HAWAII VOLCANOES HI When you're ready, climb 300' back to the trailhead. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Look mauka and you should see a brown sign guiding you to the trail. However, they are not easy to walk along! If there is no room, wait or come back another day. Although the lookout provides a fabulous view, nothing compares to making into down into the valley. Only local residents are permitted to go farther along the road. He went on our last day, we were leaving on a red eye and I decided not to do it. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. 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. If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . Big Island Earthquake Update. A short way across you will come to a stream. WYOMING The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. BRYCE CANYON UT If you do, please be mindful that you are visiting sacred land. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. 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. Bring enough water with you and keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities in the valley or at the lookout. CARDIO!! Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. Aloha and enjoy This Hawaii Life. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. 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. You can get pictures of the ocean, or even the interior ridges of the valleys are stunning. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. There are heiaus and historical parks to explore along the way. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. Your email address will not be published. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. 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. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. 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. NEW YORK This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. See more ideas for planning out your days on the Big Island. The sacred Waipio Valley was once the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture. Pololu Valley Lookout. I settled on Pololu Valley, a similar hike to Waipi'o, but with a few less people. I did this once alone, probably took 4 hours. Beautiful place. Most people only drive to the end of Hwy. Hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast. Tagged with: waipio, waipi'o . 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. It also helped that I knew what to expect. LANAI This short trail has beautiful coastal views. The Kohala Volcano last erupted about 120.000 years ago (!) Permanent signs are posted saying road closed and no pedestrians. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. 3. 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. 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. Slick when wet. Recommended Posts. 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. There are no roads that cross this area south to north of the island. We don't shy away from more aggressive hiking but can also enjoy something more laid back as well. Theres also a trail that starts from the Pololu Valley lookout that goes down to sea level and makes for a great coastal hike. The steady supply disappeared in 1905 when the Kohala Ditch network was completed. Paula Dobbyn/Civil Beat/2022 . Unfortunately it is not safe to follow the trail any further because part of the trail came down in the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Ultra grateful to the couple from Tennessee who gave us a lift back up in their Toyota Tacoma- even though we left a pricey hiking pole in their car by accident- grateful to have not done the hike up- my body/feet wouldve just gotten too torn up! The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! Pololu Valley Trail, from the lookout down to the valley takes . The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. You can explore and hike into this wondrous area via the Waipi'o Valley on one side or Pololu Valley on the other side. It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. 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. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. 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. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. Really grateful for a kind couple from Seattle gave us a lift up from beach to parking lot! It was sprinkling and gusting when I first arrived at the lookout, but luckily the wind did calm down for me to be able to enjoy the view and grab some photos. The Pololu Ditch Trail into the valley leading to Kapoloa Falls was closed due to the Kona earthquake in October 2006. Waipi'o Valley is a special place for an extra Hawaiian hike. GULF ISLANDS FL I stopped by twice once because we were in the area around 3:00 pm and the other to start the hike at 8:30 am. Instead, locals would like you to know about Keokea Beach Park where there are bathrooms. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. At one time the valley had churches, restaurants, and schools as well as a hotel, post office, and jail. Start early - like 730-8 in morning. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. You can hike to two of the valleys at Polulu provided that you stay on the trails and not wander through the mostly land that is private . It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no Mahalo! PICTURED ROCKS MI The commissions help support Moderately Adventurous stay alive and kicking. 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. Good to know: there are no public restrooms at the lookout or down in the valley. . In Hawaii, respecting the land is a big thing in Hawaiian culture. Funny 1. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Hood Moonlit Snowshoe Tour w/ Rare Earth Adventures, Product Review Recreating Liz Robbins Outfit with Modern Royal Robbins Clothing, Product Review Gregory Maya 10 Hiking Backpack, Product Review Kuhl Travel Pants: FreeFlex Move & Kultivtr Crop, Purple leggings while I got these years ago, here are a few lilac tights I found as of August 2022: These on. By: Wasabi Tours. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. The road leading to the Pololu Valley Lookout has also been repaired - news release. Trailhead: Take Hwy. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. And so, on a January morning earlier this year, trail shoes, blister cream, extra bandages, water bottles and emergency One-Ton Chips from Hilo's Maebo Noodle Factory in tow, we set out from the Pololu Valley lookout ready for anything nature chose to send our way on the hike to the valley floor. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. 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. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and Since you can find similar views at Pololu Valley, I'd save Waipi'o Valley for a time when the road has re-opened and it's safe to hike down to the valley. Your email address will not be published. 6.12 km. That one's so close to the resort that we could do that in addition to either of the two I asked about. In my very limited experience (twice at Waipio, three times at Pololu), I've actually found Waipio more crowded. Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. 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. The trail down into the valley is a section of the old government road to wini. The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion. Pololu Valley is the northernmost of the Seven Valleys of the Kohala Mountains, accessible from the Pololu Valley Trail. Located in the flourishing green pastures of North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, Pololu Valley is simply awe-inspiring, especially at sunrise. I haven't yet hiked into the valley, only walked part of the way down the road. For decades, residents and visitors have traversed a steep, largely unpaved incline to the Big . I think the admin of this web page is genuinely working hard in support of his website, for the reason that here every material is quality based material. 270 and gawk at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Polol Overlook. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES This breathtaking view will leave you wanting more!If you're loo. The drive between these two valley lookouts is around 1.5 hours. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapaau. We like to be doing actual hiking for about 2-3 hours plus the time to stop and take in the sights. We looked at info for both Waipio and Pololu Valley and can't decide which we would prefer. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. Waipio Valley Hike (ROAD CURRENTLY CLOSED) 7 . I'm kind of leaning toward Pololu for that reason. March 3, 2023. Pololu Valley Beach (Big Island) Pololu Valley Beach is considered a hidden gem on Hawaii Island. the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau at the Kohala civic center sits the original I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. Views Cool max - Light weight shorts and shirt/ hoodie. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. If you choose to hike down, the trail has been fixed is a challenging going through two sets of ropes for rappeling down a mostly dirt and rock area, a gorgeous walk through native fan palms and surprising a stunning natural bamboo grove. There is no lifeguard. I found this area to be relatively flat and dry. Thats because its kind of in the far north of the Big Island, and a spot where not many other things are located. It is possible you will encounter people from the Pololu Valley Steward Program at the lookout. We're staying in Kolea area so the drive. 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. If you hike- especially after rainy season- wear waterproof sneakers. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. 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. MUD!! There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. 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. Waipi'o Valley hike elevation: The elevation gain is approximately 975 feet on the steepest road . Answer 1 of 11: What is the best way to see Polulu Valley and Waipio Valley? Island of Hawaii. You wont get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. Polol Valley is the first valley from the right. call before planning any hike. steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles The simplest is driving to the lookout for the views, but you can also make a small (but steep) hike to the valley floor to check out the beach. Look for the rope swings that are usually present. Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, would go again, Location: Trailhead is at the Pololu Lookout on the Big Island of Hawaii, Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip (including the Honokane Nui Lookout). There is a trail that leads through the canyon gulch at a distance but visitors are not allowed to pass beyond a certain area since it is private lands. Any suggestions to help us pick one over the other? 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. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. Let me know in the comments! The early settlers grew taro farms in the area and is still grown to process poi a staple root plant eaten by locals on the island. These packs would be a more comfortable experience. NATIONAL LAKESHORES Once at the bottom take the road to the right. If you're interested in Waipio Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: Pololu Valley hike Big Island travel tips & recommendations , Explore Big Island Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Fun stuff. Camping is not allowed at Pololu since it is on private land and permits only issued for specific research studies. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. Hiking Hawaii - Pololu Valley. And you are at the Pololu Valley lookout! 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. Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley. Waipi'o Valley Lookout - Waipio'o Valley Loop from Kukuihaele . You'll hear from me shortly. , especially if you plan to hike to Honokane Nui Lookout there is no cell reception once you enter the Pololu Valley. The trail itself offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, the valley and the black sand beach on the valley floor. A gorgeous hike from the top to the gorgeous black sandy beaches of Pololu Valley, the drive alone and panoramic views of the cliffs and coastlines impresses the moment you park on the end of road. Waipio Valley. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. Looks good for potentially running also. MAHALO! There was an error submitting your subscription. Turned out, all we needed was the water and chips. If you start hiking later, the humidity will get you, and the crowds start at 9-10. At the Pololu Valley floor, you will see a stream with large trees. IDAHO The path washes away, so you have to do it on a dry day, and when you get down, its a bit anticlimactic. Never drink the water and do not swim with open cuts. Lots of great scenery but you can experience that on the drive. Someone generously placed a new bench which conveniently turns into a table and seating area with magnificent views down the Honokane Nui. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. Cool 2. If you are trying to decide where to hike, Waipio Valley or here, this hike is MUCH easier. This trip turned out to be my favorite experience on the Big Island so far. --Ernest Hemingway, Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, Re: Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46mHlI3pD0. Glum, cement and cars. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. There are are group tours that lead visitors directly to see the waterfall at Pololu called Kapoloa Falls, this is managed by Hawaii Forest and Trail. From the beach facing the ocean, looking right (SE) we could see Kaluahine Falls funneling water into the ocean. Waipi'o valley is the most southern valley that carved into the Kohala volcano, where Pololu valley is at the north side of this cliff section. It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill. Theme by 17th Avenue. Very steep. . . Pololu valley is one of the gulches at the tail end of gulches that were formed with the erosion of the Kohala Volcano. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. There are some great views of picturesque bodies of water, including the ocean, a small lake, and a river. Sharing road/trail with trucks and hikers would be irritating. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. ARIZONA This is a gorgeous walk with stunning views and one of our 5 favorite hikes on the Big Island! But in 1946, the most devastating tsunami in Hawaii's history swept great waves far back into the valley. BIG ISLAND 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. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. The black sand beach at Pololu Valley can be rocky if a storm has washed away the black sand. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. 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. NORTH DAKOTA The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. However, as it heads inland, you will get a peek at the Pololu Valley below. Big Island Activities statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. This is a popular spot, so go on off times! Recommend bringing an extra pair of socks and a towel if you plan on crossing the River. Unfortunately, only the beach in this valley is public. Getting There. inform and educate visitors as they arrive, as well as monitor the trail and beach. Although I would have loved to explore more of this scenic valley, I decided to continue on to the Honokane Nui Lookout. He said there is a rock fall risk and it wont be opened again until repairs are completed. The Muliwai Trail begins by making a challenging ascent of 1,200 feet in less than a mile on switch-backs cut into the wall of Waipio Valley. Enjoy the views, the walk, the beach. Located along the North Kohala Coast, home to the island's most picturesque sandy beaches and incredible weather, the Pololu Valley was formed by the Kohala volcano hundreds of thousands of years ago. Remnants from this landslide can still be found under water 81 miles (130 km) from the current coastline. By doing the hike, you . Amazing is an understatement. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. One of the benefits of living in Hawaii is the opportunity to be outside just about every day of the year. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. If you are visiting in the winter months (from ~December to ~March) this is a great place to try and see humpback whales. where Julie and I were fortunate enough to see flowing lava While Waipi'o Valley was the easternmost of the valleys in the Kohala Mountains in northeast Big Island, Pololu Valley was the westernmost of these valleys. The uphill is good and strenuous, but the first mile of the hike (the steep part) is paved and rough on your knees. Polol means long spear, and carves a long cleave on the northern side of Kohala Mountain. According to oral history, as many as 10,000 people lived in Waipio Valley before Captain Cook's landing in 1778. So, I'd like to feature different trails that are fun . Previously, earthquake damage had closed the Pololu Valley trail, but it is once again open - and it is a hike that you must do! The scenery is breath-taking with the rough ocean waves crashing against the sea cliffs and black sand beach on one side, and the densely forrested valley on the other. I have read about the hike / walk to. Here are some comparisons: 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. Intermediate. Free cancellation: up to 24 to 72 hours before tour. The river has to be crossed, which is best done at low tide and . 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. The view from the third switchback of Z-Trail offers the most amazing view of Waipio Valley and is well worth the effort to reach. Please try again. I had the Honokane Nui Lookout to myself for a good 15 minutes before another couple arrived. If youre Exercise caution when crossing and be aware of weather conditions. The 9-mile Muliwai Trail from Waipi'o Valley into Waimanu Valley is rough, hazardous and extremely steep in spots, so only experienced backcountry hikers should attempt it. After one more switchback inland, you emerge from the trees to see the view at Honokane Nui Lookout. Noel Morata is the creator of This Hawaii Life along with a small team of contributors. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . The trail is located about a hundred feet from the shoreline with a small trail located with low lying ferns and on the eastern ridge of Polulu. This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. Once at Beach go left toward north side of valley opening. With steady warm temps year round (depending on where you are in Hawaii) it'd be a crime to not get outside! And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. It is unclear if the trail continues. In this video, we'll take you on a journey to the Waipio Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. MAMMOTH CAVE KY Please have a chat with them when you arrive to learn more about the area and treat them kindly. 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. Try not to get blown away by the incredible views and crazy wind at the Honokane Nui Lookout. HALEAKALA HI Park at the end of the highway at the Polol Valley overlook. There are rope swings, campsites, and trails that lead in every direction. 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. As you get to the beach areas there is a variety of camp sites and abandoned sites with refused from ocean findings that probably washed onshore. . There is a rugged, inaccessible coastline filled with lush scenic valleys on the northern coast of the Big Island. There are hikes of varying difficulties, and being at altitude gives it a completely different feel to anything on BI. I recommend heading inland, and youll see a stone-lined walking path. The view of the valley from the top, surrounded by cliffs up to 2,000 feet high, is already awe-inspiring. Keep in mind though that the land further back is privately owned and that there are sacred burial sites deeper in the valley. 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. syr101 . You won't get 2-3 hours of hike, 45 minutes down and up. days, it is muddy and extremely slippery, Look to You have to turn around. More information at the Keokea beach park website. UTAH My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. 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. Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. Suggested Time: 60-90 minutes. Share More sharing options. Once you get closer, youll start to see signs for Pololu Valley. Definitely worth walking up the other side. I took a couple of timelapse videos and could see the light move around on the valley walls with the clouds. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour. One day of hiking to the Big Island valley beaches, swim shirts with UV protection like these, Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean. You This is a good spot for a picnic and a shower after hiking down into Pololu valley. I recommend stopping to take a look and photos at the switchbacks as the views are phenomenal. Thanks for visiting This Hawaii life and checking out this post on a Big Island hike to Pololu Valley. Pololu Valley is located in north Kohala on the eastern slope of the extinct Kohala volcano at the northernmost point of the Big Island. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. By hiking, youll get better views of the beach down below, which is notable for being a black sand beach! Great info Colleen and RJ. We list below a few things to do / places to see close to Pololu: Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower, restrooms, and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley (2.5 miles, about 10 minutes by car). Stay organized while planning your own trip with a TRIP PLANNING DOCUMENT. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! Pololu Valley was formed over 250,000 to 300,000 years ago when the Kohala Volcano experienced a huge collapse and landslide with a large part falling into the ocean and creating this massive gulch and valley that we see today.