If you desire dramatic views of Hawaii Island's northeastern coastline, including impressive cliffs, verdant valleys, and lush landscapes, head to Pololu Valley, Waipio Valley's lesser-known but still just as gorgeous cousin at the end of Hawaii Island's seven major valleys carved into the Kohala Coast. Colleen is correct about Pololu Valley, its beautiful and drive there is as well. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. , each with hip pockets for easier access to small items. Bring a windbreaker or rain jacket just in case. Saw one fisherman on the beach, and four vehicles passed us while hiking the paved section. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. After taking more photos with the reflection of the still water, I began the climb up to the trailhead. The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . You Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS 6.12 km. 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. and is the oldest of 5 volcanoes that make up the Big Island. Went back in 2020. sad to hear its closed for a couple of years. 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. Great for first-time visitors. 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 . All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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. I ran out of water. UTAH Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Yes, it is a busy trail, which is why I recommend continuing to the Honokane Nui Lookout if you have the fitness to do so. Jump-start your day on the Big Island by making your way to any of these four spots to witness a stellar sunrise. WHAT TO WEAR SNORKELING Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Followers 1. Answer 1 of 8: We are planning to spend an entire day hiking down the trail in Waipo ValleyIs there a parking area at the top ?Do we need a permitI know that there is private property there and we will respect that by not trespassing, just. Only a few people continue to the Honokane Nui Lookout, so this part of the trail is less busy. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. picture taking. In the late 1800s, many Chinese immigrants settled in the valley. Living on the Big Island and traveling regularly to the neighbor islands, Noel and team actively search and share the latest information and updates to Hawaii travel, food, adventure and various lifestyle activities on the islands for your planning and vacation. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. Most people visit just day camp on the valley floor into the late hours. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. There was a bit of muddy spots on the flat part of the road/trail, but easily navigable. There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. PEARL HARBOR HI Pololu Valley is home to one of the many black sand beaches on the Big Island. Try to respect nature and pack out all trash (as per usual). These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa a lava boat rides the waves! SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI 1. Colleen you need to do this hike. BADLANDS SD Also the water was too high for us to be able to cross without getting soaked above the knees so we missed the back half because we werent prepared. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. Expect 1-1.5 miles of total hiking + beach exploring; more if you continue along Awini Trail, Hike down to beach is moderate to strenuous when hiking out, Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. NEW YORK If you would like to learn more about living here, be sure to check out my Moving To Hawaii Resources for Hawaii Island. MOUNT RUSHMORE SD Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. The reviews here for both places suggest Pololu is also more crowded with tourists but I'm guessing they are just referring to the lookout as many of the reviews implied there are less people on the actual hiking trails past the scenic lookout. It seems like the path is not maintained regularly, so be prepared for it all steep sections, muddy sections, areas with debris, confusing side trails, etc. It takes about 30 - 45 minutes, but the walk back up will take anywhere between 1 - 1.5 hours depending on your level of physical fitness. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the All of the land upriver is privately owned. Book your tickets online for Pololu Valley Lookout, Island of Hawaii: See 1,143 reviews, articles, and 1,562 photos of Pololu Valley Lookout, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 501 attractions in Island of Hawaii. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. On the day we hiked, it was pretty crowded and there were lots of cars driving throughout the trail (maybe one ever minute or two). Alternatively, the Waipio Valley Shuttle is the original 4-wheel drive tour of "the land of curving water" and is a mesmerizing and intimate look at the valley. If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. This is a great place to bring a picnic. Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. Starting at the Waipio Valley overlook (photo above), the hike down to the black sand beach on the valley floor is about 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. IDAHO ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88584435', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kauai and Maui pretty extensively and will be heading to Maui after BI this trip. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Regarding treading on sacred ground is not a problem if you follow the following guidelines. Image adapted from source (by Eric Tessmer). See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Interested? Looking into Waimanu Valley, which was the next valley over from Waipi'o Valley. The hike felt remote and accessed some incredible jungle-like flora that I was craving while in Hawaii. Your email address will not be published. Got there at 10 and parking was "80% full" on a Friday. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! Polulu Valley meaning Long Spear is revered in ancient history. Check out The trail to Pololu Beach is a steep, dirt path. It might take around 30 minutes to hike down to the beach from the lookout. Once you reach the valley, you'll pass through a small picnic area and can either continue on the path above the beach or go down and wiggle your toes in some black sand. After that, there were a number of other people arrived. Even now, the natural beauty of Pololu looks untouched in the ages with the rugged cliffs, black sand beach and huge ocean waves crashing on the beach. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Whether you are on a guided tour exploring the otherworldly landscapes shaped by lava, stargazing atop Mauna Kea, or relaxing seaside in a luxury B&B, the Big Island is sure to impress! The small town of Kapaau has The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. 1:00-2:00: Drive to Waimea. You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. On the northern Hamakua Coast, you'll find the lush Waipio Valley. Share More sharing options. We are on the big island for 6 days (I know that's not much but only time everybody was able to get off work). 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. Theme by 17th Avenue. 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. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Did not make it to the top; Ill be back! One of the best places to hike on the Big Island is the Pololu Valley. 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. Its also down a steep road as opposed to a natural hike. This trailhead isnt a place to hang out and should only be used by those hiking into Polol Valley. Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. Views Have fun. Id love to hear what you thought or if you enjoyed the Waipio valley as much as Pololu. 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. Waipi'o is a deep valley on the Hmkua Coast on the north side of the Big Island of Hawai'i. My husband did this hike a couple of weeks ago and loved it http://www.bigislandhikes.com/puu-waawaa/. For this reason it is both referred to at the Polol Trail and the wini trail. The hike Waipio Valley Lookout discounts - what to see at The Big Island (Hawaii island) - check out reviews and 4 photos for Waipio Valley Lookout - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Waipio Valley Lookout Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. There is often a possibility of rain at any moment. Fun stuff. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. At the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala, the black sand beach at the mouth of Pololu Valley is accessible to adventurous visitors via a steep, 25-minute hike. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. Thanks, rj, for the encouragement! The Big Island has several great hikes, such as the Pololu Valley hike and the Waipio Valley hike, which offer stunning views of the coastline and valleys. SOUTH DAKOTA There are no trails heading out to the rocky beach areas but you can walk down through an old Hawaiian village and area of rock walls and pond enclosures that were probably made for growing taro, keeping animals and shelter which is truly amazing to visit. 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. Good workout. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Slick when wet. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. Before you know it, you will have made it to the Pololu Valley floor. So be careful. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. 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. I loved the dramatic and rugged landscape of the Pololu Valley Hike. Kamehameha stature here for more information. How long does it take to hike down to Waipio Valley? Island of Hawaii. 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. There is room for about 10 cars at the end . Hike down on broken paved road. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! You'll most likely have to park along the street and walk to the viewpoint/start of the trail. Super fun, a bit challenging, but totally worth it. 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. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. You can also make it a one day Big Island valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Waipio Valley + Pololu Valley" kind of day. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. Not only is Pololu valley scenic as an overlook at the end of road, but the hike and views going downhill, the walk across the gorgeous black sand beach is a wonderful experience. (Please do not disturb anything in this ancient site it is untouched and still in wonderful condition). We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). More information at the Keokea beach park website. 31. Somewhere between .75 and 1 mile. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . Waipio is the southeastern most of the Hamakua coasts dramatic stream valleys. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. However, rough surf and the occasional appearance of Portuguese Man-o-wars make it not the ideal beach for swimming. We revisited the Pololu Valley and hiked down to the bottom once more. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. Big Island Activities There are also horses on the trail. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles Hiking stick for balance is very helpful as well. Bring a flashlight. Waipi'o Valley hike distance: The round trip hike from the lookout parking lot to the black sand beach and back is just over 3 miles. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . ZION UT Big Island Hikes has another hike that proceeds over to an overlook for the next valley, Honokne Nui. Youll find hiking up the Maliwai uncrowded. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. 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. Waipio Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88589471', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala and the Pololu Valley. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. 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). One thing my hubby and I really enjoy on vacation is a scenic drive with some character (we are obsessed with Road to Hana--if we're in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? #1. The ornamental . He thought I would like it, so next trip for sure! One switchback is a particularly good spot for a photo. The first section is steep as you climb the hillside into lush jungle-like surroundings. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. Be careful when it rains, very slick. can find more details about the original Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. MAMMOTH CAVE KY Sign indicated trail was closed until 2025, but we parked and immediately hiked down the steep, paved path to the black sand beach without any issues. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. It can get especially hot and sweaty during the hike up! 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. CARDIO!! This is about a 5 minute drive from the Pololu Valley trailhead. Wai'po Valley Road is also part of the trail route, and it is also closed to pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Almost immediately upon climbing, it began to rain. The third guich is higher in elevation and some of the trail is very tricky with barely any trail walking the sides of loose slope but with some helpful ropes to keep you from sliding down hill. Must cross water to go up the other side though. LANAI The trailhead has no services at all no water, no restrooms, and no cell service. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. 5. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. So please, for everyones sake, locals and future Hawaii visitors alike, avoid those bushes! Various sections of the trail, which runs in a steep zigzag down the vegetated cliff face, have been rebuilt - read article.. Or else you can take a 4x4 down and up the same road. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. 4. YELLOWSTONE WY Polol valley is the most northern of the impressive valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano at the lush green pastures of the Kohala region on the Big Island. . Let me know in the comments! It also helped that I knew what to expect. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Some of the most popular scenery on the big island includes the Pololu Valley, Haleakala Volcano, Maui's Road to Hana, Waipio Valley Isle, Lanai's Kaunolu, Oahu's North Shore, and some stunning beaches that depict the true Hawaiian culture. Take your time at the lookout, and I bet you will have some time alone. To see which of our walks in the Kohala Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikersand see what they had to say about each walk. Definitely worth walking up the other side. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. ATV tours in Kohala ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. Hawi sounds like the kind of place I'd enjoy stopping along the way. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. Amazing is an understatement. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. On my trips to the Big Island of Hawaii I have had the opportunity to hike down into both Pololu and Waipio Valleys and up the trails on the far rims towards Honopue and Waimanu Valleys respectively. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Nanaue Falls Loop from Kukuihaele. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. Saturday February 26th - sign on road at Honokaa town - sign on road 7 miles before the hike starts saying Road CLOSEDNo hikers!!! Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. Call 775-0958 for parking at Waipio Valley Artworks. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Theres a small parking lot at the end of the road. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. Depending on recent rains and time of year it can be relatively low or quite high. We have been adventuring around the island for over 10 years and love living here. My phone died part way through so I dont have photos of the horse. Once you pass the stream and campsites, the trail becomes increasingly wild. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Re crowding at over look, much more at Waipio as area of over look is much bigger, not so much at Polulu. At Pololu, btw, you can go to the far end of the beach and hike up another mile or so for a view of the next valley over. Waipi'o Valley hike time: The hike will take a total of 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the fitness level of the group and time spent exploring the valley floor. Here are some comparisons: This is a relatively short hike to the bottom and nice to explore the slowly rambling stream that ends at the ocean or just amble from one end of the black sand beach to the cliffs on the other side and maybe do a climb to another gorge beyond if you feel challenged to do more exploring. Wild horses, stray dog that followed us at the hip and protected us, amazing views, a river crossing, wild fruit along the way (pomelo). Lots of wildlife near the trail. The valley is deeply cut into the mass of Kohala mountain, with three thousand-foot cliffs and some waterfalls up to fifteen-hundred feet. Liliuokalani Gardens, Hilo , by ALOHA DEAN Japanese garden in Hilo's Lili'uokalani Gardens, named for the Hawaiian monarch Queen Lili'uokalani. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipio Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. Waipi'o Valley - Valley of the Kings , by ALOHA DEAN The Seven Sacred Pools is part of Haleakala National Park and located on the eastern part of Maui, about 40 minutes beyond Hana. At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. 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. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Pololu Valley hike: This is a 2.5 miles round trip and is pretty easy. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area. All rights reserved. Later in 1780, the great King Kamehameha received the war god . The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. I'm hoping to hike part of the Muliwai Trail in May. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. On either side of the valleyare cliffs reaching almost 2000 feet in elevation with numerous cascading waterfalls. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no The trail down to the beach drops 400 feet in 20 minutes of hikingbe warned, the hike up is difficult for those not in good physical shape and the hike down should not be attempted if you have doubts about being able to hike back up. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach constantly pounded by the Pacific Ocean waves. Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii, as seen from the overlook. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley. The cliffs of Pololu and valley are unspoiled and have been natural until the first arrival of humans into the valley around the 15th Century. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! There is a bench at the end of the trail overlooking the Honokane Nui Valley. There is no lifeguard. 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. See more state parks on the Big Island. I have wondered if the Awini Trail connects the the . White top I was wearing a lightweight top from Free People. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Steep but beautiful! After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Hike down on broken paved road. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to . so sad! Cool 2. MAUI Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. (driving directions using google maps). Shop around on. During my recent trip to the Big Island, I opted to do the Pololu Valley Hike. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. The string of gulches on the Hamakua and Kohala side of the island starts at Polulu and ends up in Waipio valley on the other side of the island. BIG ISLAND Required fields are marked *. Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. You can also make it a valley beach hike kind of day and make this day on the Big Island a "Pololu Valley + Waipio Valley" kind of day. " The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, . From there you can look back into the valley seeing waterfalls unseen from other side. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . In terms of color, its not the blackest black sand beach on the Big Island, but the wet sand can make it appear especially black. 84. Looking back into the valley you can see the waters of Pololu stream. MICHIGAN These packs would be a more comfortable experience. 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. Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . Seeing so many people doing this, it can be seen as a form of disrespecting the land.