLANDS SD In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. MAUI 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 (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. So be careful. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. 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. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. 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. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. Next time with two others and we brought plenty of water and took about 3 hours. It also helped that I knew what to expect. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. 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. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. 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. Both times, the parking area was packed. Book your tickets online for Pololu Valley Lookout, Island of Hawaii: See 1,143 reviews, articles, and 1,562 photos of Pololu Valley Lookout, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 501 attractions in Island of Hawaii. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. 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]. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. BIG ISLAND You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. MAHALO! Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, Phantom 4 Drone footage of Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pro tip (for the early birds): The Pololu Lookout is a, This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Let me know in the comments! While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. BRYCE CANYON UT This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Even now, the natural beauty of Pololu looks untouched in the ages with the rugged cliffs, black sand beach and huge ocean waves crashing on the beach. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . At Pololu, btw, you can go to the far end of the beach and hike up another mile or so for a view of the next valley over. It is unclear if the trail continues. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!)
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