pololu valley vs waipio valley

Its a 90 minute adventure if you hang out for a while in the valley. 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. It is a gorgeous beach (I've stayed there a few times pre-earthquake). 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. Dont waste your time on this one, the view is gorgeous but I would never classify this as a hike its simply a walk down a hill to a beach youre not allowed to touch anything on.. skip it and go somewhere else for the day. 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). We like to hike so we plan on hiking Pololu, and were going to take a horse tour into Wai'pio. Theres only just a few spots in the actual parking lot but tons of parking on the side of the road leading in. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. Should I camp? It was raining the day we hiked. 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. ending, but rather Waipio valley. Towards the back the valley splits into many fingers, each one with its own waterfall. If I could only choose one, which would you recommend? What are the issues about swimming with dolphins? Better to go down to the next spot at Hapuna State Park. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 39 min to complete. Great trail! You used to be able to hike further, but now that's closed so you can only hike to the beach. Theme by 17th Avenue. 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. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. 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. 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. The trail is slippery at the very top. Polol Valley is another one of the seven valleys along Kohala volcano that's been sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. I thought it was more so on w/e's. Image credit: Georgios Tsiminis. Is going into Waipi'o Valley "bad tourism"? - Reddit 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. Locals and tourists alike were free to drive or walk the road (although it was marked as a 4x4 only road). Waipio Valley lookout parking + What's the parking like? 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. 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. 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? POLOLU VALLEY - 284 Photos & 80 Reviews - Yelp Hiking Pololu Valley to Honokane Iki Valley kenjiSAITO Well worth it! Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. 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. Beautiful views! Some nice stores with local art work there as well. p.s. The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. 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!!) The ocean is very powerful here, no swimming! Honoke'a. What can I do--or avoid--to be a responsible visitor? 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. FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Big Island - Waipi'o vs Pololu Valley During its long lifetime, erosion by rainwater has cut multiple deep gulches, gorges and valley in the flanks of the windward side of the Kohala volcano. 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 Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. At the end of Pololu valley lies a picturesque black sand beach. north to south or vice versa. Thanks for all of your help! Dont worry, there is plenty of time on the beach to take a breather! Fortunately, they only had some cosmetic cracks, even though some of them were pretty scary-looking. I think if I only could only visit one, I would do Pololu Valley. In part though it depends where you are starting your trip from. Most just get out and take in the view, so if it's full wait a few minutes and a spot will open up. 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. Thank you Amy! With four days, I wouldnt devote a day to the east side. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. The Pololu Trail Steward program is a recent initiative in which one or more local stewards are present at the Pololu Valley trailhead to inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. 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! Steep and moments with loose rocks, but so worth it! Yes, north on #19 which connects to #270, through Hawi and then to Pololu. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Forum for parking (not a deal breaker if you can't get a spot at MK, then worth paying at Hapuna and/or Waialea.). She also had a sheet saying g the trail was closed tomorrow, but again no specific agency. This spot is lesser known than the Waipio Valley, but is certainly worth the effort to get to. 4. Beautiful short hike to the shore, great views on the way down. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. 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. All the things Chi-Dave mentioned are great, and Hawi town is a great stop. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Pololu Valley; 2. 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. Before Europeans arrived, the valley was decorated with taro patches, but there's not much of that left. Honokne Nui. 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. These hikes, however, are not easy. Make every step intentional. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. Quan forgot her jacket upon checking out of Waimea Country Lodge. 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. Start out early at Pololu because parking is scarce there. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93713130', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars at the top (and so is Waipio), a lot of people don't hike down. I do hope you hike down the trail from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. There is a somewhat steep dirt trail that leads to the valley and the beach (black sand, not good for swimming). And trip up was much easier than this grandma expected. 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. Thanks all the advice. Thanks! The wave-pounded, offshore Paoakalani islets and, beyond them, the Hamakua Coast's most remote sea cliffs. Id do a North Kohala excursion, which is far more convenient to where youre staying. We did both last week. Definitely Pololu, and definitely hike down to the beach, its beautiful from above but awesome when your down at sea level. 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. Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. Very steep and is not for people who have a hard time climbing stairs. We're staying at Fairmont Orchid. Right around 400 feet. Pololu Valley Overlook Information, Photos & More - Hawaii Guide These stones can make it uncomfortable to walk into the water so if you do want to take a swim try to bring shoes that can get wet. Caution, as high surf, undertow, and rip tides occur in the ocean here. 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. Dont let AllTrails fool you, its actually closer to a 900 foot elevation gain! Manageable trail for anyone reasonably fit, though it's definitely uneven and required careful footing in places. I also like the North (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If Pololu then you could make a day of it by early breakfast in Waimea, then up and over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. There are people living in Waipio Valley. The Waipio Valley Road is a 25% grade paved road that descends 900 feet in only one mile. click here to go to our instagram account, Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo - a DoubleTree by Hilton, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho`omaluhia. 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 views are amazing as you take the steep access road into the valley. Not much of a hike, just a beautiful walk to the rocky beach (no swimming). The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Hawaii with Kids? Take your time and be careful. Walking down into the valley is not easy, but listen to the park keepers advice and youll be rewarded by an amazing tropical landscape. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley - Hawaii - Cruise Critic Community I saw other people mention Fresh Off the Grid too for some good smoothies. Mgventures - thanks for the input in regards to the directions. I think we will visit Pololu Valley we stopped at those two historical markers that Chi_Dave mentioned. Can anyone confirm the closure. I checked the map, packed my backpack, and off I went early in the morning. 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. 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.). Yeah, it was, interesting I had been through the Northridge 'quake in SoCa, too, with some other lesser quakes. 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. The report outlines an immediate need to mitigate rockfall and address slope instability and erosion for everyones safety. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Kailua-Kona to Waipio Valley is about a 1.5 hour drive. 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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