You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. 6. Also found a beautiful waterfall. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. To see which of our walks in the Kohala Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikersand see what they had to say about each walk. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. It can be distressing for locals to see people coming out of the bushes near the Pololu Valley trailhead, presuming why people are coming out of the bushes. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And It shocked me to make it back to the Pololu Valley floor without falling. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. The following 2.5 minute video shows aerial footage of the cliffs, the beach and the upper valley: The Pololu lookout gives you a magnificent view over Pololu Valley and the impressive sea cliffs that slowly crumble into the ocean. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. There is only one way inby foot on the Muliwai Trail, a nine-mile backpacking trek ascending the north face of Waipio via a series of steep switchbacks (visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout) and winding through miles of plateau gulches and forests before descending treacherous switchbacks on Waimanu's south face to the valley floor. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. . explore and see in the area. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Share More sharing options. 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. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. There are some trails parallel to the beach that make it easy to get to the other side of the valley (and continue the hike to other valleys) that are worth exploring if you have 20 minutes and a bit of energy to spare. Shop around on. Mahalo! GRAND TETON WY Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. We list below a few things to do / places to see close to Pololu: Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower, restrooms, and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley (2.5 miles, about 10 minutes by car). Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. Useful 3. One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. Big Island Earthquake Update. If you choose to hike down, the trail has been fixed is a challenging going through two sets of ropes for rappeling down a mostly dirt and rock area, a gorgeous walk through native fan palms and surprising a stunning natural bamboo grove. Hike down on broken paved road. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Here are some comparisons: There was an error submitting your subscription. Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. I have done both several times. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. If youre You'll end up in Waimea, perfect place to have a beer (or whatever) and savor your day. NATIONAL LAKESHORES I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. 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). Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did! If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? Longitude: -155.7274313. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. The simplest is driving to the lookout for the views, but you can also make a small (but steep) hike to the valley floor to check out the beach. It is located on the west side of the island. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. Take the time to explore. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. 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. Take the coast highway one direction; the landscape there is unmatchable. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. 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. Duration: 10 to 11 hours. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. 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. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. 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. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! #1. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. However, they are not easy to walk along! Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley Look for the rope swings that are usually present. 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. Waipio Valley - Waimea Message Board - Tripadvisor Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. There people are often volunteering their time to give visitors information about visiting the valley and the make sure parking only happens in allowed spaces. 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. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. The small town of Kapaau has Cool 2. 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! and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Fun stuff. 2. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. The Pololu Trail Steward program is a recent initiative in which one or more local stewards are present at the Pololu Valley trailhead to inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. 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. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The total length of this hike is . Pololu Valley - Savor the Moment Photography Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. 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. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. (driving directions using google maps). ARIZONA Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. 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. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. REI Co-op tights are calling them buttery-soft, 23 Unmissable Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii, Camping, Permits, and Gear for the Enchantments, GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND, Product Review Testing the Adventure Wagon Interior Modular System, Oregon Mt. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. 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. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. 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. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. This 22 mile network of flumes and ditches is essential for the water supply of a part of the island but also made sure that there are no permanent residents anymore in Pololu Valley. So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide Let me know in the comments! Required fields are marked *. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. 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. Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. By: Wasabi Tours. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? 4 Incredible Spots to Watch a Sunrise on the Big Island Be careful when it rains, very slick. Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . But the hike up is quite steep. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. . Download your copy of our