Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . The Hawaii Black Sand Beaches (Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Molokai) Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Glum, cement and cars. It is split by the sublime Waipi'o River. 31. 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. We are on the big island for 6 days (I know that's not much but only time everybody was able to get off work). 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. UTAH The huge sea cliffs paralleling a beautiful black sand beach were simply amazing to look at. . You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. The photos he took were spectacular. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. Date first visited: . You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. A little off the beaten path, this hike was our favorite on the Big Island. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. It only takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the valley from the scenic lookout. 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. 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! HAWAII VOLCANOES HI Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. From here, you first follow a very steep road into the Waipio Valley (be careful and watch out for cars). Crossing the river had water a bit above our knees, but again, it was well worth it to get to the rocks at the far end of the beach. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. MICHIGAN Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. A gorgeous visit to Polulu Valley on the west side of Hawaii. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the Northeast Coast together or is it a jungle bushwack beyond the above mentioned valleys making a connection between the roads at either end a near impossibility? Three Days in Waimanu Valley on Hawaii Island - Hawaii Magazine The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. By: Wasabi Tours. But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. 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. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Both times, the parking area was packed. But, it's not a kid-friendly hike. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. GRAND CANYON AZ The Top 10 Hikes on Hawaii Island - TripSavvy 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 ? (driving directions using google maps). https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. Want to report conditions for this trail? days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to The waves here are gnarly, and I wouldnt recommend swimming here, but it is beautiful to see. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. Especially with kids. Beyond that, though, the drive to & from is part of the experience. I have done both several times. 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. Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. The majority of people at Pololu don't walk down, and each time I was at the beach it wasn't remotely crowded. Hawaii's Waipio Valley closed indefinitely due to hazardous road - SFGATE Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the . Hard on the way up, but totally worth it., starts with a decline up to the beach. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. Hiking the Waipio Valley, Big Island | Let's Go Hawaii We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Afterward, most people left the valley, and it has been sparsely . This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And Black Sand Beaches in Hawaii, Everything You Need to Know Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. 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). . Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Waipio Valley - Waimea Message Board - Tripadvisor Download your copy of our So going to Pololu Valley requires a time commitment. As you get to the beach areas there is a variety of camp sites and abandoned sites with refused from ocean findings that probably washed onshore. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Great info Colleen and RJ. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. ATV tours in Kohala ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. Getting There. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). Exploring Hawaii's Big Island volcanoes and valleys | CNN Travel 1/22/2023. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. The Waipio Valley hike down to the beach (hiking back into the valley isn't allowed) is quite a bit steeper and longer, more like 45-60 minutes each way. The ornamental . Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. The crossing might be dry. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! None of this is to say Waipio isn't fantastic. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. Mahalo! The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! ARIZONA There is only one way inby foot on the Muliwai Trail, a nine-mile backpacking trek ascending the north face of Waipio via a series of steep switchbacks (visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout) and winding through miles of plateau gulches and forests before descending treacherous switchbacks on Waimanu's south face to the valley floor. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. 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. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post. Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. There are some switchbacks toward the bottom of the hill. Polol Valley Big Island Hikes With clouds swirling overhead for the duration of my hike, it was bound to happen. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. the fertile Pololu . 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. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail . You can also park 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 . Followers 1. Lots of water and snacks. See more state parks on the Big Island. The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Kamehameha stature here for more information. 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. We saw wild horses at the base of Waipio! Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide All Rights Reserved. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). 84. Bummer! Waipio Valley. The beach is a lovely stretch of fine black sand rimmed with black lava rock and shockingly emerald green beach ground cover. 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. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter, Phantom 4 Drone footage of Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, Pro tip (for the early birds): The Pololu Lookout is a, This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley for hiking? - Island of Hawaii Forum The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Lets get into the hike! I have read about the hike / walk to. A short way across you will come to a stream. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. Polol valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island. The Big Island of Hawaii is simply a treasure trove of beauty. Views Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. only come here for the lookout. High surf, undertow, and rip tides are frequently present so only go in the water if you are a good swimmer and dont get in too deep. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Waipi'o Valley: How to visit and What to see - Love Big Island There are parking spots directly next to the trailhead, but I recommend parking a bit further up the street because the pedestrian flow around this area is almost constant. Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. call before planning any hike. Amazing is an understatement. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community More of the, many black sand beaches on the Big Island, Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. 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. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. JEWEL CAVE SD, HAWAII TRAVEL PLANNING Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, it's beautiful and drive there is as well. The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. Big Island Earthquake Update. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the . 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. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. 2. Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. The Pololu Valley and this coastline are particularly beautiful for the steep, greenery-covered valley walls and dramatic cliffs that fall into the ocean. CARDIO!! These packs would be a more comfortable experience. All of the land upriver is privately owned. Best Hikes Big Island - 12 Incredible Adventures - Tripster Travel Guide Its steeep. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. Head to the end of Akoni Pule Hwy (270) to come to Pololu Valley. You'll hear from me shortly. Nearly all streams in Hawaii pose the threat of bacteria. Once you reach the valley, you'll pass through a small picnic area and can either continue on the path above the beach or go down and wiggle your toes in some black sand. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. There are also horses on the trail. 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/. Hawaii Family Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! 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. Looks good for potentially running also. If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. And so, on a January morning earlier this year, trail shoes, blister cream, extra bandages, water bottles and emergency One-Ton Chips from Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory in tow, we set out from the Pololu Valley lookout ready for anything nature chose to send our way on the hike to the valley floor. This video and the associated comments explain all: "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. By Tiphany Myers. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. There are no lifeguards on the beach and the surf breaks and the beach with undertow is treacherous so swimming is not encouraged on the beach. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley.