BRYCE CANYON UT Head out to the rocky beach for a view of the ocean and rugged coastline. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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! The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. With more time and better weather, we would have attempted the longer hike to Waimanu. so sad! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. But the hike up is quite steep. Mahalo! YELLOWSTONE WY He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. I ran out of water. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." 2. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Should be great! Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. 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. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. BADLANDS SD It is still a gorgeous, worthy hike even if you are heading down to the beach. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 Or read my tips for PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP in a National Park. The view from the third switchback of Z-Trail offers the most amazing view of Waipio Valley and is well worth the effort to reach. Steep but beautiful! 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. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 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. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. syr101 . Absolutely beautiful. By doing the hike, youll get better views of the black sand beach as youre going down, and its a nice scenic coastal hike! If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the Northeast Coast together or is it a jungle bushwack beyond the above mentioned valleys making a connection between the roads at either end a near impossibility? MICHIGAN 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. 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. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. NORTH DAKOTA 4. . 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. Tried to hike to waterfall but it crosses into private property and couldnt get to it. 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. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! The Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls were nice, but not really hikes. You can also park By doing the hike, you . Although this is lovely, I recommend further exploring the Pololu Valley and continuing to hike to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. 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. 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. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. we didn't end up going all the way. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. Youll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. Just dont expect a quiet reprieve into nature. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. Also, if you want an adventure, check out Kaumana Caves. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. 1/22/2023. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Big Island Activities Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 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. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. 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. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. A short way across you will come to a stream. It is located on the west side of the island. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. 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. The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . On the day we hiked, it was pretty crowded and there were lots of cars driving throughout the trail (maybe one ever minute or two). The photos he took were spectacular. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Great info Colleen and RJ. 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. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. And then basically you will be driving to a dead end. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. I started walking down in order to get away from the people, but was surprised it really was a road, not a trail, and the vans driving down were a bit of a turn-off. Trailhead: Take Hwy. 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. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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 . ZION UT You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. 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. Your email address will not be published. (driving directions using google maps). Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED].