Couldn't cook in the restaurant kitchens, so they set up BBQs outside and they cooked/baked/roasted whatever they could. Hawaii with Kids? You can make this a part of your scenic drive around the Big Island! Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Pololu Valley Lookout. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. 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. Beautiful views! 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. Elevation Gain: 300'. I would recommend it. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! Interested? On the steepest part, it rises 800 ft in only 0.6 miles. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Afternoon trip was good, with shade on the way back up. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112302825', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pololu Valley Lookout. This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. Where can I camp (tent or camper) and what are the rules? Honu_Ohana covered it well. 7. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. I marked that down as a place we will have to stop. I absolutely love the drive through Hawi & Kapaa. Beautiful spot to meditate if you go early (8 am) to avoid crowds. And, KamaainaK, yeah maybe we'll skip these. 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. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. You had to wait until he "unticked" and would allow a car to take that "tick" You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. We would like to visit one of the lookouts - Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout. Waipio is longer and harder but on a road. 3. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Go slow going down. Just curious what your hours in port are? Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. 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. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. [deleted] 2 yr. ago Either way make sure you're respectful. 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. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. Savor the Black Sand Beach. Thanks! The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). 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. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. The trail gets slick when it has rained, but is not terribly difficult. I've read that the best way into Wai'pio Valley is a wagon or horse tour, but that it is ok to hike into. Woman in parking lot "recommended" not to hike, due to weather. Wear good shoes for the descent/ascent part. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. Worth it to get to the black sand beach at the bottom though. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. I think if I only could only visit one, I would do Pololu Valley. Which one would be better to do and why. 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. Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? 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. The report outlines an immediate need to mitigate rockfall and address slope instability and erosion for everyones safety. Beautiful beach. During or after rains the trail can be slippery and because of the relatively steep average grade of the trail (13%) we rate the difficulty as moderate. You had to wait until he "unticked" and would allow a car to take that "tick" You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Get to know this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. As you drive north on Highway 270 where the black lava landscapes of the Kohala Coast give way to the flourishing, green pastures of North Kohala, you'll be rewarded at the end of your journey with an unforgettable view from the Polol Valley Overlook. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! 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. Which one? 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. Horses roam free and waterfalls cascade from tall cliffs. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. 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. Amazing views of ocean, valley, lake, and cliffs. Don't wear sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, etc. The shoreline along Waipio Valley and Pololu Valley can make for dangerous swimming conditions, including a dangerous shorebreak and strong current. north to south or vice versa. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Gorgeous spot to sightsee. Hilo to Waipio Valley is about a 1 hour drive, maybe just a little bit more. Views are Dont post pictures please! Waipio Valley is a part of the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast. lovebigisland.com, gohawaii.com, bigislandguide.com, and so on). 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. This spot is lesser known than the Waipio Valley, but is certainly worth the effort to get to. Keokea Beach Park is a great place for a picnic lunch (bring it in yourself, nothing for sale there)scenic boulder beach (not good for swimming) though locals often surf there. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! Good idea to get the car at the King Kam hotel to eliminate the extra time needed for shuttles. Be aware though that the ocean currents can be strong so do not go into the water too deep. The vistas are different because of the distinct shapes of the valleys. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. 4 days on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Beautiful view at the end and cool rocky beach! At the end of Pololu valley lies a picturesque black sand beach. Why not to use nicknames or English translations, Trip Reports! 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. Where do I stay to visit the east side of the Big Island and/or to see volcano? It is not an all day thing unless you want it to be. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. 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. Coming back uphill is easier (no loose rocks). Powered by Invision Community. Waiulili Falls is the second of the ocean-bound waterfalls accessible via the sacred Waipi'o Valley (the other being Kaluahine Falls). I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. You will lose sight of the waterfalls but fear not and persist, for standing next to Kaluahine Falls is an experience somewhere between calm ecstasy and utter relaxation. 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. One of the best hikes my husband and I did while on the big Island. The only people who have any business in the water might be experienced surfers when surf conditions are just right. No matter what else you do, go to the valley!. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. Go early or near sunset (it gets quite hot with the black sand. The hike down is scenic and easy because it is 0.5 mile downhill; however, remember you still have to come back up the same way so conserve your water. Once down at the bottom, it's a nice walk parallel to the beach at Pololu (we haven't hiked down Waipio, but I think it's the same there however, there's a creek at the bottom of Waipio that could be difficult to cross if the water is high.). They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. Mahalo! You can see the steep Waipio Valley access road, the black sand beach, and taro fields. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Pololu Valley A much easier day hike awaits in the North Kohala district, at the end of a paved highway winding past Hawi. There is a lookout point between the parking area and Waipio Valley where you can get a stunning view over most of the valley and the high sea cliffs stretching out to the west. When you backtrack on Hwy 270 from Pololu, you can take Hwy 250 (from Hawi) which is a very interesting drive, you ascend up to 3,600 feet so you get great views of the coast and island, gives you a real feel for its size. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. That is an option not available at Pololu. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. 8am-6pm. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93723305', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala Mountains, then hike down to Pololu Valley along the beach, then back up for dinner in Hawi, and maybe depending on time of year back around to one of the South Kohala area beaches for sundown. north to south or vice versa. Meaning 'long spear' in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. 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. Awesome ocean views all the way down to the beach. Report inappropriate content jgil Columbia, Missouri Level Contributor 93 posts 28 reviews 38 helpful votes 2. Great for first-time visitors. 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. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Once down at the bottom, it's a nice walk parallel to the beach at Pololu (we haven't hiked down Waipio, but I think it's the same there however, there's a creek at the bottom of Waipio that could be difficult to cross if the water is high.). Several of the images in this guide have been provided by Georgios Tsiminis (Instagram, Flickr). The road down to Waipio valley is one of the steepest roads on the island and quite a ride! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. The Waipio Valley Road is a 25% grade paved road that descends 900 feet in only one mile. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). There is a somewhat steep dirt trail that leads to the valley and the beach (black sand, not good for swimming). 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. Manageable trail for anyone reasonably fit, though it's definitely uneven and required careful footing in places. Level Contributor 1,672 posts Rips, sharky. 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To get here, take Hwy 270 to Mile Marker 28. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. The trail itself is a very steep hill like others have said, its very wet and slippery so can be a challenge to go down and up again unless youre in good shape. Walk west along the beach as far as you can, take care when crossing the stream as the water is as strong as it is cold, and reach the end of the beach underneath the cliff for an unforgettable view. Again, we sat on a log bench looking at the waves and soaked in being misted by an onshore breeze. This is a sublime sacred spot for Hawaiians and visitors alike. I got the feeling that she gave the same recommendation for one reason or another just to stop people from hiking down. The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Not to say Waipio isn't great because it is, but there's something truly special about Pololu and feels more secluded with no cars down there Alarmed-Marketing616 2 yr. ago Loved it.very tranquil when I was there this morningthank you for the advice! These hikes, however, are not easy. Towards the back the valley splits into many fingers, each one with its own waterfall. Which one would be better to do and why. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Locals and tourists alike were free to drive or walk the road (although it was marked as a 4x4 only road). From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. We are experienced and had shoes with good grip and had no problems. They are not trail guides and I wonder on who's authority they act, if any. Same, Pololu valley all the way. Its steep but not overly strenuous and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas. Your email address will not be published. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. What to do the day of a red eye flight out. 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. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Hwy 250 ends close to Waimea, intersecting with Hwy 19. chi_dave - Thank you for the detailed reply! Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. That must have been quite the experience! However, as a visitor your options are somewhat limited. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Trail is a perfect hike. 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]. On your way through Hawi if it's lunch time or close try Bamboo- i love the ambience,, and their fish is good. The one-lane Waipio Valley Road offers only a few spots where vehicles can inch by each other. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. I would highly recommend making time to see them both if possible. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. That must have been quite the experience! Shorter hike down, not on a road. Image credit: hawaiivolcanovacations. Steep and short but worth it! Of course, Waipi'o is the better hike. At the bottom of the steep road turn left to explore inlands, where banana and avocado trees line the road leading into the valley. was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) Awini Trail. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. Emerald, foliage-filled cliffs, cradling Pololu's valley floor and its winding, freshwater stream. Ocean sounds the whole way. Hi'ilawe Falls Hi'ilawe Falls for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.).

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