pololu valley to waipio valley hike
Hawaii Police said a 2000 Toyota 4Runner was traveling downhill on Waipio Access Road, when it experienced a brake failure and collided with a 2004 Ford Econoline, a tour van, traveling uphill. Also found a beautiful waterfall. MAHALO! If you can find the river area on the far right, there is a small pond area that is relatively safe for swimming in depending on the water levels and weather. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Views 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. All of the land upriver is privately owned. From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Pololu Valley Look out point. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. 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. Share More sharing options. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. the fertile Pololu . BADLANDS SD The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. Date first visited: . One day of hiking to the Big Island valley beaches, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Theres a sense of magic here. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. 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. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES Hike down on broken paved road. 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. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. Have fun. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . BIG ISLAND 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. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING 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 ? May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Lets get into the hike! Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. 02:09. 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. Check out the other things I did on the Island of Hawaii: Have you done the Pololu Valley Hike or the Waipio Valley Hike? In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. How to get there? Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Want to report conditions for this trail? Especially with kids. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. Lots of wildlife near the trail. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. 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. Waipio Valley. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. People are starting the hike, ending the hike, and simply coming to admire the views. I ran out of water. 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. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! 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. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Head east on the Akoni Pule Highway and drive to the end of the road before parking at the Pololu Valley Overlook where the trail begins. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. If you're heading there from one of the main towns, the drive is still about an hour and a half from Hilo, and two hours from Kona. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. 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. Learn how to MAKE THE MOST OF A GUIDED TOUR. Its a relatively easy 30 minute hike down to the floor and then to the black sand beach which you can hike from end to end. This is a relatively short hike to the bottom and nice to explore the slowly rambling stream that ends at the ocean or just amble from one end of the black sand beach to the cliffs on the other side and maybe do a climb to another gorge beyond if you feel challenged to do more exploring. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. 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. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). . None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. . 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. According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. Lots of water and snacks. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. 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 . 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. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. Absolutely beautiful. 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. Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. Hike down on broken paved road. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. 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. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original You can also make it a valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Pololu Valley + Waipio Valley" kind of day. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. #1. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. GULF ISLANDS FL to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the NATIONAL LAKESHORES I have done both several times. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. 4. syr101 . Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Please share your thoughts and comments below. The Pololu Valley floor is beautiful with a river, campgrounds, etc. Not only is Pololu valley scenic as an overlook at the end of road, but the hike and views going downhill, the walk across the gorgeous black sand beach is a wonderful experience. CARDIO!! Trailhead: Take Hwy. Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. 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. Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Sturdy shoes I wore tennis shoes, but it would have been helpful to have more grip on the muddy sections on the way to Honokane Nui Lookout. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. 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. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. The trail is located about a hundred feet from the shoreline with a small trail located with low lying ferns and on the eastern ridge of Polulu. It seems like the path is not maintained regularly, so be prepared for it all steep sections, muddy sections, areas with debris, confusing side trails, etc. It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 The ascent on both ends of this hike will test your cardiovascular system but are well worth it. You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. A lush tropical forest surrounded by almost 500 ft high cliffs and fronted by an ocean that more often than not has high surf and rough waves. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. 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. 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. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. 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. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. where Julie and I were fortunate enough to see flowing lava While Waipi'o Valley was the easternmost of the valleys in the Kohala Mountains in northeast Big Island, Pololu Valley was the westernmost of these valleys. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. The ornamental . The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. 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. It is smooth sailing going down, but getting back up can be a real workout. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . NEW YORK I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. A short way across you will come to a stream. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Very steep. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. MUD!! The total length of this hike is . Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! How long is pololu Valley hike? If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. Here are some comparisons: We are on the big island for 6 days (I know that's not much but only time everybody was able to get off work). EVERGLADES FL " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. Bring a flashlight. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. to reach the bottom, On rainy Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. 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! 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. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. . These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 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. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! 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. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Big Island Earthquake Update. 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. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 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. Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. 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. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. . leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. (driving directions using google maps). Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. Should be great! The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. Great for first-time visitors. 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. Trailhead: Take Hwy. Pololu Valley was formed over 250,000 to 300,000 years ago when the Kohala Volcano experienced a huge collapse and landslide with a large part falling into the ocean and creating this massive gulch and valley that we see today.