I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. 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. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) A short way across you will come to a stream. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . It is unclear if the trail continues. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. March 3, 2023. Totally closed as of last Friday for all hikers and cars for an indefinite amount of time! Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. Must cross water to go up the other side though. can find more details about the original You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. CARDIO!! Duration: 10 to 11 hours. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. 7 . Saw wild horses at the bottom of the trail. Also the water was too high for us to be able to cross without getting soaked above the knees so we missed the back half because we werent prepared. 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. many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. Getting There. It's also the northernmost valley of the same chain that includes Waipi'o Valley, which was shown on the first trip. 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. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. Polol Valley Hike, Big Island Hawaii 2023 - Hawaii vacation.com Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. Waipio Valley Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. 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. 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! The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. Crossing the river was about knee deep and definitely had some force behind it. . 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. The road was wet while we were there so I'm glad I didn't try to drive it. NEW YORK In terms of color, its not the blackest black sand beach on the Big Island, but the wet sand can make it appear especially black. White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Most references to the Polol Valley trail refer to this trail, which ends where the beach meets the valley floor. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends 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. 1/22/2023. WAIPIO VALLEY ROAD Hike OR drive to Waipio Valley beach OR just see I have done both several times. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout we didn't end up going all the way. Definitely worth walking up the other side. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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 ? Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. MAMMOTH CAVE KY to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike. Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. Also, if you want an adventure, check out Kaumana Caves. 5. Since this hike will likely take 3-4 hours, here is what I recommend you bring with you on the Pololu Valley Hike: The trailhead is at the end of a dead-end road and very easy to find! Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. It also helped that I knew what to expect. Your email address will not be published. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach 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. By: Wasabi Tours. 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. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii Shop around on. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. Youll arrive down to the black sand beach! Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. This series consists of the following valleys: Water has eroded 7 deep valleys into the windward side of the Kohala Volcano of the Big Island. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. 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. Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. Big Island Activities THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND Hike the Pololu Valley - letsgo-hawaii.com Michele Falzone/Getty Images. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. 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. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Muliwai trail brochure What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! Click here to read my full disclosure policy. SNORKELING SHIRTS statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. This river is fed by agricultural runoff, so carefully consider how you treat this water before drinking. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. 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. All rights reserved. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Ultra grateful to the couple from Tennessee who gave us a lift back up in their Toyota Tacoma- even though we left a pricey hiking pole in their car by accident- grateful to have not done the hike up- my body/feet wouldve just gotten too torn up! You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88584435', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai and Maui pretty extensively and will be heading to Maui after BI this trip. Date first visited: . Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. 2. Hike down on broken paved road. Lots of water and snacks. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. Consider making a stop there before you go to Pololu Valley, just in case! Have fun. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. Both times, the parking area was packed. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). Looks good for potentially running also. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. 6. My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Big Island - Waipi'o Valley Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Can these both be done on the same day? It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor --Ernest Hemingway, Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, Re: Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46mHlI3pD0. 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. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. So be careful. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but it was only a mile long so we made it up the steep bits in about 30 minutes. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. Let me know in the comments! Fun stuff. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. High surf, undertow, and rip tides are frequently present so only go in the water if you are a good swimmer and dont get in too deep. 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. Hike Waipio Valley Big Island, Hawaii - Backcountrycow If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. GRAND TETON WY Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. 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. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community The valley floor is 1/4 mile from the trailhead. It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. Glum, cement and cars. It is located on the west side of the island. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. A guy at the entrance said the trail is closed to hikers and cars until further notice. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. Please share your thoughts and comments below. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. 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. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. Pololu Valley as seen from the trailhead. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Waipi'o Valley Big Island Hikes Mahalo! Easy to moderate. The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. There are several levels of visiting 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. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. PEARL HARBOR HI 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. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island Expect 1-1.5 miles of total hiking + beach exploring; more if you continue along Awini Trail, Hike down to beach is moderate to strenuous when hiking out, Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. to reach the bottom, On rainy Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. 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. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. Hawaii Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Best Hikes Big Island - 12 Incredible Adventures - Tripster Travel Guide Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. The reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. Waipio Valley is on the northern peninsula of the Big Island. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. A History of the Waipio Valley on Hawaii's Big Island - TripSavvy Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Very steep. Bryan C. Sacramento, CA. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Although the ground is rocky . Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. Especially with kids. In less than a mile hike, you'll be treated to some of the best views of sheer cliffs and lush rolling valley hills. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. So I guess I do believe in miracles. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Trailhead: Take Hwy. 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. Image by: Floyd Stewart/Flickr. 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.