Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. By Tiphany Myers. Locals only. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. By syr101, October 30, 2014 in Hawaii. 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. 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. 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. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! If youre staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, its a bit closer and might take around an hour. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. 2. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Bring a flashlight. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. Although the ground is rocky . Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. It is located on the west side of the island. 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. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. The trail is 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. 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. MAHALO! HALEAKALA HI YELLOWSTONE WY You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. ZION UT Hike down on broken paved road. 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. If youre Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Definitely worth walking up the other side. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. It is not considered a swimming beach and sometimes inundated with Portuguese man-o-wars, so do not try to swim this dangerous beach especially with no resources for helping in drowning conditions. NEW YORK 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. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. 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. Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. Big Island Activities click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Funny 1. Getting There. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. 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]. 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. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. The total length of this hike is . GRAND TETON WY 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. 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. 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. Fun stuff. Your email address will not be published. So be careful. In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. the fertile Pololu . After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. 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. It was sprinkling and gusting when I first arrived at the lookout, but luckily the wind did calm down for me to be able to enjoy the view and grab some photos. 6. 4. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. Gear: Standard hiking gear. 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. #1. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. 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. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. By: Wasabi Tours. Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. All Rights Reserved. PEARL HARBOR HI Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? LANAI It also helped that I knew what to expect. 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! A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. only come here for the lookout. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. Absolutely beautiful. March 3, 2023. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. 3. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. Waipi'o Valley hike time: The hike will take a total of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the fitness level of the group and time spent exploring the valley floor. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . 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, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. It is unclear if the trail continues. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Also found a beautiful waterfall. 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. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. EVERGLADES FL Click here to read my full disclosure policy. My posts got a little jumb, My Rogue River fashion: layers of sunscreen, wide-, Tools to Plan a Sensational Trip for Yourself. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. picture taking. You continue through the village of Hawi (good spot for a bite & beverage), on narrow, winding roads with one-land bridges. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. The strenuous Z Trail can access this wild valley, otherwise, it was required a chopper tour to see Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! Let me know in the comments! I have done both several times. Cool 2. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) Recommended Posts. 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. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. 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). Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. Lots of water and snacks. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. 84. Streams in the valley are susceptible to flash flooding. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. The cliffs of Pololu and valley are unspoiled and have been natural until the first arrival of humans into the valley around the 15th Century.