Beautiful View !!! Just crazy Awesome !!! I wish i had more time to stay there it seems i was a little worn out after driving... if i have more time i would like to hike down after reading other people review it seems pretty easy ~~~~ Anyway the best thing about this place is that when we got there we met our friend from Oahu ! Without knowing we both were really surprised i guess its a small world hahahahah ! If you are looking for some intensity hike down !! : ) read more

Pololu Valley - Finally we are here~ - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

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What a fantastic hike! I almost didn't do it because the drive there is incredibly far but I am so glad I made the trip. The entire hike from the parking lot to the Honokane Nui lookout is 6 miles round trip. You can hike further but please read up on it. Not many people go further do to an earthquake in 2006 that changed the terrain and made it into a very hard hike (doable but difficult). First: Parking is very limited. The lot itself holds about 10 cars. You can park on the shoulder of the road before the lot but just make sure you don't block the private property areas. GO EARLY. I made it by around 10am and just BARELY got a spot. Second: The hike. It reminded me very much of a smaller version of Napali coast. The first part is on a dirt path down to the beach. Then you walk along a beach and they you climb a forestly part of the hike to the lookout. There are some BEAUTIFUL lookouts on the way down to the beach that are picture perfect opportunities. The beach is large and there are plenty of sites to sit and rest as the rocks are very polished and smooth. There are also a number of (illegal) campsites where you can just chill. The foresty part of the hike was nice in that it was mostly shaded. However, that part of the trail, you are essentially hiking in a trench for the first 3/4 and there is no breeze. So even though it is shaded the air is humid and stagnant. Bring water and insect repellent. You will ultimately reach the top of the hill and though it is sunny there will be at least a breeze. When you reach the part of the hike that is both shady and breezy then you know you are almost there. At the look out you will look down the side of a valley reaching the ocean. It is spectacular and well worth it. There is ONE bench at the lookout but otherwise you can sit on some grassy areas. Go further at your own risk and know that few people do that part of the hike so if you break an ankle or something you may not encounter someone for days. The hike back can be just as grueling. I suggest you climb back down of the forested area and rest a bit on the beach. Because to climb back up that steep dirt path to the parking lot can take a lot out of you. Good luck and enjoy! read more

Great views from the top of you're not a very active person. Having said that, this hike is NOT recommended if you're not wearing sensible shoes and have at least a liter of water per person. Hats and sunglasses are also recommend but not essential. This is a rough hike with boulders and multiple switchbacks. Physically fit people will not find it particularly challenging, but if in doubt, or you have small children, admire the view from the top. If you elect to make the hike, you will be rewarded with black sandy beaches, and amazing views of the north shore. If you're reading this in advance, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy! read more

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The question of the century is, which valley to explore, Waipio Valley or Pololu Valley? Pololu Valley is somewhat restricted because there are working farms in this valley, and because folks actually make their homes in this valley. 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. On the other hand, Pololu Valley is a wilderness area without any farms, and the hike down is on an ordinary gentle dirt trail. I recommend exploring both valleys, and also educating yourself beforehand on your hiking options for both of these places. I recall that there is a connecting trail, which takes you from Waipio Valley to Waimanu Valley, to Honopue Valley, and finally Pololu Valley, but I've not taken this connecting trail. I've explored both of these valleys (without any tour guides), but spent only a couple of hours in each place, and so I'm not in any way an expert on the availability of astonishing and awesome waterfalls to see. Anyway, all I can provide is a photograph from Pololu Valley. I hiked into Pololu Valley on two occasions, once alone with my 4x5 cherrywood Tachihara field camera, and once during my honeymoon (taking my 35 mm Olympus camera). Pololu Valley is distinguished by having more dramatic views of cliffs that plunge into the ocean. These views have been reproduced in a few landscape photography books. But from the Waipio Valley area, the views of the seaside cliffs are less interesting than those that can be seen from Pololu Valley. read more

Pololu Valley - This is me (Tom Brody) in Pololu Valley - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

The Pololu valley is so beautiful. I have to hike way way down first. And then the ocean is so beautiful. I can see the black sand, and it is probably because of the remains of the volcano. It is probably cool that I can see a forest. read more

This place is truly amazing, its worth the hike to the bottom. Swim a while and hike back up. It takes about ten minutes down, fifteen back up. read more

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I love to hike, and this one was well worth it! My kids, being the troopers that they are, bravely did this one with us, with minimal whining! The view of the valley from the lookout is gorgeous, and if you're not up for a hike, the view from the top is worth it alone. The hike down has several switchbacks, but is not so steep as to require holding onto trees or anything else. There are a few signs along the trail that instruct you not to stand near the edge, as the soil or rock could give way and you could easily fall to your death. So, just stay on the trail! There is also a sign near the valley floor that tells you to proceed at your own risk, due to the chance that rocks could fall on you and kill you. I would not laugh that off, as that very thing happened in Sacred Valley on Oahu several years ago. I figured that we had a greater chance of being killed in an automobile, so we carefully hiked down the remaining distance. The valley is pretty and the black sand beach is really nice, too. I would not recommend swimming there however, unless the sea was absolutely calm, because the surf was really pounding! Surprisingly, the hike back up to the top was easier and faster (maybe because we knew we would go out to lunch as a reward after the hike!) read more

Do not come here on a voggy day. We made the mistake of driving 90 minutes from Kona, did the hike only to be disappointed with the grey depressing view. It's about 15-20 minutes each way, lots of rocks, a bit technical but my 7 year old did it no problem. It's super muggy and hot, rain forest like, sucks going uphill in this weather. Bring lots of water. Save it for the ascent back uphill. read more

Well this is a 5 star hike! Grab a walking stick at the top if you can find one, if not once you get down to the beautiful beach look around for one to help with the trek back up. If we had had an earlier start, it would have been great to hike up and over to the next valley, but alas we were lollygagging in the a.m. so didn't have time. The lush vegetation and black sand beach make it so worth the huffing and puffing on the return. read more

Really beautiful views. The hike can be steep. Also I would not advise doing the hike shortly after a bunch of rain, it will make it extra slippery and treacherous. I hiked down and up the next hill. It was a really fun experience. Very humid and jungle like. Lots of views, plants and critters to see. The beach is very quiet since not a lot of people are willing to make the trek down. Totally worth seeing at least once. read more

Totally beautiful spot. The hike down took us about 10 minutes and was pretty simple. Wear good running shoes or hiking shoes. Some people were wearing flip flops and I seriously don't know how they did it. The hike down can be hard on the knees so if you've got knee trouble, take your time and go down slowly, or avoid this hike altogether. Once you reach the beach, it's pretty darn stunning! There's more than just a beach though, there's also the valley with a little river running through it, some hammocks strung up in trees, a large swing/seesaw, and beautiful trees. We saw one couple who had made a small fire too. The beach is beautiful and long, and has black sand and black rocks. It's really quite something. But be careful if you plan to swim, the current is quite strong and we got carried off in no time. We noticed that the area right off the path is a bit calmer and you can walk out very far and still only have the water up to your mid-shins, but we had walked further down the beach and gone in by there... And it was deeper and we got swept away pretty far. The water also has a lot of rocks in it, and can really hurt your feet. So bring some water shoes if you have some. Seriously. I wish we had. We also got the treat of two 70-something year olds who were swimming naked... That was fun. Especially since I mentioned earlier that the water was mid-shin, which means they had their junk out for the whole beach to see most of the time they were in the water LOL. The hike back up took us 12 minutes. We didn't stop at all, but we also weren't going super quickly... We're in fairly good shape and did notice a number of people stopped along the way - no big deal though, you can stop to catch your breath a few times and it'll still only take you 15-20 minutes. The hike isn't really difficult at all, it's just that you've got to watch where you're going cause you're walking on rocks and branches the whole way. There were also plenty of kids doing this trek up and down (10 and under) and they had no trouble. I really recommend this hike if you're looking for a short hike to a beautiful spot! read more

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Simply amazing! This was one of my favorite things we did on the Big Island. It is just breath taking. Do the hike down, it is worth it. It took us probably 20 minutes to hike down and about the same to hike up. If you hike down it takes you down to beautiful black sand beach, rope swings and an absolutely stunning view looking both into the valley and out into the ocean. If I lived on the big island I'd be here all the time. I am that much in love with this place. At the top it feels and seems crowded and touristy. However, I'd argue that once you did the hike down it didn't have that same touristy feel. read more

Lovely quick hiking place and look out. The hike itself isn't very difficult. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes! Once you're all the way down to the beach, you'll meet black sand, lovely fire places, tree swings and more! I recommend you going if you're in the area :D read more

Pololu Valley - My best friend & I hiked down Pololu Valley today! (June 11, 2014) lovely views :) - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

Really great hike down to the valley from the lookout! Donne careful with the trail as It can be slippery from even light rains and there are lots of rocks to maneuver. It took us 30 min to get down with my 74 year old father. We were told to wear sneakers and so glad we did. Bring water and a hat, sunscreen and a walking stick for getting back up more easily. It is very steep coming back up. The views from the too and on the way down great! So is the valley! If going on a weekend get there very early. We arrived at 9am and got parking but there was none when we were leaving. This is a nice, cheap must do while on the Big Island. read more

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Easy short hike with amazing views from top to bottom! Black sand beach with rough surf but kids were swimming in the river. There's a fruit stand on the way out with nice cool drinks. read more

First off, the 55-514 Hawi Rd address is incorrect. Just keep following the main road until you get to the end, which is the lookout parking. My wife and myself did this hike last week and it was a truly awesome hike. Not too strenuous, about 20-25 minutes each way, stopping to take photos here and there and resting now and then. For a really nice photo up into the valley, go right when you get to the bottom of the trail and head towards the private property signs on the fence. Before you get close to the signs you'll be rewarded with a view of the stream and valley. A few suggestions, don't go swimming in the stream or ocean. Most of the time the stream isn't flowing so the water can be a bit stagnant. There's could also be leptospirosis or other water-borne diseases in the water. The ocean surf is usually pounding on the rocky shoreline and there are probably rip currents offshore. Take at least one bottle of water with you on your hike. We passed so many people without anything to drink. We shared a bottle of Powerade and drank almost all of it. If possible, wear at least some type of running/cross-training/hiking shoes. I saw some people wearing sandals and also one woman in flats (and a dress!). Stop at the Lighthouse Deli in Hawi for an after-hike refueling meal! read more

This hike wasn't on the top of my to-do list but since Waipio Valley was closed off due to the Dengue outbreak earlier this year, we opted for Pololu Valley, located on the North tip of the Big Island. It's a pretty manageable hike going down to the beach - maybe about 30 minutes or so? Make sure you wear good hiking shoes! I couldn't wait to step on the black sand beach. What an amazing place!!! It was worth the drive from Waikaloa Village and the multiple stops we had to make along the way because we were following a school bus. Beautiful, secluded, untouched and very peaceful. Going up may be a little more of a challenge but didn't take as long as it did to get down to the beach. This ended up being one of the top things I did on a weekend trip. If you decide not to do the hike, you can still take in some awesome views at the lookout point. read more

Pololu Valley - So magestic! - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

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Loved this hike and it was very accessible! Just at the very end of the road. It was raining when we got there so we waited about 10 minutes at the public park/picnic area down the road until it cleared up. So glad we waited. Gorgeous hike with amazing views of the coast and forest. Like other reviewers said, don't do this in flip flops, I was wearing my water shoes, which were perfect for the muddy steep trail. read more

Pololu Valley - A teepee at the bottom of the trail - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

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Great hike. A couple nice views on the way down - but don't stop there. Walk to the other side of the beach - and take the trail up the opposite ridge. Up through a bunch of muddy switch backs - and then along the spine of the ridge through high grass and low trees to a viewpoint with a bench overlooking Honokane Nui Valley on the far side. I understand that the trail used to continue down into Honokane Nui, but the trail was wiped out a few years ago by a landslide. Enjoy. read more

Pololu Valley - View at Honokane Nui Valley - on opposite side of Pololu Valley. - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

What a beautiful hike! It is about 2 miles round trip and is very easy. My 2 year old hiked uphill without any help and I hiked it barefoot. There were some places that definitely can get muddy and slick after rain, so plan accordingly. The black sand Is so fine and soft, the waves are good for boogie boarding or body surfing, and the trees by the beach offer shade if you get too much sun. This is a great little hike and has potential to be a day trip if you want to hang out at the beach. Parking is limited so try to plan the trip on the least touristy days...aka not weekends. read more

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I'm surprised this place doesn't have more reviews! The drive to this lookout is probably 45 mins from Kona but the drive is very scenic. The views from the lookout is pretty itself but the payoff of the black sand beach if you hike down is definitely worth it. Took me about 40 mins round trip and most of the hike is shaded, only a couple of areas exposed to the sun. Moderate in steepness but a good workout since you work up a sweat. The beach at the end was sooo pretty! I did the hike by myself on a weekday morning and there were a couple of people passing me on the trail but I had the beach to myself pretty much the whole time I was down there. So peaceful and serene. read more

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The view from the lookout is spectacular, and making the trek down into the valley and onto the black sand beach is awesome as well. I, like Charlie B., hiked down the beach and to the top of the other ledge of the valley. The view is shrouded by trees and thus not as clear on this side, but is definitely worth checking out if you've got the time and energy. I also stopped and turned around at the metal gate - it's over 10 miles through a couple more valleys until you reach civilization on the other side at Waipio valley. Note that this would be a sweet weekend hike/backpack, and if I ever go back to the Big Island for any length of time I will certainly do this. Visit this place, then do the same at Waipio, and you can decide for yourself which you think is better. I will say that getting to the beach on foot is much more enjoyable here, whereas you'll be walking on a 25º pavement at Waipio. read more

Get ready for a strenuous hike! Wear proper shoes and be in decent shape. You walk down a steep dirt trail to a black sandy beach. The waves and surf can be quite treacherous so be very careful if you decide to swim here. This place is very special. There are hikes you can take from the beach - all the way to Waipeio valley I've heard (for the backpacking adventurers) but most folks find the climb back up from the beach enough of a challenge. Stunning views on the way down. Bring your camera. read more

Well worth the hike. Takes a little outta ya on the way back up bit you'll regret it if you don't do it! read more

Pololu Valley - At the bottom with the best scenery actually behind me. Hike for yourself if you don't believe me. ;) - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

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This is way away from any real cities, but worth it. The drive up the mountain is beautiful and offers views of fields and the ocean, and the drive after you've passed through the town is also gorgeous, with streams, groups of lush trees, and little one-lane bridges. And then, you get to the trail. It's not terribly steep - can be done in flip flops - although it seemed a lot steeper on the way up. It's well worth walking, even if only for a couple minutes. This view is better than any postcard I've seen: green mountains, swaying trees, and below, the ocean washing up on black sands, protected by cliffs. The path will lead you, eventually, down to the beach, allegedly in about 15 minutes... which doesn't consider stopping to take pictures, and you will. There are sort of stairs carved into the path, and obvious rocks to step on. The path is well-worn, and would be not only extremely slippery, but also dangerous if it's raining. DO NOT FORGET YOUR CAMERA. This is the sort of place that you send pictures of to your friends so they will get horribly jealous. read more

Pololu Valley - Parks Near Me - Hawi, Hawaii

Pololu Valley is a sweet place to enjoy a breathtaking hike. All the way down the trail the views are stunning. When you get to the bottom there is a lovely windswept black sand beach backed by a steep walled lush green valley with a seasonal stream. This beach is not safe for swimming. It is right down the road from my home and I hear sirens sometimes when the tourists don't pay attention to that fact. read more

Gorgeous. Well worth the hike down and up. Take a snack and enjoy time in the valley. So very cool. I will be back

POLOLU VALLEY: Little valley at the north point. Beautiful scenic point. We were not prepared for the little hike but next time we go down there for sure. read more

IMHO, Polulu Valley was BETTER than Waipio Valley Lookout - it was just stunning! The day we went it was rainy and SUPER windy but in a way it just made it even that more beautiful! The drive up Kohala is absolutely beautiful - I loved the scenic drive and the views from the Northern part of the Island. Definitely a must-see. We were able to get tons of photos despite the weather and thoroughly enjoy ourselves! read more

We hiked down to this little valley and spent a good hour and a half or two down there just exploring the trails, trees, river, ocean, rocks, and rope swings. It was so beautiful and a highlight of our trip! We hiked in Teva's which was perfect. The hike is not long, maybe a tad strenuous on the way back up but easily doable for most people unless they had a knee injury or something. read more

Quick little hike for a breath taking view of the ocean and valley. The hike down is super easy and you can stop to take beautiful pictures. The hike back up, however, is a bit harder and you're guaranteed to sweat but you'll reach the top before you know it. Apparently, some of Jurassic Park was filmed here! "Look across the valley's wild cliffs to the northern coast of Hawaii's Big Island. This corner of the island looks untainted by human settlement, and the tropical rainforest growing from the volcanic mountain is reminiscent of prehistoric times. Look down the valley to see the location for much of the 1997 film The Lost World: Jurassic Park." read more

Spectacular and mystical. I can see how the descent would be tricky if wet! Loved the hike, the beach, the strange moundy areas between the beach and the valley, the sucking, popping sounds when waves pulled back over the rounded melon-sized lava rocks (at the far end of the beach), the fine black sand, 500-foot sea cliffs, huge rope swings and bridges that looked like an ancient playground, and even the unique driving section from Kapa'au to the lookout. Wow to it all. The parking was backed up the road a ways, and now I know why. (But it didn't seem too crowded or touristy when down at the beach.) This will be one of my most vivid memories of two weeks on the Kona/Kohala coast. read more

This is one of my favorite hikes on the big island. I recommend that you come early in the day. Crowds will be very light, and parking will be a breeze. There are stunning vistas all the way down the hike. At the bottom there is a wonderful beach to hang out on. Be sure to bring some water; the hike back up is mildly strenuous. read more

This is a very special spot. Most people just stop at the end of the road, get out and take a picture. I would make the hike down to the valley. Be careful, if it has rained, this trail is very steep and can be quite slippery. The views at each switch back of the trail are just beautiful. The beach is not a sand beach, but made up of lava rocks that have been polished and ground. Surf can be very rough. Heaven on earth. read more

What a wonderful way to find Hawaii at its best. The walk down may seem easy but remember you have to be able to get back up so pace yourself. As loong as you are in reasonable shape and no Rain and not to Hot give it a try you will not be sorry take your time and enjoy the view!! read more

Spectacular spot to hike and see a lovely black sand beach. Make sure to wear good shoes and be ready for a workout. This is a fairly challenging hike--not for your average tourist. read more

Be sure to continue your hike to the neighboring Honokane Nui Valley!

Beautiful stop on the big island. We were staying near Waikoloa where it is so sunny and dry. We drove up here toward Hawi and were surprised by the rain. So check your weather app for different areas around the island, it varies greatly!! Anyway, this hike is beautiful. Its an easy drop at the beginning, making you wonder why it's rated "moderate". But it can be slippery after a rain so be careful. And that easy drop at the beginning is a steep climb at the end on your way back. I'm not a hiker. Bring your water bottle and camera. Wish we would have had our bathing suits and a towel for the beach at the bottom, looks like a nice swim if there aren't any currents. I don't know why they say it's 4 miles, the path is half a mile at most from your car to the beach at the bottom. I guess if you want to explore the coast further it can be as long as you want. But I would definitely recommend this hike, and I would do it again. Lots of beautiful scenery. read more

This was one of the best hikes I have ever done. I recommend going on a nice overcast day, its a little intense on a hot one. You can feel the heat coming off the rocks while hiking back up. The views are breath taking and when you get to the bottom its nice to have a picnic. I recommend to everyone! Have fun and be safe! read more

If you make it to Hawaii, you must visit this hike. The hike down was not bad, my nine year old daughter and four year old son did it with me last week. The beach is a soft, baby-powder, black sand and the accompanying scenery is fantastic. read more