Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes less than 30 mins to walk. Its
steep but not overly strenuous
and you will be rewarded with lovely vistas. Trail is slippery when wet and is rocky or packed clay. Note ancient cobble stones still embedded in sections of the trail.
Is Waipio Valley hike worth it?
There is no question about it, the Waipio Valley hike is
100% worth it
! If you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii this is a must do adventure activity. It is easily our favorite hike that we have ever done!
How hard is Waipio Valley hike?
I rank the Waipio Valley Hike as moderate. Because of the average 25% grade, I only encourage those who are either physically fit or determined to attempt the hike.
The hike back is the most challenging part, but if you take your time and stay hydrated, it is doable
.
Can you drive to Pololu Valley Lookout?
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 Pololu Valley Overlook.
Can you hike from pololu to Waipio?
This track starts from Pololu Valley, traverses Honokane Nui, Honokane Iki, Honoke'a, Honopu'e, and Waimanu Valleys; to finally reach Waipio Valley
.
Is Pololu Valley sacred?
The lush, unspoiled coastline of Pololu Valley is
one of the archipelago's most sacred places
.
How long is the Waipio Valley hike?
The Hike down into Waipi'o 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. The total length of this hike is
~6.5 miles
including lots of vertical meters and is not for the faint of heart.
Do you need 4×4 for Waipio Valley?
Drive down to Waipio Valley beach
Following this road will take you to see level and the Waipio Valley beach. You will be driving DOWN. This is one of the Big Island drives that
a 4wd is REQUIRED
. It is a STEEP road.
How long is Akaka Falls hike?
| Trail Length 0.4 mile loop | Difficulty Easy | Terrain Lush, Tropical | Elevation Gain 100 ft | Park Name ʻAkaka Falls State Park |
|---|
What is the steepest road in Hawaii?
Waipio Valley Road
, located on Hawaii's Big Island, claims that it's the world's steepest road.
How long does it take to hike to Hiilawe Falls?
Even walking slowly down the steep road (it is scantily paved) is a challenge on your knees—took us
about 45 minutes
. You also share the road with locals who are allowed to use their vehicles on the road. If you dare go down, take your time to stay down there and enjoy the beach after seeing the falls.
How long is the hike to Makalawena?
Check out this
2.7-mile
out-and-back trail near Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 56 min to complete. This is a very popular area for walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Can you camp in pololu Valley?
You'll probably also notice some nice campsites, but
camping here is illegal
. When you're ready, climb 300′ back to the trailhead. If you'd like to keep hiking, read about the trail to Honokāne Nui.
Where is pololu located?
Polulu Beach is located in lovely Hawaii and is known as a “secret beach” because it is a bit off the beaten path. Polulu Beach is located
on a lovely stretch of land on the Kohala Coast
. This slice of earth is just as dramatic as it is tropical. The vistas that can be seen from the rocky beach are quite stunning.
What island has black sand beaches?
Have you ever seen a beach with black sand? Because of constant volcanic activity, you'll find white sands and black sands on the island of Hawaii. Located on the southeastern Kau coast,
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii.
Can you swim in Waipio Valley?
A word of caution about swimming at Waipio Valley, though.
The waters in the beach can be rough and they have been known to pose a huge challenge (in the form of strong currents and undertow) to even the most experienced swimmers
.
What island is Hawi?
Hawi,
Island of Hawaii
This historic town, set in the green northern tip of the island, was once the busy hub of North Kohala's now defunct sugar industry. Today, Hawi is home to a handful of charming art galleries, boutiques and restaurants set in colorful and lively plantation buildings.
How do I get to kehena beach?
Directions:
The beach is located in the Puna district (Hilo side) off of Highway 137 near Mile Marker #19
. There is a small parking lot on the side of the road. From here, walk towards the left (when facing the ocean). A narrow, steep and rocky trail leads down to the beach.
How do I get to Hiilawe Falls?
Hi'ilawe Falls is located inside Waipio Valley and is only visible from the valley or from the air.
If you hike down into the valley, the waterfall is visible via a 5-10 minute walk along the road to the left
. DO NOT hike beyond the falls, as this is private property. Do not attempt to drive ANY car into the valley.
Which Hawaiian island has the most hiking trails?
1. Quantity of Hikes.
Oahu
has over 50 popular trails and many more hard-to-find trails. This is more than any other Hawaiian island.
Which side of the Big Island has the best beaches?
The Big Island's most popular beach is located on the Kohala Coast on the
northwestern shore of the island
. This half-mile stretch of white sand is loved by many for its calm swimming conditions that are perfect for families with younger kids, as well as great for bodyboarding and snorkeling.
What is Waipio Valley known for?
Located on the Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was
the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii
. Not only is “The Valley of the Kings” an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it's also a place of dramatic tropical beauty.
Do you need AWD in Hawaii?
No, you don't need a 4-wheel drive
. The convertible will be fun. We have been to the BI a few times and have not required a 4WD to visit outstanding beaches, volcanoes national park, or for driving around the island. The guidebook “Hawaii-The Big Island Revealed” states that 4WD is required to get to the Capt.
Why are there no rental cars in Kona?
The shortage of cars is due to
rental car companies selling off approximately 40% of their fleet when demand fell drastically in 2020
. Rebuilding the fleet to meet demand is a slow process, especially with the global chip shortage for car manufacturers.
Is Waipio closed?
Waipiʻo Valley Road, which leads to one of the Islands' all-time favorite attractions for visitors—Waipiʻo Valley—has been
closed indefinitely
and will only allow residents, property owners, farmers and leaseholders into the area for the foreseeable future.
