pololu valley vs waipio valley
The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We did the hike down into Pololu Valley to the black sand beach. Same, Pololu valley all the way. Its steep but not overly strenuous and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. 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. 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. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. Honokne Nui. People do it, but it's not as fun that way. What can I do--or avoid--to be a responsible visitor? Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. As it became a more popular destination (thanks Instagram), crowding increased, some rockfalls and . The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. 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. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. Waipio (or Waipio) Valley is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley (wai-pio means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. 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 itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. 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. Overview of Waipio Valley from the opposite side. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. The closest restrooms are at the Keokea Beach Park (10 minutes from the overlook) and just behind the King Kameha Statue which you will pass in Kapaau en-route to the overlook from Hawi. 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. 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. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Ditto the above re swimming. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Interested? ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. As of September 19, 2022 access to the valley floor with a covered 4WD vehicle (no ATV!) inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Visiting the Waipi'o Lookout is must for me every trip. Waipi'o Valley Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. 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. I have a car rented at King. If you are driving to points west from Hilo, then swinging by Waipio makes sense. 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. To get here, take Hwy 270 to Mile Marker 28. Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. 2. 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. Any thoughts/suggestions on whether we should skip Wai'pio (but we plan to go to the lookout) or not? At the top you can look down on Pololu valley and a beautiful black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach ). Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. Get to know this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. Polol Valley Lookout. Keokea Beach Park is a short drive off the highway, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau (both towns worth a stop to window shop or grab a snack). 6. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Take the time to explore. 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. What are some good splurge or special occasion restaurants on the Big Island? Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. As you approach the Pololu Valley Lookout, you'll start to see the grand ocean views even as you're driving. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. What is good reef etiquette? Really good bodysurfing here. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast you're staying. 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. Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. 110% worth it!! This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. The drive to the Lookout is worth it in any case, for that iconic view and photos. Locals and tourists alike were free to drive or walk the road (although it was marked as a 4x4 only road). They are not trail guides and I wonder on who's authority they act, if any. Short and fairly steep trail with beautiful views and a black sand and stone beach at the bottom. 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. Sometimes you will encounter horses on the road. While it may seem crowded with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. That is an option not available at Pololu. Hilo to Waipio Valley is about a 1 hour drive, maybe just a little bit more. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Pololu Valley A much easier day hike awaits in the North Kohala district, at the end of a paved highway winding past Hawi. On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. But, which do you all prefer? Park your car in the small parking lot that is literally at the . Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! Which Island do you recommend? Right around 400 feet. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. The parking is just along the road because the parking lot is 10 minute parking only. 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. We just didn't want to kill that much time and we never made it back. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! Awesome ocean views all the way down to the beach. Waipio and Pololu are at either end of a series of valleys Waipio overlook has more 'wow factor' for the view, but Pololu has some great views as well. Pololu has more rocks on the shoreline and not a place I would swim. 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. 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. The vistas are different because of the distinct shapes of the valleys. Hiking shoes encouraged, but not impossible in tennis shoes. I think those days are past me now, though the last time I did it I was 70. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? However, now I'm wondering if we should even do the horse tour if we plan on hiking to Pololu. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. We list below a few things to do / places to see close to Pololu: Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower, restrooms, and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley (2.5 miles, about 10 minutes by car). 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. Why not to use nicknames or English translations, Trip Reports! 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. 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. The one-lane Waipio Valley Road offers only a few spots where vehicles can inch by each other. Level Contributor 1,672 posts Look east across the beach in the distance and notice a waterfall straight from the cliff onto the rocky shore. For wither, you get to walk along shore. Entrance is free but parking is limited to 5 spots so it's all street parking. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Can anyone confirm the closure. 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. 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. So it can be best to visit these beaches for the views only! Beautiful hike!!! Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. Great for first-time visitors. This is a sublime sacred spot for Hawaiians and visitors alike. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The ocean is very powerful here, no swimming! Glad to hear that that route offers nice views. 83 reviews of Pololu Valley Lookout "PLEASE READ! I am thankful that this sacred place of the Hawaiian ancestors is being shared with visitors. Thanks all the advice. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. Good idea to get the car at the King Kam hotel to eliminate the extra time needed for shuttles. Just curious what your hours in port are? 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! Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. 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. Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! You can see the steep Waipio Valley access road, the black sand beach, and taro fields. 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? 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. 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. With four days, I wouldnt devote a day to the east side. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. 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. Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801 , Honolulu, HI, 96815, Phone: 800-GOHAWAII, Fax: 808-924-0290, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. On the steepest part, it rises 800 ft in only 0.6 miles. You can also find bathrooms, a picnic area and historic information at the overlook. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. Waipio Valley is basically the one end of this Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast, with the town of Hilo being the other end! The only people who have any business in the water might be experienced surfers when surf conditions are just right. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near Halemaumau Crater. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. I checked the map, packed my backpack, and off I went early in the morning. Why do I need to pack warm clothes for a trip to Hawaii Island? Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Pololu is the northwestern most of those valleys. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. I think Pololu Valley has more to offer on your way to / from it, than Waipio. 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. The earthquake of 2006? Cant climb the far side anymore but it is worth sitting on the rocky beach for a while. Polol Valley is another one of the seven valleys along Kohala volcano that's been sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. You can find the complete report here and read the Mayors most recent amended (09/16/2022) Waipio Valley Road Emergency Rule No. 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. The dirt . Hikers are respectful by nature, that argument is not good enough to appropriate the whole area. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. After visiting the lookout, stop at Fresh Off The Grid food truck for a yummy snack or meal. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Steep and short but worth it! 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. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. This beach is known for its rip currents and high surf, making it a dangerous place to go swimming especially during the winter months. I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. Where do I stay to visit the east side of the Big Island and/or to see volcano? We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Good idea to get the car at the King Kam hotel to eliminate the extra time needed for shuttles. Waipio Valley is a part of the Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast. The trail gets slick when it has rained, but is not terribly difficult. Directions from Puako: Take Highway 270 to the end at Pololu Lookout in North Kohala. If you do swim, pay attention the the currents as they will pull you down the beach. She also had a sheet saying g the trail was closed tomorrow, but again no specific agency. What to do the day of a red eye flight out. Just curious what your hours in port are? The shoreline along Waipio Valley and Pololu Valley can make for dangerous swimming conditions, including a dangerous shorebreak and strong current. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. Must see. - Links to TR's from 2010 to present. 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. On your way through Hawi if it's lunch time or close try Bamboo- i love the ambience,, and their fish is good. 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. We went to the big island during our honeymoon. It's pretty short and very steep. 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.