Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 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. 1: Maui Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Road to Hana (Maui) 6: Maui Itinerary 7: Maui blog posts, The second-biggest island in the chain, much of Mauis appeal comes from its natural landscape and biodiversity, including its two massive volcanoes, whale watching and marine ecosystems, 1: Oahu Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: Oahu Beaches 6: Oahu Itinerary 7: Oahu blog posts. Towards the back the valley splits into many 'fingers', each one with its own waterfall. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! I saw other people mention Fresh Off the Grid too for some good smoothies. Id do a North Kohala excursion, which is far more convenient to where youre staying. Any thoughts/suggestions on whether we should skip Wai'pio (but we plan to go to the lookout) or not? Black sand, trees down to the water and huge waves barreling onto the beach make for an experience that is hard to describe. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 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. Which one would be better to do and why. Pololu Valley Lookout is at the end of Hwy 270. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. I think Pololu Valley has more to offer on your way to / from it, than Waipio. The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. The trip down the road should never be attempted in a normal car, only four-wheel drive is allowed. Take the time to explore. 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. As it became a more popular destination (thanks Instagram), crowding increased, some rockfalls and . Kahaluu closed for coral spawning May 5 thru 12 2023. Park your car in the small parking lot that is literally at the . I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. Pololu Valley Beach Hike. We did the hike down into Pololu Valley to the black sand beach. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. If Pololu then you could make a day of it by early breakfast in Waimea, then up and over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). And, KamaainaK, yeah maybe we'll skip these. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. 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. Leaning toward Waipi'o Valley, seems less crowded and just as beautiful. If you are only going to the Lookout, I think the WOW factor of Waipi'o is off the charts. Please stay on the public road when hiking in Waipio valley. This is a sublime sacred spot for Hawaiians and visitors alike. Thanks for all of your help! Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. It's a magical place. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112324513', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala mountain road- it's a beautiful windswept and sometimes rainswept drive but it's worth it. Going Beyond Polulu Valley-Hard Hike On Hawaii Island They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. 8am-6pm. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. 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 beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. There people are often volunteering their time to give visitors information about visiting the valley and the make sure parking only happens in allowed spaces. We got a lecture from the lady at the top telling us that she was advising people not to hike down. Hi'ilawe Falls Hi'ilawe Falls The vistas are different because of the distinct shapes of the valleys. I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. Hiking down gave me a little concern for the return trip. You can read more about this waterfall at the worldofwaterfalls website. Pololu Valley lookout parking (views!) + What's the trailhead parking Theres a group of local volunteers that wait up too on the parking lot to check you in and give you a run down on the history. There was no need for concern. The highway ends at the picturesque lookout for this valley. POLOLU VALLEY, Hawaii Island One of the Big Island's most scenic spots is experiencing mounting pressure from tourists and locals alike as interest in nearby real estate also grows, according. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. 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. We had allotted 3 hours but could only spend 2 and could have done it all in an hour without rushing. Walking down into the valley is not easy, but listen to the park keepers advice and youll be rewarded by an amazing tropical landscape. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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. You can also find bathrooms, a picnic area and historic information at the overlook. Gorgeous spot to sightsee. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. When you get to the bottom, there's a lovely stream, a scenic black sand beach and a unique, lush area just back from the black sand beach that I would swear had fairies living in it. If you take the time to drive all the way to Pololu Valley at the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. 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.). Pololu Valley Lookout | Go Hawaii But, which do you all prefer? Beautiful views! Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? 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. At the King Kam, you shouldn't have too much trouble heading north on #19 - same with coming back. Where do I stay to visit the east side of the Big Island and/or to see volcano? Now that we have answered some FAQs, lets talk about the best places to watch the sunrise on the Big Island. Thanks all the advice. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. At the bottom of the steep road turn left to explore inlands, where banana and avocado trees line the road leading into the valley. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. 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!!) We took a few contented sighs before slowly getting up for the final . Of course, Waipi'o is the better hike. THE famous Big Island Hawaii valleys - Flashpacking America p.s. I marked that down as a place we will have to stop. 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.). On your way through Hawi if it's lunch time or close try Bamboo- i love the ambience,, and their fish is good. Pololu Valley Overlook Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide Fortunately there are enough people with this issue to sustain a lively business of Waipio Valley tours that take people down to the valley floor. 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. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. lovebigisland.com, gohawaii.com, bigislandguide.com, and so on). 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? Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. But without knowing your vision of a short visit to this huge island, its hard to advise. It is not an all day thing unless you want it to be. For Waipio Valley, you walk on a two land road so do have to dodge traffic, plus I think it's a much steeper and longer walk). Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys . The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Wear hiking boots to walk on lava (not much sand at the beach) and show respect to the Hawaiian ancestors buried near here by not going into the forest past the ropes. Thank you Amy! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. and our Some bitched and moaned about not being able to use the elevator, not being able to get right back to the rooms (they checked every one of them for issues like things fallen off walls, TVs fallen down, cracks), stuff like that. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. 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. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. Makes for a really good mindfulness practice. 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. As others said its sacred grounds so everything is closed down. 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. From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi'o Valley. Want to report conditions for this trail? Views are Dont post pictures please! Caution, as high surf, undertow, and rip tides occur in the ocean here. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. Make a game out of it. 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. The Kaluahine falls are visible towards to east from the black sand beach on the bottom of Waipio valley. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. 110% worth it!! Pololu Valley Lookout. Honokne Iki. Thanks! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. Theres only just a few spots in the actual parking lot but tons of parking on the side of the road leading in. The trail climbs the eastern ridge of Pololu through a series of muddy and often slippery switchbacks and leads to a wooden bench that overlooks the Honokane Nui Valley and part of the Honokane Iki Valley. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. I absolutely love the drive through Hawi & Kapaa. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. One of the best hikes my husband and I did while on the big Island. Quite a few picnic tables, one on top of a small hill by the shore, with a covered area. If you are very lucky (or unlucky, that depends on how much you mind the rain) you can see the Kaluahine Falls on your right hand (east) side once you get to the beach. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. 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. It's a very well maintained trail and the views at every point are just beautiful. Why do I need to pack warm clothes for a trip to Hawaii Island? here's an even better photo (a 360 degree panorama) of the trail at Pololu beach. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) People do it, but it's not as fun that way. Not everyone brings a 4WD car that is allowed to drive down to the valley floor or is up to the challenge of walking down themselves. Powered by Invision Community. The earthquake of 2006? Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. . As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. However, now I'm wondering if we should even do the horse tour if we plan on hiking to Pololu. 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. Lush green forests covering every hillside and a beckoning black beach made for a timeless landscape. 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. The water that carved out these valleys is also the reason why these valleys were a popular place to live for the native Hawaiians: a constant supply of water is essential to grow culturally significant crops such as Taro.
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