#1. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Waipio Valley Beach & Muliwai Trail | Hawaii | Hikespeak.com 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 ? The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). 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]. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Right Colleen, I have read about the further hike across Pololu but forgot. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Locals only. Lots of water and snacks. If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . 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. 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! A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. UTAH Theme by 17th Avenue. Trailhead: Take Hwy. 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. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends Polol Valley Big Island Hikes You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Walking back up the road at the end was a bit tough just due to the steep incline. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. to reach the bottom, On rainy If you desire dramatic views of Hawaii Island's northeastern coastline, including impressive cliffs, verdant valleys, and lush landscapes, head to Pololu Valley, Waipio Valley's lesser-known but still just as gorgeous cousin at the end of Hawaii Island's seven major valleys carved into the Kohala Coast. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. 1/22/2023. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. If have a 4x4, do like the locals- back up your truck and park towards the ocean- lay in back of truck -and relax. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. Waipio Valley is on the northern peninsula of the Big Island. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Trailhead: Take Hwy. Followers 1. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. Funny 1. syr101 . 3. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. 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. only come here for the lookout. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine (read more about the geological history of Kohala). POLOLU VALLEY Hike to Pololu Valley beach OR just see the lookout? Download your copy of our The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. Waipi'o Valley Big Island Hikes call before planning any hike. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Theres a sense of magic here. The Volcano Van - Big Island Volcano Tours, Holualoa Inn-Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Latitude: 20.20033933 But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. MAUI Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. Its a rewarding view that allows you to get away from the crowds that do the Pololu Valley Hike. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. 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. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. MUD!! It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI 4 Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in the Fall. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) People are starting the hike, ending the hike, and simply coming to admire the views. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Your email address will not be published. Island of Hawaii Tourism Island of Hawaii Hotels Island of Hawaii Bed and Breakfast Island of Hawaii Holiday Rentals Island of Hawaii Packages Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. 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. Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. Fun stuff. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. HAWAII VOLCANOES HI (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) All of the land upriver is privately owned. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. You have to turn around. Hawaii's Waipio Valley closed indefinitely due to hazardous road - SFGATE See more state parks on the Big Island. NATIONAL LAKESHORES More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Sign indicated trail was closed until 2025, but we parked and immediately hiked down the steep, paved path to the black sand beach without any issues. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Its a shame that they dont realize that hiking one or two switch-backs down toward Polol Beach provides a much better photo vantage. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . 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. 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. Mahalo! Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. 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. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! I ran out of water. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Mahalo! Moderately Adventurous participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase an item linked on this site. NEW YORK 4. I could not tell in person which way it went from the lookout, so if you are planning to go further, you will have to do additional research. When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. we didn't end up going all the way. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there.
