Guide
Magazine
Itinerary

Pololū Valley Hike

Suitable for:
Active travellers, nature lovers, couples
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Rather unknown and little going on
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
4 hours
Optimal arrival time:
08:30 o' clock
Cost:
Free
Suitable for:
Active travellers, nature lovers, couples
Insider tip or tourist spot?
Rather unknown and little going on
TouriSpot
Insider Tip
Time needed:
4 hours
Optimal arrival time:
08:30 o' clock
Cost:
Free

Profile of the hike

Distance total:
12,57 Kilometer
Distance uphill
5,62 Kilometer
Distance downhill
5,56 Kilometer
Altitude meters uphill
992 Meter
Altitude meters downhill
- 980 Meter

Pololū Valley Hike - Beschreibung

There are 7 deeply incised valleys in the north of Big Island. The only ones that can be hiked are Waipio Valley near Waimea, Waimanu Valley (from Waipio) and Pololu Valley, which must be approached from the west side. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. That is why only a part of the hike is described here. It extends over 12km and 900 meters of altitude. It ends above Honokane Iki Valley. But you can also hike down to the lonely bay.

The 7 valleys are as follows:

  • Pololu Valley
  • Honokāne Nui
  • Honokāne Iki
  • Honoke'a
  • Honopue
  • Waimanu Valley (with campsite)
  • Waipi'o Valley (the most visited of all valleys)

As you follow Highway 270 north and the black lava landscape of the Kohala Coast gives way to the lush green grasslands of North Kohala, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view at the end of the drive at Pololu Valley Overlook.
Park your car in the parking lot at the end of the road and enjoy a breathtaking view of the green cliffs of Pololu Valley and the spectacular northeast coast. As you gaze out at the rock formations in open water and the beautiful black sand beach at the mouth of the valley, horses calmly graze on the hillsides beside you. Take a nearly 25-minute hike down to the valley floor and black sand beach. Swimming is not recommended at this point, however, due to strong currents. Together with the Waipio Valley Overlook, which also offers views of the northeastern tip of the island (only from the south), this vantage point opens up one of the most spectacular views on Hawaii Island.

Pololū is the northernmost of a series of erosion valleys that form the east coast of Kohala Mountain on Hawaii Island. The word pololū means "long spear" in the Hawaiian language.

The valley forms a deep cut on the side of Kohala Mountain and is crossed in its entirety by the Pololū Stream. Hiking trails crisscross the valley, leading in and out. The valley is located by the sea on a beautiful black sand beach. A yellow sand dune protects green areas inland from the occasional fury of the ocean.

In the past, the Hawaiians used the valley for tarot cultivation. Later, the cultivation of rice was added. However, by the 20th century, the valley was no longer used. A section of the Kohala Ditch, which carries water from the Honokane Valley to the sugarcane fields of the North Kohala District, runs along the sides of the Pololū Valley. A relatively short hike on a graded trail leads to the valley floor. The trail continues beyond the valley and over a ridge to the neighboring Honokane Nui Valley.

What we say

Florian
No matter how far you walk on this trail, for hiking enthusiasts this tour is a MUST. At least one of the valleys (best Waipio or Pololu) should be visited. The tranquility and unspoiled nature is unique, and you'll be immersed in historic valleys while getting a glimpse of where and how ancient Hawaiians lived back in the day. Bring enough time to explore and enjoy the peaceful valley.
Our checklist & tips:
  • Enough water (at least 2-3 litres)
  • Sunscreen and hats
  • Sturdy footwear (preferably proper mountain boots with a solid sole. It can get muddy).
  • The earlier the start the more time you have for breaks and views

Wie gefiel dir Pololū Valley Hike?

You have been there before? Did you like it?

Thank you

  • Hidden
  • Thank you for your review.

  • Dieses Feld dient zur Validierung und sollte nicht verändert werden.

Map and contact data

52-5100 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, HI 96755
Longitude: -155.7338726134747
Latitude: 20.203681083685026

Your questions answered by us

You still have questions?

We answer them for you!

Other interesting sights

Rainforest to Puʻu ʻŌʻō Trail

Opinions differ about this hiking trail. Is it okay to walk it or not? In the "Ultimate Guidebook of Big Isla...

Pohoiki Beach (Isaac Hale Beach Park)

In the Puna District on Big Island, in the Pohoiki Bay, lies the Isaac Hale Beach Park. It is known for its strong ...

Onekahakaha Beach Park

The large beach park near the city of Hilo is especially suitable for families, as the sea here is very shallow and...

Mauna Kea

At over 4200 meters, Mauna Kea is one of the highest elevations in the Hawaiian archipelago. In the naming...

White Sands Beach Park (Magic Sands)

At White Sands Beach Park, the sand is magical, as it sometimes disappears completely overnight, leaving only the black la...

Waimea & Parker Ranch

Waimea is located on the north coast of Big Island and is a real cowboy town. Since Waimea also exists on Oahu and Kauai, it is a...
Oahu
Maui
Big Island
Kauai
Molokai
lanai
All Hawaii Islands
Overview of all islands & background info