I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. These horses are among other things used for the guided horseback tours in the valley. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. Wear good shoes for the descent/ascent part. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The hike wasn't bad, and we are not hikers. I don't think the difference is time are much. We took a few contented sighs before slowly getting up for the final . Afternoon trip was good, with shade on the way back up. Pololu Valley, in contrast, is visited less frequently, and most visitors don't even know that you can hike down to the beach from the lookout point. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). Turn right once you reach the valley floor to get to this beautiful black sand beach. My husband and I will be staying on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Liliuokalani Gardens. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 8am-6pm. 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. Beautiful spot to meditate if you go early (8 am) to avoid crowds. The cliffs of the Kohala coastline were formed during a catastrophic landslide between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago during which a large part of the volcano slipped into the ocean. 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 vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Look east across the beach in the distance and notice a waterfall straight from the cliff onto the rocky shore. Awesome. - Links to TR's from 2010 to present. 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! What is good reef etiquette? Altitude sickness, taking kids, risks when visiting Mauna Kea summit. To get here, take Hwy 270 to Mile Marker 28. Interested? Caution, as high surf, undertow, and rip tides occur in the ocean here. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near Halemaumau Crater. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. 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. 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. 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. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Polol translates to " long spear" in Hawaiian and is named for the many battles that took place in the region. 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. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. 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. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. 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. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. 3. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. You absolutely work for it on the way back up but even then its still very doable. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. At the end of Pololu valley lies a picturesque black sand beach. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. Which one would be better to do and why. Suggestions: From the Fairmont, hop over to Honokaope black sand beach, at the south end of Mauna Lani Resort, in the 49 Black Sands subdivision. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. 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. Interested? I think if I only could only visit one, I would do Pololu Valley. 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. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Image credit: hawaiivolcanovacations. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. It's popular so there are almost always other people there. 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. Evidence in the valley suggests trying to descend into the valley with any other vehicle is a bad idea. Get to know this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. People do it, but it's not as fun that way. Go early or near sunset (it gets quite hot with the black sand. Horses roam free and waterfalls cascade from tall cliffs. That must have been quite the experience! 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Any thoughts/suggestions on whether we should skip Wai'pio (but we plan to go to the lookout) or not? We are experienced and had shoes with good grip and had no problems. Elevation Gain: 300'. 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. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. And trip up was much easier than this grandma expected. Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. 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. avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. Fortunately, they only had some cosmetic cracks, even though some of them were pretty scary-looking. There are no oceanfront resorts. 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. 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. Amazing views of ocean, valley, lake, and cliffs. Ditto the above re swimming. here's an even better photo (a 360 degree panorama) of the trail at Pololu beach. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. There was no need for concern. The shoreline along Waipio Valley and Pololu Valley can make for dangerous swimming conditions, including a dangerous shorebreak and strong current. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. 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. I would highly recommend making time to see them both if possible. 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. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. 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. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. I have a car rented at King. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. 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. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. 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. 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. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. Now that we have answered some FAQs, lets talk about the best places to watch the sunrise on the Big Island. I think we will visit Pololu Valley we stopped at those two historical markers that Chi_Dave mentioned. Gorgeous spot to sightsee. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. 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. 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. We just didn't want to kill that much time and we never made it back. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. The highway ends at the picturesque lookout for this valley. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. The waterfalls that you can see in the final scenes are the Kaluahine Falls which you can only see on rainy days from the ocean or the valley floor. Just curious what your hours in port are? On the steepest part, it rises 800 ft in only 0.6 miles. We did both last week. Hwy 250 ends close to Waimea, intersecting with Hwy 19. chi_dave - Thank you for the detailed reply! 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. The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. Pololu has more rocks on the shoreline and not a place I would swim. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. If you do go down to the valley floor make sure to bring your swimsuit. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. Go to Waipio Valley. 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. Must see. How can I visit Mauna Kea summit and/or the Visitor Information Station? Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. You can see the road and some houses and agricultural activity on the valley floor. 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! Start out early at Pololu because parking is scarce there. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley. kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! We were incredibly disappointed. Same, Pololu valley all the way. We don't mind hikes and would like to swim at the beach. Pololu is not on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Best boogie boarding, body surfing beaches. Well worth the walk. 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. Aerial overview of Waipio Valley. Overview of Waipio Valley from the opposite side. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. No matter what else you do, go to the valley!. I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. 2. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 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. The vistas are different because of the distinct shapes of the valleys. Want to report conditions for this trail? Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. And once at the beach below, it's anything but crowded. Just curious what your hours in port are? Small parking lot at end of the road at trailhead. Level Contributor 1,672 posts For wither, you get to walk along shore. What can I do--or avoid--to be a responsible visitor? If you are driving to points west from Hilo, then swinging by Waipio makes sense. We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Itnwoukd be curious to know how many times she was there. The land discovered at the end of the movie by the survivors (spoiler alert!) 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. 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. 4. Several of the images in this guide have been provided by Georgios Tsiminis (Instagram, Flickr). Can anyone confirm the closure. Between the two, I'd go with Pololu. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The black sand beach is a great place for a quick dip. It's a magical place. - You want to see some great photos? 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. Most just get out and take in the view, so if it's full wait a few minutes and a spot will open up. Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Go slow going down. At the top you can look down on Pololu valley and a beautiful black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach ). Your email address will not be published. Take your time and be careful. She didn't seem to work for any authority. lovebigisland.com, gohawaii.com, bigislandguide.com, and so on). 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. Really good bodysurfing here. The earthquake of 2006? Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. That seems right to me. Parking is fairly easy! 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. If youre into photography, one consideration would be that views from Waipio are generally west facing, whereas at Pololu, they generally face east. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-1665103', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car firms will allow you to drive even their 4x4.s into the valley.. Take heed take a tour for your safety. Re: Pololu Valley vs Waipi'o Valley 4 years ago Save 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern . Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Snorkeling & diving on the Big Island - Kona Coast & Kohala Coast options. Thanks all the advice. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. 3. Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. 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. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Trail is slippery when wet and is rocky or packed clay. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. Beautiful trail. The trail is slippery at the very top. Make every step intentional. I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. Right around 400 feet. There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. Be aware though that the ocean currents can be strong so do not go into the water too deep. You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Waipi'o Valley Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The average grade of the road is 25%, but peaks at 40%. Honopue. Views are Dont post pictures please! This 22 mile network of flumes and ditches is essential for the water supply of a part of the island but also made sure that there are no permanent residents anymore in Pololu Valley. 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. 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 sign says it's 1.2 miles and over 800' of elevation gain. 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. Note ancient cobble stones still embedded in sections of the trail. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021 "The community all recognizes, even the ones that were opposed to. 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As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Walking down into the valley is not easy, but listen to the park keepers advice and youll be rewarded by an amazing tropical landscape. 5. 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. 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. 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. I thought it was more so on w/e's. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. 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. Well worth it! We are staying in the Waikaloa area. Woman in parking lot "recommended" not to hike, due to weather. I got the feeling that she gave the same recommendation for one reason or another just to stop people from hiking down. Take the time to explore. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Really good bodysurfing here. You can make this a part of your scenic drive around the Big Island! As of September 19, 2022 access to the valley floor with a covered 4WD vehicle (no ATV!) 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. 1 here. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Polol Valley Lookout. These hikes, however, are not easy. 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! Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. 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.
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