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. It was raining the day we hiked. I saw other people mention Fresh Off the Grid too for some good smoothies. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. Make every step intentional.
Pololu Valley lookout parking (views!) + What's the trailhead parking Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island (driving directions using google maps). While the falls didn't look all that tall from the ground, we were fortunate to see the falls from a helicopter. These hikes, however, are not easy. If you are only going to the Lookout, I think the WOW factor of Waipi'o is off the charts. Emerald, foliage-filled cliffs, cradling Pololu's valley floor and its winding, freshwater stream. Great trail! We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. [deleted] 2 yr. ago Either way make sure you're respectful. Polulu Valley, where North Kohala's main artery, Hwy-270, comes to a dead end, is the last of the chain of inaccessible valleys, and for the moment is every bit as pristine as Waipio. If you feel like stretching your legs you can try either of the following two hikes: You can see these waterfalls already from the access road down into the valley but the best view can be gotten from the Muliwai trail described above as hike #2. If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. I checked the map, packed my backpack, and off I went early in the morning. Cookie Notice Privacy Policy. You can read more about this waterfall at the worldofwaterfalls website. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Use hiking shoes, they help. We don't mind hikes and would like to swim at the beach. It's a magical place. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Visiting the Waipi'o Lookout is must for me every trip. 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. Theres a group of local volunteers that wait up too on the parking lot to check you in and give you a run down on the history. Powered by Invision Community. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. Dont let AllTrails fool you, its actually closer to a 900 foot elevation gain! Traffic in Kailua Kona can be slow, but we found it was more of a problem with congestion trying to drive from one end of the town to the other - e.g. Look east across the beach in the distance and notice a waterfall straight from the cliff onto the rocky shore. They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. While it may seem crowded with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which one would be better to do and why. Are both valleys pretty similiar? Where can I find good live Hawaiian or local music and/or hula? Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. Why do I need to pack warm clothes for a trip to Hawaii Island? I've read that the best way into Wai'pio Valley is a wagon or horse tour, but that it is ok to hike into Pololu Valley. Icelands South Coast: How to Get From Vik to Skaftafell [+ Best Ring Road Trip Stops], Whale Watching in Husavik: The Ultimate Guide+ Tour Review, Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide + Map. Horses roam free and waterfalls cascade from tall cliffs. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hilo to Waipio Valley is about a 1 hour drive, maybe just a little bit more. Waipio Valley is a part of the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast. Why not to use nicknames or English translations, Trip Reports! 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. Great video on reef etiquette. You can extend the hike by going up to the next overlook, too. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Ive driven down Waipio a few times but not sure the reward at the end is worth the walk down and then back up unless you plan on staying for a while. Look for whales offshore in the winter. 1 here. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. Meaning 'long spear' in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. Syr101 - Just a note that there aren't any food concessions at the beaches so bring some food or pick up some along the way if you're planning to eat at the beach. One of the best hikes my husband and I did while on the big Island. The earthquake of 2006? Don't wear sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, etc. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. Savor the Black Sand Beach.
Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii - Tripadvisor Rips, sharky. Good idea to get the car at the King Kam hotel to eliminate the extra time needed for shuttles. Once down at the bottom, it's a nice walk parallel to the beach at Pololu (we haven't hiked down Waipio, but I think it's the same there however, there's a creek at the bottom of Waipio that could be difficult to cross if the water is high.). However, as a visitor your options are somewhat limited.
Waiulili Falls That was when we realized just how tall this waterfall really was. 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. There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o.
Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Tripadvisor This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. The sign says it's 1.2 miles and over 800' of elevation gain. There are people living in Waipio Valley. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. I think Pololu Valley has more to offer on your way to / from it, than Waipio. Altitude sickness, taking kids, risks when visiting Mauna Kea summit. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Waimanu Valley. Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Snorkeling & diving on the Big Island - Kona Coast & Kohala Coast options. 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. The beach looks beautiful and is a very good place to relax after coming down into the valley, but take care with going into the water. We are experienced and had shoes with good grip and had no problems. Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801 , Honolulu, HI, 96815, Phone: 800-GOHAWAII, Fax: 808-924-0290, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. We got a lecture from the lady at the top telling us that she was advising people not to hike down. Coming back uphill is easier (no loose rocks). If you're staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, it's a bit closer and might take around an hour. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful.
POLOLU VALLEY - 284 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! That must have been quite the experience! There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited!
Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO Take your time and be careful. avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. Great for first-time visitors. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. We did both last week. Walk west along the beach as far as you can, take care when crossing the stream as the water is as strong as it is cold, and reach the end of the beach underneath the cliff for an unforgettable view. Your email address will not be published. Steep and moments with loose rocks, but so worth it! Locals and tourists alike were free to drive or walk the road (although it was marked as a 4x4 only road). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112324513', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala mountain road- it's a beautiful windswept and sometimes rainswept drive but it's worth it. We walked past all different age groups and everyone was doing just fine Its a quick hike down - 10 ish minutes and coming back up was a solid 20 ish minutes. She didn't seem to work for any authority. Mahalo! Another option is trying to find a parking spot over at the Hapuna Prince Hotel (I was staying at the Hapuna Prince DURING the earthquakes!!) With four days, I wouldnt devote a day to the east side. This is not the actual address of the spot, but it wouldn't let me enter the correct spot since there really isn't an address.
Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Forum And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. The dirt . was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. To get down to the valley floor you must either be a Big Island resident and have your own 4WD car, or be willing to pay for a tour. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Waipio (or Waipio) Valley is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley (wai-pio means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. We took a few contented sighs before slowly getting up for the final . Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. Which Island do you recommend? Cant climb the far side anymore but it is worth sitting on the rocky beach for a while. It was going to be be a stop on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Locals will try to get some wave time in before heading to school/workThe gate keeper is pretty strict on how many cars he will even let through to look for spaces. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! The Kaluahine falls are visible towards to east from the black sand beach on the bottom of Waipio valley. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. Lots of roots and rocks, not too steep. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. Any thoughts/suggestions on whether we should skip Wai'pio (but we plan to go to the lookout) or not? Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is very Rocky down and can be slippery especially after rain. When you get to the bottom, there's a lovely stream, a scenic black sand beach and a unique, lush area just back from the black sand beach that I would swear had fairies living in it. Entrance is free but parking is limited to 5 spots so it's all street parking. Report inappropriate content Lauren D Los Angeles.
Pololu Valley Lookout | Go Hawaii Very steep and is not for people who have a hard time climbing stairs. On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. The trail gets slick when it has rained, but is not terribly difficult. 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Go early or near sunset (it gets quite hot with the black sand. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. I would recommend it. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. I don't think the difference is time are much. Beautiful view at the end and cool rocky beach! I had to leave the valley as I was running out of daylight to cross the rocky path and climb up the incredible steep road back onto the lookout. Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. I was looking at directions on google maps and was thinking of driving back to hotel area via Waimea. Report inappropriate content jgil Columbia, Missouri Level Contributor 93 posts 28 reviews 38 helpful votes 2. I think you'll really enjoy having rental cars very easy to drive in Hawaii (except for Honolulu which is more of a challenge) and it's so nice to just go at your own pace. For Pololu, 1 to 1.5 hours should do it, depending on how much time you want to spend walking along the beach - the path that parallels the beach is through a forest that's 'magical' here's a photo where you can see the path on the left side. Go slow going down. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93728737', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala loop very much, but it would need its own half day to do it right. Contribute to the local initiative by signing the Save Polulu petition at Change.org. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). You can find information on the following topics in our guide: Did you know that the 1995 blockbuster movie Waterworld has a very Hawaiian twist? I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. Waipio valley was home to old Hawaiian kings and once upon a time was densely populated. 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 road shared with vehicles. And, KamaainaK, yeah maybe we'll skip these. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. I thought it was more so on w/e's. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. What to do the day of a red eye flight out. She also had a sheet saying g the trail was closed tomorrow, but again no specific agency. A geotechnical assessment outlining the rockfall and landslide risks associated with traveling along Waipio Valley Road has led the County of Hawaiis to close Waipio Valley Road to visitors. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. The land discovered at the end of the movie by the survivors (spoiler alert!) In part though it depends where you are starting your trip from.
Absolutely stunning scenery, gorgeous the whole way down. Which one? This wild part of the Big Island is home to a series of seven deep valleys, the first of which is Pololu Valley - the next stop. The hike down is scenic and easy because it is 0.5 mile downhill; however, remember you still have to come back up the same way so conserve your water. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park.
Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout - Tripadvisor On the way to Pololu, you can visit Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! Pololu has more rocks on the shoreline and not a place I would swim. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Keokea Beach Park is a great place for a picnic lunch (bring it in yourself, nothing for sale there)scenic boulder beach (not good for swimming) though locals often surf there. The views are incredible. We just didn't want to kill that much time and we never made it back. The trail is slippery at the very top. We would like to visit one of the lookouts - Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout. What is good reef etiquette? The lookout is great for taking pictures so make sure not to forget to bring a camera. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. They are not trail guides and I wonder on who's authority they act, if any. 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. 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. Now however, the valley is mostly wilderness interspersed with taro fields (Taro is a traditional Hawaiian staple food) and a couple of dozens of inhabitants. 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. I've read that the best way into Wai'pio Valley is a wagon or horse tour, but that it is ok to hike into. Kahaluu closed for coral spawning May 5 thru 12 2023. Once down at the bottom, it's a nice walk parallel to the beach at Pololu (we haven't hiked down Waipio, but I think it's the same there however, there's a creek at the bottom of Waipio that could be difficult to cross if the water is high.). Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m).
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. If you are very lucky (or unlucky, that depends on how much you mind the rain) you can see the Kaluahine Falls on your right hand (east) side once you get to the beach. Kailua-Kona to Waipio Valley is about a 1.5 hour drive. The vista that greeted me when I arrived to the valley outlook was breathtaking.
The views are amazing as you take the steep access road into the valley. here's an even better photo (a 360 degree panorama) of the trail at Pololu beach. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. I've read that the best way into Wai'pio Valley is a wagon or horse tour, but that it is ok to hike into. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Powered by Invision Community. Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021 "The community all recognizes, even the ones that were opposed to. Pololu Valley Beach Hike. 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. Its steep but not overly strenuous and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas.
The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide 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. Bird Strike Causes American Flight to Return to Columbus, Hyatt Breaks into Upper-Midscale Market with Hyatt Studios, Another Technical Issue Delays Southwest Flights, United Reveals Historic Expansion of Service in South Pacific, Food Fight: Baseball Players Complaint Against United Sparks Online Debate, Mishandled Bags, Oversales Increased in 2022, ANA and IHG Hotels Deepen Commercial Agreement in Japan, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Delta Sky Club Celebrates Kansas City Lounge Opening, American Express Unveils Refreshed Centurion Lounge Experience in Seattle, Delta Air Lines Plans to Make Sky Clubs More Exclusive, Oneworld Partners American and British Airways Open JFK Terminal 8, United Airlines Opens Grab-and-Go Fly Club in Denver, Experts Agree: Alcohol Should Stay Off Aircraft. Itnwoukd be curious to know how many times she was there. Waipio Valley is basically the one end of this Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast, with the town of Hilo being the other end! After a few minutes you will reach a black-sand beach. Manageable trail for anyone reasonably fit, though it's definitely uneven and required careful footing in places. Theres only just a few spots in the actual parking lot but tons of parking on the side of the road leading in. Beautiful spot to meditate if you go early (8 am) to avoid crowds. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93727428', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hilo, so you wouldnt stop by en route. There were cows at the bottom which was awesome to see. But, which do you all prefer? I've read that the best way into Wai'pio Valley is a wagon or horse tour, but that it is ok to hike into. 8-6 is a good length of time you would be able to get back to Kailua Kona with a comfortable amount of time to spare, and if you have an extra hour there, you can wander around the area near the port. The valley meets the ocean towards the north with a beautiful black sand beach that is cut in two by the river. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? 1. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-1665103', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car firms will allow you to drive even their 4x4.s into the valley.. Take heed take a tour for your safety. Beautiful short hike to the shore, great views on the way down. Its an incredibly sacred place so you always want to be sure that youre respectful of what theyre asking (dont cross the lake at the bottom, leave certain plants alone, etc). Beautiful views! This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them.
FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Big Island - Waipi'o vs Pololu Valley Trail is a perfect hike. Not everyone brings a 4WD car that is allowed to drive down to the valley floor or is up to the challenge of walking down themselves. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down.
Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor