When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. we didn't end up going all the way. 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. For something a bit different, take a look at Kalopa State Park. After you pass mile marker 28, you'll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. There is room for about 10 cars at the end of the road in a parking area that fills up quickly, especially on weekends. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Dont hike this trial - take a 4x4 down and up. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. . Pololu valley and waipio valley - Island of Hawaii Forum On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. Waipio Valley Lookout discounts - what to see at The Big Island (Hawaii island) - check out reviews and 4 photos for Waipio Valley Lookout - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Waipio Valley Lookout You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On 2022 Closure Notice On February 25, 2022, the County of Hawaii issued an Emergency Rule announcing the closure of Waipio Valley Road to visitors as a precautionary safety measure and to further assess and mitigate . 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. One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. At least 1 liter of water You cannot go wrong with, Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Stay Organized with this Trip Planning Template, Day 4 was our last day on the river, and I finally, Lodge fashion is a little different from river fas, Primarily rafting, we also did a little hiking on, A Rogue waterfall! Great hike. Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. The cliffs of the Kohala coastline were formed during a catastrophic landslide between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago during which a large part of the volcano slipped into the ocean. Can you still hike into Waipio Valley? | Dependable 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. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. so sad! Must cross water to go up the other side though. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? The 9-mile Muliwai Trail from Waipi'o Valley into Waimanu Valley is rough, hazardous and extremely steep in spots, so only experienced backcountry hikers should attempt it. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). Not only is Pololu valley scenic as an overlook at the end of road, but the hike and views going downhill, the walk across the gorgeous black sand beach is a wonderful experience. picture taking. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! You have to turn around. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. No . Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum More information at the Keokea beach park website. public services or lifeguards at the beach, Bring plenty In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley 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! Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. This short trail has beautiful coastal views. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. BIG ISLAND Pololu Valley - Savor the Moment Photography Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. So detoured then to the beach- amazingly beautiful- and what was beautiful was the people we met along this hike. 18. LANAI We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. Over all its 25% grade. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to syr101 . Big Island Hawaii VR Tour in 360 - VTHawaii.com It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. Steep on the way down but you really feel it on the way back. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. Big Island vs Maui: Food. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. I have read about the hike / walk to. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. Polol Valley Big Island Hikes 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. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive time is not too much different to either. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. 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. Mahalo! In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Waipi'o Valley hike time: The hike will take a total of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the fitness level of the group and time spent exploring the valley floor. The Waipio Valley hike is one of the most beautiful and magical hiking spots on the Big Island. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And Locals only. PICTURED ROCKS MI Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land. 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. Your email address will not be published. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. Useful 3. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. 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. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. If youre challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. Kamehameha stature here for more information. . It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. 2. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends