These hikes, however, are not easy. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. Any thoughts/suggestions on whether we should skip Wai'pio (but we plan to go to the lookout) or not? 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. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. 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. It's a very well maintained trail and the views at every point are just beautiful. Turbulent surf crashing on the black sands of the valley's rocky beach and shoreline. Polol Valley is another one of the seven valleys along Kohala volcano that's been sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. Honokne Nui. You can also find bathrooms, a picnic area and historic information at the overlook. Which one would be better to do and why. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. Snorkeling & diving on the Big Island - Kona Coast & Kohala Coast options. 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. What can I do--or avoid--to be a responsible visitor? The land discovered at the end of the movie by the survivors (spoiler alert!) Walk west along the beach as far as you can, take care when crossing the stream as the water is as strong as it is cold, and reach the end of the beach underneath the cliff for an unforgettable view. 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. Note ancient cobble stones still embedded in sections of the trail. Great trail! However, as a visitor your options are somewhat limited. 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. 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. Re: Pololu Valley vs Waipi'o Valley 4 years ago Save 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. Same, Pololu valley all the way. If you do go down to the valley floor make sure to bring your swimsuit. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. 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. 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. Report inappropriate content Lauren D Los Angeles. Its an incredibly sacred place so you always want to be sure that youre respectful of what theyre asking (dont cross the lake at the bottom, leave certain plants alone, etc). The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. 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. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Waipio is more of a slog up and down and will take more time but Honoka'a town nearby is a nice stopping off point coming or going. I think we will visit Pololu Valley we stopped at those two historical markers that Chi_Dave mentioned. We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. Image credit: Eric Tessmer, source. Walking down into the valley is not easy, but listen to the park keepers advice and youll be rewarded by an amazing tropical landscape. The only people who have any business in the water might be experienced surfers when surf conditions are just right. These falls only exist when it is raining a LOT. 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. Several of the images in this guide have been provided by Georgios Tsiminis (Instagram, Flickr). At the end of Pololu valley lies a picturesque black sand beach. 6. What are some good splurge or special occasion restaurants on the Big Island? The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. 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. The Hwy ends at a viewpoint that overlooks the valley with its scenic backdrop of steeply scalloped coastal cliffs spreading out to the east. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. - Links to TR's from 2010 to present. I marked that down as a place we will have to stop. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. 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. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. The trail, sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach (Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life POLOLU VALLEY - 284 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. The valley and black sand beach at the bottom are beautiful. If you are only going to the Lookout, I think the WOW factor of Waipi'o is off the charts. 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. Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is 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. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. Great for first-time visitors. We did both last week. 5. Where to stay on the west side; Kona districts vs. Kohala districts. Steep and short but worth it! Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. 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. It was raining the day we hiked. Elevation Gain: 300'. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. I saw other people mention Fresh Off the Grid too for some good smoothies. Afternoon trip was good, with shade on the way back up. To get here, take Hwy 270 to Mile Marker 28. 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. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. 4. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). Day 6: Big Island Road Trip Itinerary (Waipi'o Valley and Polol Valley) To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Really good bodysurfing here. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? Polulu Valley/Waipio Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. Rips, sharky. 7. You wouldnt have time to hike down. The Pololu Valley Lookout gives a spectacular view over the cliffs of the Kohala volcano. Hiking shoes encouraged, but not impossible in tennis shoes. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. Image credit: hawaiivolcanovacations. Start out early at Pololu because parking is scarce there. I got the feeling that she gave the same recommendation for one reason or another just to stop people from hiking down. Now that we have answered some FAQs, lets talk about the best places to watch the sunrise on the Big Island. At the King Kam, you shouldn't have too much trouble heading north on #19 - same with coming back. 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.). Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley Honokne Iki. 83 reviews of Pololu Valley Lookout "PLEASE READ! Polol translates to " long spear" in Hawaiian and is named for the many battles that took place in the region. 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 Pololu Valley. I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. The trip down the road should never be attempted in a normal car, only four-wheel drive is allowed. Aerial overview of Waipio Valley. The reason Im giving this such a low rating is because you literally can not do anything but walk up and down the hill. Swimming in summer should be good. Well worth it! Waipio is longer and harder but on a road. Turn right once you reach the valley floor to get to this beautiful black sand beach. On your way through Hawi if it's lunch time or close try Bamboo- i love the ambience,, and their fish is good. To this day, the memory of Waipio Valley fills me with joy and dreams of going back. The trail is slippery at the very top. 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. We walked past all different age groups and everyone was doing just fine Its a quick hike down - 10 ish minutes and coming back up was a solid 20 ish minutes. 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]. The vertical distance from the overlook point down to the valley floor is 490ft (150m). That is an option not available at Pololu. Amazing views of ocean, valley, lake, and cliffs. 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. 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. Where can I find good live Hawaiian or local music and/or hula? I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. 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. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. We just didn't want to kill that much time and we never made it back. If you are driving to points west from Hilo, then swinging by Waipio makes sense. Pololu is not on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Pololu Valley vs Waipi'o Valley - Island of Hawaii Forum Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is very Rocky down and can be slippery especially after rain. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. At the bottom of the steep road turn left to explore inlands, where banana and avocado trees line the road leading into the valley. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. Couldn't cook in the restaurant kitchens, so they set up BBQs outside and they cooked/baked/roasted whatever they could. On the steepest part, it rises 800 ft in only 0.6 miles. 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. 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. Make a game out of it. Pololu valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala. I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Big Island - Waipi'o vs Pololu Valley There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o. - You want to see some great photos? Horses roam free and waterfalls cascade from tall cliffs. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. Woman in parking lot "recommended" not to hike, due to weather. Beautiful views! Waipio Valley is a part of the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast. If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 4 days on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. I think Pololu Valley sounds like the better option. THE famous Big Island Hawaii valleys - Flashpacking America Beautiful beach. Between the two, I'd go with Pololu. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Ive driven down Waipio a few times but not sure the reward at the end is worth the walk down and then back up unless you plan on staying for a while. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. Go slow going down. Where do I stay to visit the east side of the Big Island and/or to see volcano? Use hiking shoes, they help. They are not trail guides and I wonder on who's authority they act, if any. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys.

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