Pololu (Hawaiian spelling: Pololū, stressed on the final ‘ū’ means long spear in the Hawaiian language) is the norther-westernmost of the Hamakua coast’s dramatic stream valleys, a series of erosional valleys forming the east coast of Kohala Mountain. Waipio is the southeastern-most.
At the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, you’ll find the Pololu Valley. Much less well known than the Waipio Valley located 12 miles further south and east, the Pololu Valley is the first of five majestic valleys that stretch along the coast to the southeast. Come early: by midmorning, the little parking area at the roadend, Pololu Valley Lookout, is jammed. However, relatively few of those people actually make it down to the beach, as the descent is steep.
Views of the coast, the black sand beach and valley beyond are obstructed from the lookout. The only way to see all that this area of the Big Island has to offer is to hike on foot or horseback down the four mile trail to the valley floor 1000 feet below you. The hike is moderately difficult with a rocky path. The climb back up is strenuous. Allow yourself about two to three hours for the hike.
The path takes you through groves of hau and ironwood trees, marshland and across the valley stream which, depending on recent rainfall, may be easy to cross or even set off from the shoreline by a sandbar. You’ll then arrive at the valley’s black sand beach, a favorite spot for family outings with pleasant sunning but not swimming—the ocean is too dangerous.The valley forms a deep cut in the side of Kohala Mountain, and is traversed in its entirety by Pololū stream. The upper (southern) end of the valley is located at coordinates 20°9′3″N 155°44′39″W. Hiking trails criss-cross the valley, and lead in and out. The valley is fronted on the ocean side by a beautiful black sand beach. A yellow sand dune protects verdant areas inland from the occasional fury of the ocean.
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Hawi, Hilo
Length: 1.5 total miles
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 45 minutes