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. All the things Chi-Dave mentioned are great, and Hawi town is a great stop. The Waipio Valley - What You Need to Know | Big Island Guide Image credit: Eric Tessmer, source. Evidence in the valley suggests trying to descend into the valley with any other vehicle is a bad idea. Hilo to Waipio Valley is about a 1 hour drive, maybe just a little bit more. Island of Hawaii - Links to TR's from 2010 to present. It's a magical place. 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 driving to points west from Hilo, then swinging by Waipio makes sense. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. We got a lecture from the lady at the top telling us that she was advising people not to hike down. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! The town of Hawi (on the way to Pololu) is good for a lunch or ice cream stop. Honopue. 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 don't think the difference is time are much. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. Big Island hike to Pololu Valley - This Hawaii Life Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Waipio Valley Sunrise. We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. 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. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board The parking is just along the road because the parking lot is 10 minute parking only. I am thankful that this sacred place of the Hawaiian ancestors is being shared with visitors. 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. 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. Trail is a perfect hike. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. We are staying in the Waikaloa area. If you have any other suggestions don't be afraid to give them. We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. 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. From the valley floor it is a short and easy stretch to the beach. Leaning toward Waipi'o Valley, seems less crowded and just as beautiful. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. 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. 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. 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. While the falls didn't look all that tall from the ground, we were fortunate to see the falls from a helicopter. Pololu has more rocks on the shoreline and not a place I would swim. We went to the big island during our honeymoon. Short but steep. 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. 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. The trail gets slick when it has rained, but is not terribly difficult. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. 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. Really good bodysurfing here. 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. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Some nice stores with local art work there as well. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! I will just add that Waipio does have more of a sandy beach if you want to hang out for a while. The trail is slippery at the very top. 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. 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. I do not think either is advised as a good swimming place. If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Wear good shoes for the descent/ascent part. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Many beautiful views! Waipio is longer and harder but on a road. 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. Tom Hasslinger/Civil Beat/2021 "The community all recognizes, even the ones that were opposed to. Thank you Amy! The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Its steep but not overly strenuous and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas. (driving directions using google maps). 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. Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. To get there you have to follow the Akoni Pule Highway (highway 270) until it ends ends 8 miles east of the town of Hawi at the Pololu Valley lookout. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. 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. I included a couple of beaches on the route (Hapuna and Waialea) that would be worth checking out on the Kohala Coast. Waipio Valley Residents Still Seek A Deal Limiting Foot Traffic On Ditto the above re swimming. Pololu Valley A much easier day hike awaits in the North Kohala district, at the end of a paved highway winding past Hawi. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. 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. 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. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. 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. Waimanu Valley. Mahalo! 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. Thanks! 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. Not only will you beat most of the crowds but you will also benefit from more pleasant temperatures. Pololu Valley has lots of trees and beautiful vegetation growing along the trail. For wither, you get to walk along shore. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Forum In a 30-minute call we help you set up the trip of your dreams. If you prefer more isolated areas, Pololu Valley may be a better choice for you. 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. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. I also like the North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. Day 6: Big Island Road Trip Itinerary (Waipi'o Valley and Polol Valley) To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. The Waipio Valley Road is a 25% grade paved road that descends 900 feet in only one mile. The lookout is great for taking pictures so make sure not to forget to bring a camera. Go slow going down. I think Pololu Valley sounds like the better option. When you get to the bottom, there's a lovely stream, a scenic black sand beach and a unique, lush area just back from the black sand beach that I would swear had fairies living in it. The Hiilawe falls (center left) are visible from many points in the valley. Honoke'a. The dirt . With four days, I wouldnt devote a day to the east side. There was no need for concern. Waipio Valley Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide We have never been to HI an you are really helping us out. Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. The valley meets the ocean towards the north with a beautiful black sand beach that is cut in two by the river. Quite a few picnic tables, one on top of a small hill by the shore, with a covered area. Waiulili Falls - Ocean-Bound Waterfall by Waipi'o Valley The earthquake of 2006? You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. 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. It's popular so there are almost always other people there. 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. After visiting the lookout, stop at Fresh Off The Grid food truck for a yummy snack or meal. avoided the pig droppings again on the trail and loped into Pololu Valley as dusk started to cast its glow on the forest. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Afternoon trip was good, with shade on the way back up. If you like exercise you also opt for a hike to the next valley. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. The earthquake of 2006? 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. Some of my teen/young adult sons did mess around in the water at Pololu, but it isn't advisable. The vista that greeted me when I arrived to the valley outlook was breathtaking. Don't wear sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, Birkenstocks, etc. However, now I'm wondering if we should even do the horse tour if we plan on hiking to Pololu. 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! Public parking spaces are limited there, so I think your best chances of getting one are on the way there. (read more about the geological history of Kohala). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112324513', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala mountain road- it's a beautiful windswept and sometimes rainswept drive but it's worth it. This Stunning Big Island Valley Is Drawing Bigger Crowds And ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. If you do swim, pay attention the the currents as they will pull you down the beach. Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. The trail itself is a very steep hill like others have said, its very wet and slippery so can be a challenge to go down and up again unless youre in good shape.
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