The earthquake from2006 is evidence of such. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. IDAHO The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. WIND CAVE SD Come prepared! Unfortunately, you won't find a short walk to this black sand beach in Hawaii. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. Please try again. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original 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. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Beautiful Big Island Waterfall Hikes - Hawaii Travel with Kids Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach 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. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. 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. Polol Valley Hike, Big Island Hawaii 2023 - Hawaii vacation.com If you take the time to drive all the way toPololu Valleyat the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! 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. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND . 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. While the "hike" down to the beach isn't extensive, it's so rewarding. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. 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. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. 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. 2. With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Island of Hawaii. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . MICHIGAN WYOMING There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. Nearly all streams in Hawaii pose the threat of bacteria. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas. The vegetation is so thick that you do not get a view of the ocean. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) So, Have you been to Polulu and want to go back again? This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Easy to moderate. . The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. The crossing might be dry. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. 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. But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! 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. I suppose it is easier to slip and slide your way downhill instead of uphill. If youre Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. The third guich is higher in elevation and some of the trail is very tricky with barely any trail walking the sides of loose slope but with some helpful ropes to keep you from sliding down hill. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. I'll make an argument for heading up to North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Start at the small, 10-car parking lot at the Pololu Valley Lookout and follow signs for the Awini Trail descending down 300 feet over half a mile to the valley floor and the beach. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Hike the Pololu Valley - letsgo-hawaii.com Day 6: Big Island Road Trip Itinerary (Waipi'o Valley and Polol Valley) Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. Island of Hawaii. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. It's a short but steep hike, and parking is . Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. Views EVERGLADES FL 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]. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! NEW YORK 4. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. Waipio Valley Hike Guide: Directions, Length, and Trail Map Home It then passes through 12 smaller gulches on a . Consider the Salomon Trail Sense trail running shoes, which have amazing grip and flexibility while still looking like a regular shoe. 5. Bummer! 11:00-1:00: Take a Road Trip to Hip Hawi (#28) and explore Kapa'au. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . Waipio Valley - Waimea Message Board - Tripadvisor There is limited parking space available at the lookout point with minimal space to turn around so it is possible you need to turn around and park your car on the shoulder of the road and then walk back a few minutes to the valley entrance. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. Answer 1 of 8: We are planning to spend an entire day hiking down the trail in Waipo ValleyIs there a parking area at the top ?Do we need a permitI know that there is private property there and we will respect that by not trespassing, just. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. 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! Stunning View of the Waipio Valley #shorts - YouTube May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. There are also horses on the trail. PEARL HARBOR HI The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . . done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. If you are going to Pololu Valley during whale season (between ~December and March) and want to include a whale-watching picnic to your visit you should start by checking out our DIY whale watching tips. So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. It is located on the west side of the island. Going Beyond Polulu Valley-Hard Hike On Hawaii Island Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley LANAI Maybe its best to think of this as a half day activity. one of my friends got a cut on their ankles and we asked a local for a ride up and not having to climb us was the highlight of the trip, INDEFINITE CLOSURE: as of February, 2022, the road leading to this trailhead, Wai'po Valley Road, is closed indefinitely. 3. Pololu Valley Lookout. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Copyright 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Alternatively, you may use, Island of Hawaii Hotels and Places to Stay, Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia, http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout POLOLU VALLEY TRAIL--BIG ISLAND - thehikinghi Pololu Valley was formed over 250,000 to 300,000 years ago when the Kohala Volcano experienced a huge collapse and landslide with a large part falling into the ocean and creating this massive gulch and valley that we see today. 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. Insanely popular trail the parking area was already busy by 8:30 am. BADLANDS SD Can these both be done on the same day? The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. Locals only. The valley was the permanent home for Hawaiian ali'i (royalty) until the time of King Umi-a-Lloa. Since you can find similar views at Pololu Valley, I'd save Waipi'o Valley for a time when the road has re-opened and it's safe to hike down to the valley. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. 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). Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. The trailhead begins at the end of the road. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. If you head over to the stream, you will see a beautiful view of the Pololu Valley. It takes about 30 - 45 minutes, but the walk back up will take anywhere between 1 - 1.5 hours depending on your level of physical fitness. 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! It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! OR if youre headed to a National Park at the last minute, check out my tips for GETTING A WALK-UP PERMIT OR FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE CAMPGROUND. It means its yet another quieter part of the Big Island, and it means its yet another nice scenic drive getting there! Kaloko-Honokhau National Historical Park, Puuhonua o Hnaunau National Historical Park, Ka Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. Its one of those hikes where you start with a downhill, so you will need to climb out at the end. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. YELLOWSTONE WY Don't miss these. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. HALEAKALA HI This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. Once on the valley floor, the flora changes abruptly into large ironwood trees just behind the beach. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed.