pololu valley vs waipio valley
Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Waipio Valley is basically the one end of this Hilo Hamakua Heritage Coast, with the town of Hilo being the other end! This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Looking for general advice on visiting the Island of Hawaii. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. More information at the Keokea beach park website. 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. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near Halemaumau Crater. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. After a few minutes you will reach a black-sand beach. Great trail! The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. I have a car rented at King. Re: Pololu Valley vs Waipi'o Valley 4 years ago Save I do hope you hike down the trail from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Pololu Valley has lots of trees and beautiful vegetation growing along the trail. 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. There also are some pretty cool things to do close to Pololu valley to make your visit into a small road trip. The two ahupua'a Polol and Waipio offer different perspectives on the island, and each has a unique sense of grandeur and history. 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. Just curious what your hours in port are? 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. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. Take the time to explore. 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. 3. 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. 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. If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can follow this trail over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley: Honokane Nui. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Want to report conditions for this trail? I and a lot of others on this fourm have a ton of bad experiences with bad folks down there.. No (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theme by 17th Avenue. 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. Look east across the beach in the distance and notice a waterfall straight from the cliff onto the rocky shore. Just curious what your hours in port are? But without knowing your vision of a short visit to this huge island, its hard to advise. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. Dont let AllTrails fool you, its actually closer to a 900 foot elevation gain! The one-lane Waipio Valley Road offers only a few spots where vehicles can inch by each other. 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. However, as a visitor your options are somewhat limited. Hi'ilawe Falls Hi'ilawe Falls The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. 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. Black sand, trees down to the water and huge waves barreling onto the beach make for an experience that is hard to describe. Its steep but not overly strenuous and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas. 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. Entrance is free but parking is limited to 5 spots so it's all street parking. If you do go down to the valley floor make sure to bring your swimsuit. We did both last week. The Mauna Kea had some major damage, so they brought over some guests from there for the rest of their stays. 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. There was no need for concern. 3. 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. Very steep and is not for people who have a hard time climbing stairs. There were cows at the bottom which was awesome to see. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Itnwoukd be curious to know how many times she was there. If Pololu then you could make a day of it by early breakfast in Waimea, then up and over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. There are stunning views of the coast. 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. There is a somewhat steep dirt trail that leads to the valley and the beach (black sand, not good for swimming). Not to say Waipio isn't great because it is, but there's something truly special about Pololu and feels more secluded with no cars down there Alarmed-Marketing616 2 yr. ago Loved it.very tranquil when I was there this morningthank you for the advice! We spent the last day on the Big Island valley hopping and checking out a remote cabin on a private beach. Coming back uphill is easier (no loose rocks). We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. Go early or near sunset (it gets quite hot with the black sand. Dont venture too far inland to avoid trespassing and disturbing sites that shouldnt be disturbed. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Where can I can find a good church service with some local flavor? Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. 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.). 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). Great views. Must see. We got a lecture from the lady at the top telling us that she was advising people not to hike down. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. Waiulili Falls is the second of the ocean-bound waterfalls accessible via the sacred Waipi'o Valley (the other being Kaluahine Falls). 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. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! 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. What is good reef etiquette? Short but steep. I think those days are past me now, though the last time I did it I was 70. We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Wear good shoes for the descent/ascent part. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Which Island do you recommend? Trail is slippery when wet and is rocky or packed clay. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. You can also find bathrooms, a picnic area and historic information at the overlook. You can see the steep Waipio Valley access road, the black sand beach, and taro fields. 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. 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). kam hotel and want to go to Pololu, the farthest point than work our way back stopping at places that interest us, hopefully beach. The trip down the road should never be attempted in a normal car, only four-wheel drive is allowed. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Make a game out of it. The land discovered at the end of the movie by the survivors (spoiler alert!) These hikes, however, are not easy. Forgot to mention - when you're on the #270, if skies are clear you'll be able to see Maui wonderful views! Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Where do I stay to visit the east side of the Big Island and/or to see volcano? Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. There are no oceanfront resorts. Pololu is not on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 8am-6pm. Look for whales offshore in the winter. Mud reported earlier is mostly dry. 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). West Side Beaches: Which ones should I visit ? For wither, you get to walk along shore. Get our brand-new trip planning series delivered directly to your inbox - for FREE (more info). Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. Having said that, if you can walk down at Pololu, it's a nice hike. Need info on backpacking and wilderness camping, Resort Fees on Big Island & Other Islands, Browse all 30,517 Island of Hawaii topics . Manageable trail for anyone reasonably fit, though it's definitely uneven and required careful footing in places. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. 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. Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. Waipio will give you a much better workout on the hike back up. 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 beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. 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. I think somebody should figure out who these people are that are blocking the Awini Trail. Also, both of these beaches are referred to as black sand beaches. Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is very Rocky down and can be slippery especially after rain. The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). After visiting the lookout, stop at Fresh Off The Grid food truck for a yummy snack or meal. Couldn't cook in the restaurant kitchens, so they set up BBQs outside and they cooked/baked/roasted whatever they could. Savor the Black Sand Beach. On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. Shares the beach area with the Prince Hapuna Beach Hotel. In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Where can I find good live Hawaiian or local music and/or hula? Honopue. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. The report outlines an immediate need to mitigate rockfall and address slope instability and erosion for everyones safety. And trip up was much easier than this grandma expected. People do it, but it's not as fun that way. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). The Waipio Valley Road is a 25% grade paved road that descends 900 feet in only one mile. That is an option not available at Pololu. 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. (driving directions using google maps). 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. Well worth it! Cant climb the far side anymore but it is worth sitting on the rocky beach for a while. 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. Fortunately, they only had some cosmetic cracks, even though some of them were pretty scary-looking. Kahaluu closed for coral spawning May 5 thru 12 2023. Also consider visiting lovely Waialea Bay (small admission charge for Hapuna State Park). 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. At the King Kam, you shouldn't have too much trouble heading north on #19 - same with coming back. How long of a stay at Pololu do you think is adequate. 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. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. 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!!) Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. If youre into photography, one consideration would be that views from Waipio are generally west facing, whereas at Pololu, they generally face east. 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. As it became a more popular destination (thanks Instagram), crowding increased, some rockfalls and . Some nice stores with local art work there as well. Waipio Valley Sunrise. The views are amazing as you take the steep access road into the valley. 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. Honokne Iki. Liliuokalani Gardens. Towards the back the valley splits into many 'fingers', each one with its own waterfall. We are staying in the Waikaloa area. north to south or vice versa. Thanks! At the top you can look down on Pololu valley and a beautiful black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach ). Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. 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. Interested? 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises. It is a gorgeous beach (I've stayed there a few times pre-earthquake). 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.). 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. 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. You can read more about this waterfall at the worldofwaterfalls website. Beautiful hike!!! Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. It's pretty short and very steep. 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. Visiting the Waipi'o Lookout is must for me every trip. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. Your email address will not be published. The lookout is great for taking pictures so make sure not to forget to bring a camera. With only four days, you could skip both of them, especially as the swimming is so dangerous. Pololu Valley Beach Hike. Shorter hike down, not on a road. Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Waimanu Valley. There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. 2. Some nice stores with local art work there as well. The views are incredible. Again, we sat on a log bench looking at the waves and soaked in being misted by an onshore breeze. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. 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. 110% worth it!! The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. Waiulili Falls That was when we realized just how tall this waterfall really was. The valley and black sand beach at the bottom are beautiful. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Woman in parking lot "recommended" not to hike, due to weather. Thanks all the advice. Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. I saw other people mention Fresh Off the Grid too for some good smoothies. 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. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Great for first-time visitors. This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. 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 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. 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. for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited!