Waipi'o Valley is an incredible place of arresting natural beauty and huge cultural and historical significance, and it's certainly worth seeing in its own right. Answer 1 of 11: Our current itinerary gives us one day to devote to hiking aside from what we will do in one day at VNP. I would highly recommend making time to see them both if possible. The hike down to Waipio valley is on a steep paved road, and I don't think that you're allowed to get close to the waterfall. Wikipedia. Guest. Apr 14th, 2002, 02:42 PM. Leaning toward Waipi'o Valley, seems less crowded and just as beautiful. View: 100 | All Pololu is the end of a string of seven major valleys carved into the northern Kohala Coast of the Big Island which ends with Waipio Valley. By Love Big Island | updated April 25, 2022. 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). Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. Report inappropriate content jgil Columbia, Missouri Level Contributor 93 posts 28 reviews 38 helpful votes 2. Answer 1 of 2: Hello - Looking for advice on these two areas. Reply Both look beautiful, but if you could only pick to visit one, which would it be? Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. Located along the islands northern shore, Waipio Valley means the land of curving water, named after the streams that run through the area. 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 Waipio Valley Overlook Kohala & North Hamakua Region The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. The Waipio Valley hike down to the beach (hiking back into the valley isn't allowed) is quite a bit steeper and longer, more like 45-60 minutes each way. Pololu 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. Though polulu valley comes right behind of best hiking spots on the island. This now uninhabited valley was once used to grow taro. by T. White Thu Mar 07, 2019 10:50 pm . The largest and most dramatic of the windward valleys along Kohala Mountain, the Waipio Valley has long held importance to those who call the Big Island home. Located along the islands northern shore, Waipio Valley means the land of curving water, named after the streams that run through the area. Waipio Valley. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. The vistas are different because of the distinct shapes of the valleys. Jan 17, 2022, 9:57 a.m. Save. Not to say Waipio isnt great because it is, but theres something truly special about Pololu and feels more secluded with no cars down there. Next. 2. If youre staying a bit further north in one of the Waikoloa resorts on the Kohala coast, its a bit closer and might take around an hour. North America; Central America; Carribean; South America; Europe; Africa; Asia; Australia & Oceania Pololu is amazingly breathtaking, but the hike is almost straight down. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. I'm moving to Big Island next month and hiking in waimanu was at the top of the list of activities I wanted to do. Meaning long spear in Hawaiian, the Pololu Valley was formed by millennia of slow erosion, wind, and rain. Home; My World Map. We don't mind hikes and would like to swim at the beach. Waipio Valley Overlook Pololu Valley Lookout Akaka Falls State Park Puuhonua o Honaunau Hapuna Beach State Park Big Island Attractions Same, Pololu valley all the way. The total length of this hike is ~6.5 miles including lots of vertical meters and is not for the faint of heart. If you prefer more isolated areas, Pololu Valley may be a better choice for you. Answer 1 of 10: 4 days on Big Island in August and only have time for one of these. Pololu. This wild part of the Big Island is home to a series of seven deep valleys, the first of which is Pololu Valley the next stop. Waipio is a sacred area, we have never gone down it, because it seems disrespectful to go "touring" there. Both look beautiful, but if you could only pick to visit one, which would it be? Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. The word polol means long spear in the Hawaiian language. Walk the paths of its lush, green valley and view the colorful gardens and rivers. We don't mind hikes and would like to swim at the beach. Waimanu and Waipio valley are the most scenic parts of the entire big island hands. I think we will want to do the hike down one but not both. Leaning toward Waipi'o Valley, seems less crowded and just as beautiful. Waipio is longer and harder but on a road. Have not been down into the Polulu Valley but have stayed in Waipio and would not hesitate to recommend Na'alapa Stables. Iao Valley: Savor the natural beauty of the West Maui Mountains. Answer 1 of 4: Hello - Looking for advice on these two areas. The Valley of the Long Spear. Its black sand beaches are stunning, yet the truly unusual sand color is found at Papakolea Beach, also known as the Green Sand Beach. Which one? Waipio Valley Lookout Big Island Hamakua Sights. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by Sailors are deserting the Navy at a staggering rate. Which one? Pololu Valley is somewhat restricted because there are working farms in this valley, and because folks actually make their homes in this valley. Much better than polulu. A fertile and productive region, the valley is a paradise of lush tropical vegetation and taro fields. Elevation Gain: 300. Pololu Valley Overlook Kohala Region #3 Rated in Sights to See on the Big Island. I think we will want to do the hike down one but not both. As you pass the 28-mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of the lovely Pololu Valley. And, of course, Waipio is graced by waterfalls, while Polol is not. I think we will want to do the hike down one but not both. VALLEYS-WAIPIO, WAIMANU, POLOLU 225 images Created 7 Jun 2017. # 2. mj. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Answered: Hello - Looking for advice on these two areas. Both look beautiful, but if you could only pick to visit one, which would it be? The spectacular views of the valley and the steep cliffs that end in the ocean are worth a trip 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 root of the taro plant is pounded down and mixed with water to create a purple paste called poi, a staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet. Pololu valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala. On your drive up Highway 270, be sure to stop for a look-see in the quaint town of Hawi. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. There is no lifeguard. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. Hawaii County Council appears uneager to Edited: 25 July 2021, 05:53 For wither, you get to walk along shore. Answer 1 of 10: 4 days on Big Island in August and only have time for one of these. Plolu means "long spear" and the name evokes the shape of the valley, whereas the mouth of Waipio is broad, almost a mile wide. Akaka Falls State Park and Waipio Valley is calmer but no less lush, presenting multiple hiking trails and amazing views. The root of the taro plant is pounded down and mixed with water to create a purple paste called poi, a staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet. The views from the lookout are better at Waipio are better; but if youre willing to walk a bit of the trail into Pololu Valley, views become just as spectacular. Polol Valley: the Lookout, the Hike, and the Black Sand Beach. Solutions sought to help protect Pololu Valley . However, it is a major tourist destination with lots of touring companies bringing visitors here from Kona and Hilo daily, and plenty of guides and Posts: n/a. Pololu Valley, like the curved Waipio, cleaves along the northern edge of Kohala Mountain. I've been reading this forum for months and it has been extremely helpful. Re: Polol Valley Lookout or Waipio Valley Lookout. Kohala is the name of the northwest portion of the island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Federal education official visits UH-Hilo. Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. Kona man found guilty of unlawful imprisonment of a minor. You can also hike down the beach and up the Mulawai zigzag trail about 30 minutes to the third Polol is the northernmost of a series of erosional valleys forming the east coast of Kohala Mountain on the Island of Hawaii. Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. The Hike down into Waipio Valley is one of our top-5 short hikes in Hawaii .This hike will take you from the overlook into the valley, to the black sand beach, and back up. Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! Re: Pololu Valley vs Waipi'o Valley 3 years ago Save My World Map; Countries Left To See; Destinations. Waipio Valley's best for average tourist to walk down a couple of switch backs for better camera views. Walking back up you'll feel why the really steep grade is exhausting. Overview of Waipio Valley from the opposite side. You can see the steep Waipio Valley access road, the black sand beach, and taro fields. This valley is one of the most beautiful and secluded places to go to for a hike on the Big Island. These hikes, however, are not easy. They are the 2 best places to hike. 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.