Woman in parking lot "recommended" not to hike, due to weather. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) - Links to TR's from 2010 to present. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. Image credit: hawaiivolcanovacations. Waipio Valley Directions and Map Taking Highways 19 and 240 will get you there. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. Camping permits for the valley have been suspended and hiking trails are closed but the County is working on ways to restore public access as safety consideration allow it. 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. She also had a sheet saying g the trail was closed tomorrow, but again no specific agency. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Awesome. Its steep but not overly strenuous and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas. 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. 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. 4 days on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? 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. Start out early at Pololu because parking is scarce there. If youre into photography, one consideration would be that views from Waipio are generally west facing, whereas at Pololu, they generally face east. The trail is slippery at the very top. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Which one would be better to do and why. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. 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. My husband and I will be staying on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The black sand beach fronting the valley stretches for 900 yards and makes for an enjoyable stroll. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 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. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Not at all. Meaning 'long spear' in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. If you do go down to the valley floor make sure to bring your swimsuit. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Beautiful hike!!! We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93713130', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars at the top (and so is Waipio), a lot of people don't hike down. Pololu Valley Lookout is at the end of Hwy 270. Should I camp? 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. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. Again, we sat on a log bench looking at the waves and soaked in being misted by an onshore breeze. 7. Take the time to explore. Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys . As you approach the Pololu Valley Lookout, you'll start to see the grand ocean views even as you're driving. 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. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. 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. 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. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. If Pololu then you could make a day of it by early breakfast in Waimea, then up and over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Must see. The beach looks beautiful and is a very good place to relax after coming down into the valley, but take care with going into the water. Why not to use nicknames or English translations, Trip Reports! The valley and black sand beach at the bottom are beautiful. Emerald, foliage-filled cliffs, cradling Pololu's valley floor and its winding, freshwater stream. Lots of roots and rocks, not too steep. Kailua-Kona to Waipio Valley is about a 1.5 hour drive. 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. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. 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. 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. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. If I could only choose one, which would you recommend? kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. 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. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. 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. north to south or vice versa. Polulu Valley, where North Kohala's main artery, Hwy-270, comes to a dead end, is the last of the chain of inaccessible valleys, and for the moment is every bit as pristine as Waipio. Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. 3. Go early or near sunset (it gets quite hot with the black sand. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. 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. 4. I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. Waipio valley was home to old Hawaiian kings and once upon a time was densely populated. If you're up for a real adventure then find the trail near the far side of the beach and hike up to the top of the ridge between Pololu and the next valley, Honokane Nui. Waimanu Valley. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112270925', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Big Island for 4 nights in April on our way to Maui. will be possible again for Big Island residents, county-permitted tour company operators and those seeking to practice their Native Hawaiian traditional or customary rights. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 1. Pololu Valley Lookout. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. 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!!) Honokne Nui. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. Where do I stay to visit the east side of the Big Island and/or to see volcano? Best boogie boarding, body surfing beaches. Looking for general advice on visiting the Island of Hawaii. For wither, you get to walk along shore. These hikes, however, are not easy. I do hope you hike down the trail from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I marked that down as a place we will have to stop. 5. 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. I would recommend it. 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. Shorter hike down, not on a road. Very steep and is not for people who have a hard time climbing stairs. This spot is lesser known than the Waipio Valley, but is certainly worth the effort to get to. Thanks all the advice. In part though it depends where you are starting your trip from. I checked the map, packed my backpack, and off I went early in the morning. 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. 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. While it may seem crowded with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It is a gorgeous beach (I've stayed there a few times pre-earthquake). 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. We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. If you're staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, it's a bit closer and might take around an hour. Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. Report inappropriate content Lauren D Los Angeles. Really good bodysurfing here. There are no oceanfront resorts. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. What to do the day of a red eye flight out. 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. Need info on backpacking and wilderness camping, Resort Fees on Big Island & Other Islands, Browse all 30,517 Island of Hawaii topics . Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 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 is not on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip on their own, but the real thing to do here is hiking to the black sand beach at the valley floor! 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. Several of the images in this guide have been provided by Georgios Tsiminis (Instagram, Flickr). Honopue. Hiking down gave me a little concern for the return trip. You can extend the hike by going up to the next overlook, too. I and a lot of others on this fourm have a ton of bad experiences with bad folks down there.. No (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The views from the lookout are better at Waipio are better; but if youre willing to walk a bit of the trail into Pololu Valley, views become just as spectacular. Cookie Notice At the King Kam, you shouldn't have too much trouble heading north on #19 - same with coming back. Polol translates to " long spear" in Hawaiian and is named for the many battles that took place in the region. Last time I was there, he kept a "tick" list and wouldn't let anyone through once he ticked off enough cars to take up the public access parking. At the bottom of the steep road turn left to explore inlands, where banana and avocado trees line the road leading into the valley. north to south or vice versa. Liliuokalani Gardens. p.s. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy.
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