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. The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. 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. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. Really good bodysurfing here. 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. The views are incredible. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Beautiful views! 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. These falls only exist when it is raining a LOT. 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. Hawaii with Kids? Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. Just curious what your hours in port are? I am thankful that this sacred place of the Hawaiian ancestors is being shared with visitors. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. On your way through Hawi if it's lunch time or close try Bamboo- i love the ambience,, and their fish is good. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. Honopue. Worth it to get to the black sand beach at the bottom though. Waiulili Falls is the second of the ocean-bound waterfalls accessible via the sacred Waipi'o Valley (the other being Kaluahine Falls). Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 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. Mahalo! As a first-time visitor to the Big Island I didnt know what to do so I got some local knowledge on where I could go to make memories. 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. 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. ending, but rather Waipio valley. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. I think if I only could only visit one, I would do Pololu Valley. People do it, but it's not as fun that way. Itnwoukd be curious to know how many times she was there. 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!!) Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Altitude sickness, taking kids, risks when visiting Mauna Kea summit. 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. 3. There were cows at the bottom which was awesome to see. Turn right once you reach the valley floor to get to this beautiful black sand beach. The hike wasn't bad, and we are not hikers. The Waipio Valley Road is a 25% grade paved road that descends 900 feet in only one mile. Want to report conditions for this trail? It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. Where to stay on the west side; Kona districts vs. Kohala districts. In Pololu Valley, a lush tropical forest surrounds 500-foot-high cliffs and fronts, an ocean that often has high surf and rough waves. Walk back along the beach and prepare for a tricky trek along boulders battered by the waves and a constant spray of salty water. The earthquake of 2006? For more information, please see our 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. 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. - You want to see some great photos? This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. . If Pololu then you could make a day of it by early breakfast in Waimea, then up and over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. I thought it was more so on w/e's. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Locals and tourists alike were free to drive or walk the road (although it was marked as a 4x4 only road). That seems right to me. I also like the North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres only just a few spots in the actual parking lot but tons of parking on the side of the road leading in. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. You can read more about this waterfall at the worldofwaterfalls website. 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. Black sand, trees down to the water and huge waves barreling onto the beach make for an experience that is hard to describe. Some, if not all, car rental companies here on the Big Island explicitly mention in the rental agreement that it is not permitted to drive your rental car down into Waipio valley. We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o. Coming back uphill is easier (no loose rocks). Swimming in summer should be good. Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. At the bottom of the steep road turn left to explore inlands, where banana and avocado trees line the road leading into the valley. (driving directions using google maps). I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. Note ancient cobble stones still embedded in sections of the trail. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. The average grade of the road is 25%, but peaks at 40%. Quite a few picnic tables, one on top of a small hill by the shore, with a covered area. 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. 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. 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. I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. This is one of my favorite hikes on the big island. Hi'ilawe Falls Hi'ilawe Falls As of September 19, 2022 access to the valley floor with a covered 4WD vehicle (no ATV!) If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. To this day, the memory of Waipio Valley fills me with joy and dreams of going back. 10/10 would do again. Limited parking at the top but it doesnt seem like many people go there. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. Waipi'o Valley This trail DOES NOT go all the way to Waipio Valley. If I ever go back I will definetly do one of the tours, but we don't feel bad about missing it because of all the other things we saw. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. If you are driving to points west from Hilo, then swinging by Waipio makes sense. With four days, I wouldnt devote a day to the east side. 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! Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. Towards the back the valley splits into many 'fingers', each one with its own waterfall. No matter what else you do, go to the valley!. 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. My husband and I will be staying on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Sacred to ancient Hawaiians, the fertile Pololu Valley thrived. avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. 8am-6pm. Also consider visiting lovely Waialea Bay (small admission charge for Hapuna State Park). Mud reported earlier is mostly dry. If you prefer more isolated areas, Pololu Valley may be a better choice for you. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. 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? For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. Amazing views of ocean, valley, lake, and cliffs. We're staying at Fairmont Orchid. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. Entrance is free but parking is limited to 5 spots so it's all street parking. Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! 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. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. north to south or vice versa. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. Which one? More information at the Keokea beach park website. Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys . The reason Im giving this such a low rating is because you literally can not do anything but walk up and down the hill. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. Go to Waipio Valley. 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. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. 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. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor. The only people who have any business in the water might be experienced surfers when surf conditions are just right. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Elevation Gain: 300'. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. Ocean sounds the whole way. 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. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. 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!!) Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. Liliuokalani Gardens. One of the best hikes my husband and I did while on the big Island. Honu_Ohana covered it well. 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. 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. Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? It was raining the day we hiked. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. The valley and black sand beach at the bottom are beautiful. They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. 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. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. She didn't seem to work for any authority. 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]. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. I got the feeling that she gave the same recommendation for one reason or another just to stop people from hiking down. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. I think Pololu Valley sounds like the better option. Polol Valley is another one of the seven valleys along Kohala volcano that's been sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021 "The community all recognizes, even the ones that were opposed to. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. I and a lot of others on this fourm have a ton of bad experiences with bad folks down there.. No (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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. Cant climb the far side anymore but it is worth sitting on the rocky beach for a while. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. Which one would be better to do and why. We had allotted 3 hours but could only spend 2 and could have done it all in an hour without rushing. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112302825', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pololu Valley Lookout. 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! Trail is a perfect hike. I do not think either is advised as a good swimming place. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). Manageable trail for anyone reasonably fit, though it's definitely uneven and required careful footing in places. The town of Hawi (on the way to Pololu) is good for a lunch or ice cream stop. Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. Honokne Nui. 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 rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93728737', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala loop very much, but it would need its own half day to do it right. After a few minutes you will reach a black-sand beach. But without knowing your vision of a short visit to this huge island, its hard to advise. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Thanks all the advice. Right around 400 feet. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. The report outlines an immediate need to mitigate rockfall and address slope instability and erosion for everyones safety. The Hwy ends at a viewpoint that overlooks the valley with its scenic backdrop of steeply scalloped coastal cliffs spreading out to the east. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. Icelands South Coast: How to Get From Vik to Skaftafell [+ Best Ring Road Trip Stops], Whale Watching in Husavik: The Ultimate Guide+ Tour Review, Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide + Map. How do I get from the airport to my hotel? 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. She also had a sheet saying g the trail was closed tomorrow, but again no specific agency. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. This beach is known for its rip currents and high surf, making it a dangerous place to go swimming especially during the winter months. Report inappropriate content Lauren D Los Angeles. Great video on reef etiquette. These hikes, however, are not easy. 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. The drive to the Lookout is worth it in any case, for that iconic view and photos. What to do the day of a red eye flight out. Waipio valley was home to old Hawaiian kings and once upon a time was densely populated. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. For wither, you get to walk along shore. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. A geotechnical assessment outlining the rockfall and landslide risks associated with traveling along Waipio Valley Road has led the County of Hawaiis to close Waipio Valley Road to visitors. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. As others said its sacred grounds so everything is closed down. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Meaning 'long spear' in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. Contribute to the local initiative by signing the Save Polulu petition at Change.org. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. Must see. You can see this now as a series of 7 valleys (a valley has a flood plane at the valley floor) of which Polol Valley is the most northern one. Respect the private land and the people living in the valley. 4. 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. 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. Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? The highway ends at the picturesque lookout for this valley. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. 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. 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. 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). The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. If I LOVE the Mauna Lani, where would we stay on Maui? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. Of course, Waipi'o is the better hike. 4. You can stick around for 10 minutes to snap a few pictures of the breathtaking coastline and take in the scenery but the real attraction at Pololu is the short but steep hike down into the valley and the black sand beach at the valley floor. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. Take the time to explore. Respecting Hawaiian place names. Definitely Pololu, and definitely hike down to the beach, its beautiful from above but awesome when your down at sea level. 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. Hiking shoes encouraged, but not impossible in tennis shoes. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). 7. While it may seem crowded with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Turbulent surf crashing on the black sands of the valley's rocky beach and shoreline. Great for first-time visitors. Why do I need to pack warm clothes for a trip to Hawaii Island? Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. 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. Awesome ocean views all the way down to the beach. At the end of Pololu valley lies a picturesque black sand beach. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. If you do go down to the valley floor make sure to bring your swimsuit. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. Gorgeous spot to sightsee. How can I visit Mauna Kea summit and/or the Visitor Information Station? for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112271019', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Big Island tourist site (e.g. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. Waipi'o Valley Road is a county road that used to be treated mostly just like any other road, despite being the steepest road in the USA. There was no need for concern. The dirt . We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. Interested? On the way to Pololu, you can visit Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Where can I camp (tent or camper) and what are the rules? Pololu valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala. 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. Park your car in the small parking lot that is literally at the . 1: Kauai Overview 2: Things to Do 3: Where to Stay 4: Popular Sights and Destinations 5: The Npali Coast 6: Kauai Itinerary 7: Kauai blog posts. Truly a MUST do if youre on the big island. Because the valley is at the end of the road you will pass a few cool places and things to do that make it easy to make visiting Pololu valley part of a half or whole day road trip. Its a 90 minute adventure if you hang out for a while in the valley. 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. I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. 1 here. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Beautiful beach. 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. The hike down the side of the cliff to the valley floor is short but steep: ~420 ft in 0.6 miles (126 meters in 1.0 kilometers) and takes about 20 to 25 minutes for the average hiker. You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We were incredibly disappointed. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island.
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