Glow, horses. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. 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). stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Your email address will not be published. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. What island is honokaa on? - vknao.hioctanefuel.com #1. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. Date first visited: . 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. 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. 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. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. The hike Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community 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 . The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. 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. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI Funny 1. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. call before planning any hike. 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. 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. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see Waipio Valley Lookout attraction reviews - Waipio Valley Lookout Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. Hawaii Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Hawaii's Waipio Valley closed indefinitely due to hazardous road - SFGATE Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to All of the land upriver is privately owned. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. ZION UT All Rights Reserved. It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. Hiking Down Into Pololu Valley, Big Island of Hawaii 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. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. Waipi'o valley is the most southern valley that carved into the Kohala volcano, where Pololu valley is at the north side of this cliff section. Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. 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. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. ARIZONA You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. Interested? We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! 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. A short way across you will come to a stream. 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. 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. 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. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! 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. Waipio Valley is on the northern peninsula of the Big Island. Looks good for potentially running also. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. ATV tours in Kohala ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. 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. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Big Island - Waipi'o Valley Find climbing partners in Oceania and Pacific Islands. 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. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. Arriving at 8:30 am, I was a bit bummed at how busy it was already. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. I have read about the hike / walk to. 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. Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. 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 So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. V: Pololu Valley - emilyberkson Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. 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. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. 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. 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. Yes, it is a busy trail, which is why I recommend continuing to the Honokane Nui Lookout if you have the fitness to do so. But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. We were devastated to hear that this access road may remain closed until 2025! Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. 2022 Closure Notice On February 25, 2022, the County of Hawaii issued an Emergency Rule announcing the closure of Waipio Valley Road to visitors as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate . Bummer! Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. one of my friends got a cut on their ankles and we asked a local for a ride up and not having to climb us was the highlight of the trip, INDEFINITE CLOSURE: as of February, 2022, the road leading to this trailhead, Wai'po Valley Road, is closed indefinitely. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Easy to moderate. The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike - BikeHike Big Island vs Maui - Which is the Better Vacation? Bring a flashlight. If you take the time to drive all the way toPololu Valleyat the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! There is no lifeguard. You can also hike down the beach and up the Mulawai zigzag trail about 30 minutes to the third switchback for great views of the valley and beach. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. It is located on the west side of the island. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. How to get to Pololu Valley. Hawaii's Awini Trail Is The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of - OnlyInYourState Island of Hawaii. Polol Valley Hike, Big Island Hawaii 2023 - Hawaii vacation.com Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. The crossing might be dry. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. 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. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor