The road down to Waipio valley is one of the steepest roads on the island and quite a ride! We have also gone down for a horse back ride, and I have twice hiked down, across the beach and up the other side about half way. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. Traffic in Kailua Kona can be slow, but we found it was more of a problem with congestion trying to drive from one end of the town to the other - e.g. Report inappropriate content jgil Columbia, Missouri Level Contributor 93 posts 28 reviews 38 helpful votes 2. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach, ATV Tours on the Big Island (BIG list of all tour operators), BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding: Rentals, Classes and Tours, You always can get majestic views of Waipio Valley is from the, If you want to get down to the valley floor you must now do so as part of a. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. We did the hike down into Pololu Valley to the black sand beach. The reason Im giving this such a low rating is because you literally can not do anything but walk up and down the hill. We don't mind hikes and would like to swim at the beach. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93725113', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hilo and Akaka Falls during our road trip day. Horses roam free and waterfalls cascade from tall cliffs. The waterfalls that you can see in the final scenes are the Kaluahine Falls which you can only see on rainy days from the ocean or the valley floor. How can I visit Mauna Kea summit and/or the Visitor Information Station? Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Pololu Valley (famous views!) Hike to Pololu Valley beach OR just see Don't wear sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, etc. Waipio Valley is basically the one end of this Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast, with the town of Hilo being the other end! They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. It was raining the day we hiked. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Coming back uphill is easier (no loose rocks). This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Black sand, trees down to the water and huge waves barreling onto the beach make for an experience that is hard to describe. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. The two ahupua'a Polol and Waipio offer different perspectives on the island, and each has a unique sense of grandeur and history. Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. 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. Pololu Valley Beach Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. (driving directions using google maps). From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi'o Valley. Just be sure not to poach any of the loungers that are there for hotel guests, When I visit the Big Island, I always have to make the drive all the way up to the Pololu Lookout. Limited parking at the top but it doesnt seem like many people go there. Dont waste your time on this one, the view is gorgeous but I would never classify this as a hike its simply a walk down a hill to a beach youre not allowed to touch anything on.. skip it and go somewhere else for the day. On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. We are experienced and had shoes with good grip and had no problems. Just curious what your hours in port are? This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. The hike wasn't bad, and we are not hikers. For wither, you get to walk along shore. Waipio valley was home to old Hawaiian kings and once upon a time was densely populated. The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. POLOLU VALLEY - 284 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp . Sometimes you will encounter horses on the road. Waipio Valley is a part of the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. It is a gorgeous beach (I've stayed there a few times pre-earthquake). Couldn't cook in the restaurant kitchens, so they set up BBQs outside and they cooked/baked/roasted whatever they could. Waipi'o Valley Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. What can I do--or avoid--to be a responsible visitor? for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). Locals will try to get some wave time in before heading to school/workThe gate keeper is pretty strict on how many cars he will even let through to look for spaces. You wouldnt have time to hike down. The land discovered at the end of the movie by the survivors (spoiler alert!) Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? Hi'ilawe Falls Hi'ilawe Falls We had allotted 3 hours but could only spend 2 and could have done it all in an hour without rushing. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I would recommend it. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. 8-6 is a good length of time you would be able to get back to Kailua Kona with a comfortable amount of time to spare, and if you have an extra hour there, you can wander around the area near the port. Suggestions: From the Fairmont, hop over to Honokaope black sand beach, at the south end of Mauna Lani Resort, in the 49 Black Sands subdivision. Beautiful views! This is not the actual address of the spot, but it wouldn't let me enter the correct spot since there really isn't an address. Beautiful hike!!! At the end of Pololu valley lies a picturesque black sand beach. lovebigisland.com, gohawaii.com, bigislandguide.com, and so on). Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community 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. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. We would like to visit one of the lookouts - Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Meaning 'long spear' in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. Please stay on the public road when hiking in Waipio valley. Your options to get down to the valley floor with a tour range from: Explore majestic Waipio Valley, the lush and tropical Hamakua Coast, and multiple stunning waterfalls on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii on this day full of fun and exciting adventure. I'll stop in Hawi for Tropical Dreams ice creamyummy:), Probably still worth trying to get one of the spots at Mauna Kea - people come and go all day, so a spot just might be available, or if you get there early enough, it might not be filled yet gorgeous beach, and Hapuna is now charging $5. Locals and tourists alike were free to drive or walk the road (although it was marked as a 4x4 only road). 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 road shared with vehicles. If I could only choose one, which would you recommend? The black sand beach fronting the valley stretches for 900 yards and makes for an enjoyable stroll. Go slow going down. Rips, sharky. Great for first-time visitors. Hwy 250 ends close to Waimea, intersecting with Hwy 19. chi_dave - Thank you for the detailed reply! Now that we have answered some FAQs, lets talk about the best places to watch the sunrise on the Big Island. The trip down the road should never be attempted in a normal car, only four-wheel drive is allowed. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93727428', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hilo, so you wouldnt stop by en route. Cant climb the far side anymore but it is worth sitting on the rocky beach for a while. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. 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You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801 , Honolulu, HI, 96815, Phone: 800-GOHAWAII, Fax: 808-924-0290, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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). One of the best hikes my husband and I did while on the big Island. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. Great for first-time visitors. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. Beautiful trail. These hikes, however, are not easy. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. Shorter hike down, not on a road. It's popular so there are almost always other people there. Oh, so th ehike into Waipio is a serious grade and then to the beach, not sure exactly how long to allow, but its kind of a big deal hike. Syr101 - Just a note that there aren't any food concessions at the beaches so bring some food or pick up some along the way if you're planning to eat at the beach. Honopue. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. I am thankful that this sacred place of the Hawaiian ancestors is being shared with visitors. They are not trail guides and I wonder on who's authority they act, if any. Right around 400 feet. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. Wear good shoes for the descent/ascent part. I think Pololu Valley has more to offer on your way to / from it, than Waipio. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Waipio Valley Directions and Map Taking Highways 19 and 240 will get you there. 3. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Sacred to ancient Hawaiians, the fertile Pololu Valley thrived. As of September 19, 2022 access to the valley floor with a covered 4WD vehicle (no ATV!) here's an even better photo (a 360 degree panorama) of the trail at Pololu beach. I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. If you are only going to the Lookout, I think the WOW factor of Waipi'o is off the charts. Pretty similar views I suppose, you can easily check views with a quick google search or visiting pretty much any (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Which one would be better to do and why. Not at all. We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Swimming at either beach is dangerous (rip currents & undertow), so you'd want to limit your swimming to beaches on the S. Kohala coast on the way there or back. Liliuokalani Gardens. If you do swim, pay attention the the currents as they will pull you down the beach. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout - Tripadvisor They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. So it can be best to visit these beaches for the views only! 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. Pololu Valley Overlook Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide These stones can make it uncomfortable to walk into the water so if you do want to take a swim try to bring shoes that can get wet. Ive driven down Waipio a few times but not sure the reward at the end is worth the walk down and then back up unless you plan on staying for a while. Looking for general advice on visiting the Island of Hawaii. Directions from Puako: Take Highway 270 to the end at Pololu Lookout in North Kohala. The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. Overview of Waipio Valley from the opposite side. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. We were recommended to save time for this hike by 4 different locals. 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 road shared with vehicles. Which Island do you recommend? Waipio valley was his favorite stop on the Big Island, and Georgios has kindly provided us with his impressions of the trip into the valley to read for whomever is interested in doing the same. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. I have a car rented at King. Swimming in summer should be good. We did both last week. Pololu valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala. Absolutely stunning scenery, gorgeous the whole way down. and our What to do the day of a red eye flight out. I have a car rented at King. However, now I'm wondering if we should even do the horse tour if we plan on hiking to Pololu. To get there you have to follow the Akoni Pule Highway (highway 270) until it ends ends 8 miles east of the town of Hawi at the Pololu Valley lookout. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast you're staying. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Polol Valley is another one of the seven valleys along Kohala volcano that's been sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. The dirt . This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Honokne Nui. Park your car in the small parking lot that is literally at the . Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. Look for whales offshore in the winter. You can find information on the following topics in our guide: Did you know that the 1995 blockbuster movie Waterworld has a very Hawaiian twist? Beautiful beach. We're staying at Fairmont Orchid. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. 10/10 would do again. Walking down into the valley is not easy, but listen to the park keepers advice and youll be rewarded by an amazing tropical landscape. Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley This wild part of the Big Island is home to a series of seven deep valleys, the first of which is Pololu Valley - the next stop. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Another option is trying to find a parking spot over at the Hapuna Prince Hotel (I was staying at the Hapuna Prince DURING the earthquakes!!) avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. 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. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! Respect the private land and the people living in the valley. Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys Waipio overlook has more 'wow factor' for the view, but Pololu has some great views as well. Very humid, quite crowded as expected. And once at the beach below, it's anything but crowded. Keokea Beach Park is a short drive off the highway, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau (both towns worth a stop to window shop or grab a snack). Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021 "The community all recognizes, even the ones that were opposed to. Couldn't cook in the restaurant kitchens, so they set up BBQs outside and they cooked/baked/roasted whatever they could. There are people living in Waipio Valley. That must have been quite the experience! Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. The views are amazing as you take the steep access road into the valley. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. I think you'll really enjoy having rental cars very easy to drive in Hawaii (except for Honolulu which is more of a challenge) and it's so nice to just go at your own pace. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. Pololu has more rocks on the shoreline and not a place I would swim. This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. Evidence in the valley suggests trying to descend into the valley with any other vehicle is a bad idea. 8-6 is a good length of time you would be able to get back to Kailua Kona with a comfortable amount of time to spare, and if you have an extra hour there, you can wander around the area near the port. more, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii, Get answers to your questions about Island of Hawaii. They get to share Polols great historical and cultural values, along with the and significance the area has for those living in and visiting Kohala. Let's Go Hawaii - Hiking the Pololu Valley Agree that it's probably best to go to Pololu first, and beaches on the way back - except if you get an early start, I'd try to do a quick stop at the beach at the Mauna Kea resort. Some nice stores with local art work there as well. The trail is slippery at the very top. But, which do you all prefer? The fear of tsunami, which led the Hawaiians to abandon these once densely populated valleys, is probably their best defense against the rapacity of the developers. The beach is split in two by the river coming out of the valley, and depending on the amount of water it can be difficult to cross. We just didn't want to kill that much time and we never made it back. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Waiulili Falls That was when we realized just how tall this waterfall really was. Steep and short but worth it! Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. Waipi'o can also be hiked into, but the hike down is hard and the hike up is murder. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. 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. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. For Pololu, 1 to 1.5 hours should do it, depending on how much time you want to spend walking along the beach - the path that parallels the beach is through a forest that's 'magical' here's a photo where you can see the path on the left side. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. It's pretty short and very steep. That must have been quite the experience! Views are Dont post pictures please! Ditto the above re swimming. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. With a population of less than 75,000, Kauai is truly a small-town island, littered with open space, protected preserves, and old plantation history. Steep and moments with loose rocks, but so worth it! Gorgeous spot to sightsee. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Emerald, foliage-filled cliffs, cradling Pololu's valley floor and its winding, freshwater stream. Pololu Valley Lookout is at the end of Hwy 270. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. The one-lane Waipio Valley Road offers only a few spots where vehicles can inch by each other. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide You can read more about this waterfall at the worldofwaterfalls website. Pololu Valley, in contrast, is visited less frequently, and most visitors don't even know that you can hike down to the beach from the lookout point. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. Waipio Valley lookout parking + What's the parking like? I think those days are past me now, though the last time I did it I was 70. 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]. Hiking shoes encouraged, but not impossible in tennis shoes. 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. We just went to the Wai'pio valley lookout but did not do any of the tours because we didn't book anything in advance and the next tour was 2 hours away. That is an option not available at Pololu. Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. Powered by Invision Community. At the King Kam, you shouldn't have too much trouble heading north on #19 - same with coming back. West Side Beaches: Which ones should I visit ? To get down to the valley floor you must either be a Big Island resident and have your own 4WD car, or be willing to pay for a tour. The town of Honokaa near Waipio is worth a stop if you go to Waipio - I think Hawi has more character, but Honokaa is an interesting town as well. Where to stay on the west side; Kona districts vs. Kohala districts. We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. I got the feeling that she gave the same recommendation for one reason or another just to stop people from hiking down. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. I would highly recommend making time to see them both if possible. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. There were cows at the bottom which was awesome to see.
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