pololu valley vs waipio valley

The vistas are different because of the distinct shapes of the valleys. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. It is not an all day thing unless you want it to be. Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout - Tripadvisor This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. I had to leave the valley as I was running out of daylight to cross the rocky path and climb up the incredible steep road back onto the lookout. The town of Hawi (on the way to Pololu) is good for a lunch or ice cream stop. Right around 400 feet. Honokne Nui. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Gorgeous spot to sightsee. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. This spot is lesser known than the Waipio Valley, but is certainly worth the effort to get to. The trip down the road should never be attempted in a normal car, only four-wheel drive is allowed. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Sometimes you will encounter horses on the road. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. It is a gorgeous beach (I've stayed there a few times pre-earthquake). Pololu Valley Beach Hike. Directions from Puako: Take Highway 270 to the end at Pololu Lookout in North Kohala. 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. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. The drive to the Lookout is worth it in any case, for that iconic view and photos. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Big Island - Waipi'o vs Pololu Valley It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. This is one of my favorite hikes on the big island. They by coming back down #250 you get a completely different view and it makes a loop of the drive per this route. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. Going Beyond Polulu Valley-Hard Hike On Hawaii Island Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Rips, sharky. 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. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021 "The community all recognizes, even the ones that were opposed to. 4. - Links to TR's from 2010 to present. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. 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. After a few minutes you will reach a black-sand beach. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. and our Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. 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. That must have been quite the experience! Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Park your car in the small parking lot that is literally at the . It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! Lush green forests covering every hillside and a beckoning black beach made for a timeless landscape. 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). Entrance is free but parking is limited to 5 spots so it's all street parking. 6. 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. 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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. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. Pretty similar views I suppose, you can easily check views with a quick google search or visiting pretty much any (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hawaii with Kids? Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. And, KamaainaK, yeah maybe we'll skip these. These falls only exist when it is raining a LOT. 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. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. 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. We would like to visit one of the lookouts - Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout. Meaning 'long spear' in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. Let's Go Hawaii - Hiking the Pololu Valley On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. 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. It is drier than Waipio and lacks waterfalls, but it is lovely in its own way. That is an option not available at Pololu. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. Pololu Valley Overlook Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide Lots of roots and rocks, not too steep. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. The vista that greeted me when I arrived to the valley outlook was breathtaking. Small parking lot at end of the road at trailhead. 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. Theres only just a few spots in the actual parking lot but tons of parking on the side of the road leading in. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! POLOLU VALLEY - 284 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp To this day, the memory of Waipio Valley fills me with joy and dreams of going back. The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life 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? I hear Waipio may be closed to non-residents, so a moot point. The ocean is very powerful here, no swimming! Fortunately, they only had some cosmetic cracks, even though some of them were pretty scary-looking. 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. 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. Why not to use nicknames or English translations, Trip Reports! We did both last week. Some nice stores with local art work there as well. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Turbulent surf crashing on the black sands of the valley's rocky beach and shoreline. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. There are no oceanfront resorts. 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. 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. You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. 83 reviews of Pololu Valley Lookout "PLEASE READ! It was going to be be a stop on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If I LOVE the Mauna Lani, where would we stay on Maui? The 7 Best Places to Watch the Sunrise on the Big Island Waipi'o (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. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Thanks! Its a 90 minute adventure if you hang out for a while in the valley. You wouldnt have time to hike down. I thought it was more so on w/e's. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93727428', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hilo, so you wouldnt stop by en route. 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. The Kaluahine falls are visible towards to east from the black sand beach on the bottom of Waipio valley. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. You can also find bathrooms, a picnic area and historic information at the overlook. 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). Thanks all the advice. Ocean sounds the whole way. 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. Pololu Valley Lookout | Go Hawaii You had to wait until he "unticked" and would allow a car to take that "tick" You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. To get here, take Hwy 270 to Mile Marker 28. 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. Is going into Waipi'o Valley "bad tourism"? - Reddit Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! - You want to see some great photos? 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. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. Waipio valley was his favorite stop on the Big Island, and Georgios has kindly provided us with his impressions of the trip into the valley to read for whomever is interested in doing the same. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status. Leaning toward Waipi'o Valley, seems less crowded and just as beautiful. Should I camp? Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. Swimming at either beach is dangerous (rip currents & undertow), so you'd want to limit your swimming to beaches on the S. Kohala coast on the way there or back. Theres a group of local volunteers that wait up too on the parking lot to check you in and give you a run down on the history. Beautiful hike!!! From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi'o Valley. If you feel like stretching your legs you can try either of the following two hikes: You can see these waterfalls already from the access road down into the valley but the best view can be gotten from the Muliwai trail described above as hike #2. We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! 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. Poolulu or Waipio valley? : r/BigIsland - Reddit Most just get out and take in the view, so if it's full wait a few minutes and a spot will open up. 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. Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO Powered by Invision Community. Truly a MUST do if youre on the big island. The ocean at Pololu valley is not a safe place to go swimming. Cookie Notice Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. 2. I think you'll really enjoy having rental cars very easy to drive in Hawaii (except for Honolulu which is more of a challenge) and it's so nice to just go at your own pace. The Hwy ends at a viewpoint that overlooks the valley with its scenic backdrop of steeply scalloped coastal cliffs spreading out to the east. Honoke'a. What are the issues about swimming with dolphins? The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Visiting the Waipi'o Lookout is must for me every trip. Pololu Valley A much easier day hike awaits in the North Kohala district, at the end of a paved highway winding past Hawi. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. 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. To get to the beach, turn right as soon as you reach the valley floor. Waipi'o can also be hiked into, but the hike down is hard and the hike up is murder. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Don't wear sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, etc. Privacy Policy. 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. On the way to Pololu, you can visit Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. There is limited parking space available at the lookout point with minimal space to turn around so it is possible you need to turn around and park your car on the shoulder of the road and then walk back a few minutes to the valley entrance. 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. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. here's an even better photo (a 360 degree panorama) of the trail at Pololu beach. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Now however, the valley is mostly wilderness interspersed with taro fields (Taro is a traditional Hawaiian staple food) and a couple of dozens of inhabitants. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Go slow going down. The report outlines an immediate need to mitigate rockfall and address slope instability and erosion for everyones safety. Great for first-time visitors. Kailua-Kona to Waipio Valley is about a 1.5 hour drive. Where can I find good live Hawaiian or local music and/or hula? Horses roam free and waterfalls cascade from tall cliffs. 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. There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). Elevation Gain: 300'. 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. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. Just curious what your hours in port are? There are people living in Waipio Valley. Shorter hike down, not on a road. Turn right once you reach the valley floor to get to this beautiful black sand beach. We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Pololu Valley Lookout. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community Explore and enjoy, and then turn back and walk down to the shore of the ocean. If you are driving to points west from Hilo, then swinging by Waipio makes sense. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The sign says it's 1.2 miles and over 800' of elevation gain. We are experienced and had shoes with good grip and had no problems. Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on 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. I do hope you hike down the trail from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Aerial overview of Waipio Valley. Image credit: Eric Tessmer, source. Which Island do you recommend? Respect the private land and the people living in the valley. Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley Now that we have answered some FAQs, lets talk about the best places to watch the sunrise on the Big Island. Polol Valley Lookout. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. 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 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. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! The views are amazing as you take the steep access road into the valley. For more information, please see our Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On The trail gets slick when it has rained, but is not terribly difficult. 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 Mother Of All Valleys - X days in Y Waipio is longer and harder but on a road. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. If I could only choose one, which would you recommend? Waipio Valley lookout parking + What's the parking like? Interested? I think we will visit Pololu Valley we stopped at those two historical markers that Chi_Dave mentioned. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. 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. This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. We were recommended to save time for this hike by 4 different locals. You can see the steep Waipio Valley access road, the black sand beach, and taro fields. Liliuokalani Gardens. Snorkeling & diving on the Big Island - Kona Coast & Kohala Coast options. You absolutely work for it on the way back up but even then its still very doable. You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii - Tripadvisor Pololu Valley Beach Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. Sacred to ancient Hawaiians, the fertile Pololu Valley thrived. It's a very well maintained trail and the views at every point are just beautiful. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. My husband and I will be staying on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 7. 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. Which one would be better to do and why. 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. Beautiful spot to meditate if you go early (8 am) to avoid crowds. 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.). avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. There are stunning views of the coast. 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. The dirt . Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. 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. I think you'll really enjoy having rental cars very easy to drive in Hawaii (except for Honolulu which is more of a challenge) and it's so nice to just go at your own pace. Manageable trail for anyone reasonably fit, though it's definitely uneven and required careful footing in places. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). Good idea to get the car at the King Kam hotel to eliminate the extra time needed for shuttles. Honu_Ohana covered it well. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! A lush tropical forest surrounded by almost 500 ft high cliffs and fronted by an ocean that more often than not has high surf and rough waves. I will just add that Waipio does have more of a sandy beach if you want to hang out for a while. If you are only going to the Lookout, I think the WOW factor of Waipi'o is off the charts. 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. We were incredibly disappointed. 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. Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. 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.

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