Probably one of the coolest and not so well known Big Island hikes is going to Narnia. (No Hawaiian or common name was known for this hiking spot). Located on the east side of the island just above Hilo and the Boiling pots park, the hike to Narnia is spectacular with 5 waterfalls converging into one beautiful lookout point and swimming spot.
Hiking to Narnia above Hilo
starting point to Narnia hike on a fire road
Starting your hike to Narnia in East Hawaii
The hike is not so well marked and not noted of Big Island hikes and the broad name of Narnia has no historic references to the area. But that isn’t necessary since the hike experience makes this all worthwhile and is a relatively easy spot to get to above Hilo.
There are no trail markers and the small parking area is located about a mile down from the Boiling pots parking lot. If you go further uphill from Boiling pots on the main road, Wainuenue, you’ll find some parking spots on the left side of the road (don’t pass the bridge passing through the Wailuku river or you’ve passed the parking area)
Wild bamboo orchids on the trial to Narnia pools
From the parking area, head uphill on the fire road to the end and a the T is a small trail on the right side that goes uphill. Go take that small trail which will eventually merge into the fire road and you go left and you continue uphill.
Small trail to the right side of fire road
** you can also take a 2nd route from the parking area and go down Wainuenue road through this neighborhood and when you see the first small paved road (on the left side) going uphill through this neighborhood which eventually becomes a fire road heading up through the area and to Narnia.
Passing an abandoned home on the main fire road
Continue about a mile uphill on the fire road which has a slight slope but is relatively easy to do. Once you approach a very large catchment water tank on the left side, you will see a trail on the right side going through some tall trees. Head right in that direction all the way to the end and you will eventually get to the main vantage point at Narnia.
Turn right at the large water tank
From here, you can walk the shorter trails for different viewpoints of the waterfalls and reservoir. There are some access to the water for swimming in the reservoir (please do not go into the water on rainy days when the water flow is rushing and unpredictable – it is very dangerious) which is perfect on sunny days when the water is calm. You can actually swim to a few of the waterfalls directly against the water flow which is a challenge and a fun work out.
More views of the Narnia pools
Beautiful ferns and fern grottos are everywhere along the waterfalls and shady areas.
A Fun Video Highlight to Narnia
Extended hike from Narnia
If you want to extend your hike, you can also hike to the main dam and reservoir which is about a 3 mile uphill walk on the main fire road. You will eventually see the river and dam area and reservoir. If the water is calm, you definitely can get in below the dam area for swimming. Or you can walk across the dam and follow a small trail to where the canyon areas of the Wainuenue river pass through which is quite spectacular to explore.
Returning back to parking area
The hike back is easy and you will get nice views back into Hilo area. You can actually take the fire road directly down to Wainuenue and turn right to walk back to the small parking area.
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on this Big Island hike to Narnia. I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.
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For a fun and unique experience to enjoy in Maui, you need to go to a luau on the island. But with many different luau to choose in Maui, you’ll have a tough time to decide. To make it easier here are you options below on the best luau to choose in Maui.
Many of the Maui luau celebrate the early ancient Polynesian settlers to Maui, Polynesian lifestyle and culture and transition to more local celebrations, culture and tradition featuring the demigod Maui, an ancient god. Along with Polynesian dance, song and music, Hawaiian dance and music is also featured and predominant in most of the luau on the island.
Photo credit – A Maui Blog
Check out these different luau in Maui
Aha’aina – The Grand Wailea luau
This wonderful Luau held on the grounds of The Grand Wailea grounds which is a lux experience in Wailea. The four hour production is elaborate and beautiful to experience with fantastic local Hawaiian and local foods to try in this luau.
The luau celebrates the early voyagers to the island and shares the history and culture of the early Hawaiians on the island along with sharing the traditional Hawaiian foods like Kalua pork and poi, macadamia crusted mahi mahi, and other local favorite foods. Along with the elaborate show, you can also participate in doing some local games, crafts and even learn to hula dance.
Details to participating in the show
This luau is popular and does book up early so do plan ahead
This is open seating dining at the luau and show
The luau is family friendly
The event is held at the Grand Wailea Grand Astoria Resort
on Mondays, Thursdays, Friday and Saturday
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Te Au Moana – Marriott Wailea Luau
Located at the Marriott Wailea, this fabulous luau translates into “the Ocean Tide” and early Hawaiians living aloha and love of the “Aina” or land they lived in. The luau located on the coastline on grassy lawn with spectacular views along with a dynamic show and dining experience. Prior to dinner you get to see and participate in various traditional Hawaiian rituals like tapa making, coconut husking, making leis, other crafts and showcasing weaponry and fishing demonstrations in this best of Maui Luau.
Dinner service includes local and traditional fare including Molokai sweet potatoes, Grilled teriyaki steak and kalua pork, pineapple coleslaw and seafood pasta along with other local favorites.
Details to participating at the Marriott Wailea Luau
Shows happen on Mondays, Thursdays, Friday and Saturday
Cultural interaction and participation is family friendly
Free for children under 5
Located at the Wailea Beach Resort and Spa
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Myths of Maui – Royal Lahaina Resort
A gorgeous oceanfront luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort at Ka’anapali beach starting with a lovely luau lei greeting. The luau offers an authentic luau experience with an presentation with a pig imu unearthing or pua’a, exotic tropical drinks like mai tais and delicious buffet cuisine of traditional and local favorites from the island.
The nights entertainment presents the best of Polynesian music, dance and storytelling combining both Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures and traditional dance.
More details to the Myths of Maui
This is a family friendly luau experience.
Seating is pre-assigned depending on early booking, for the best seats consider the VIP bookings that will allow up front seating.
Shows occur daily and starts at 6pm for general seating
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Hyatt Regency Luau – Drums of the Pacific
A conch shell and beating drums followed by Hawaiian chants start the beginning to this wonderful luau along with a torch lighting ceremony. You get all the nice touches of a luau including lei greeting, exotic mai tais, an authentic imu ceremony (steamed pig unearthing), and traditional arts and crafts demonstrations. Along with wonderful Hawaiian music, there’s a unique Polynesian fashion show with creative and unique tropical styles of dress.
This is followed by a buffet feast with traditional favorites including huli huli chicken, Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, grilled fish, ahi poke, poi and many other local favorite dishes to try.
Next is an all tribute Polynesian show experience of the Drums of the Pacific showcasing the traditional music and dance of the region. This includes Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand and Rarotonga’s best music and dance.
Details to attending the luau Drums of the Pacific
Open bar with beer, wine, mixed drinks and tropical punch
An elaborate dessert bar is also featured with the buffet portion of the meal.
The luau event happens every day and starts at 5:30pm
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau only showcases the best of Hawaiian culture, history, music and dance which sets it apart of the other Luau’s that features a pan Polnesian experience. Held on ocean front grounds with breath taking views of old town Lahaina and coastline. The luau offers fascinating imu pig unearthing, story telling and cultural demonstrations and island crafts.
The buffet also sets the food apart with an elaborate menu that features local favorites like Kalua pork, island chicken, Maui style Mahi Mahi, Ko’ala steak, lomi lomi salmon and poke, poi and assorted island desserts.
The entertainment portion Hawaiian production shares the best of Hawaii centric tradition, history and culture. Starting with migration from Polynesia to Hawaii, encompassing traditional chants, dance and ancient hula performed for respected family and guests. This follows with the entry of the missionaries and Merrie Monarch revival of the hula and into contemporary Auana style dance and music.
Details to attending the Old Lahaina Luau
Luau events happen daily and advanced reservations are required.
Guests may choose from our Traditional Hawaiian Mat seating, or our regular Conventional Tables and Chairs
Luau hosts greet you and guide you to reserved seating tables and acquaint them to the grounds features
There are premium open bar available during the entire event
Professional photographers are available with no purchase necessary
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
The Feast of Lele
An oceanfront ocean front luau in Lahaina, the Feast of Lele is the ancient name of Lahaina and celebrates Polynesian culture, music, dance through Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and Aotearoa.
The feast features a sit-down dinner showcasing five epicurean courses from the Pacific island nations of Aotearoa, Tahiti, Samoa, and Hawaiʻi that you can choose from a set menu. There is also an open bar of exotic drinks, beers, wine and other local favorites for the entire show.
Details to attending the Feast of Lele
Open daily from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Photographers are on sight to take sunset and luau photographs with no obligation
Fine dining style with reserved and private tables – no buffet service
Location: Along the beach in historic Lahaina Town 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Maui Nui Loa – Sheraton Maui Resort Luau
Located ocean front at the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa – the luau is a tribute to Maui and Kaanapali history, culture and folklore along with a Pan Pacific event. You’ll enjoy a traditional lei and cocktail greeting with casual craft demonstrations, hula basics and other Hawaiian games right when you enter the grounds. The highlight at the start is the unearthing of the Kalua pig from an imu (underground steaming pit) and is unearth from all the covered dirt and banana leaf. The torch lights are lit and the actual buffet gets started.
The grand buffet covers local favorite foods like Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, Molokai sweet potato, BBQ chicken, steamed opakaka and so many other delicious foods from the island.
Details to the Maui Nui Loa Luau
Happens on Mondays, Wednesday and some Fridays starting at 5pm
Family friendly venue with crafting classes, temporary tatoos and Hawaiian games
You can opt for just a drink option and show without food
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
The Feast at Mokapu at Andaz Maui
A luxury luau experience with only 150 guest seating for this limited luau event at the Andaz is stylish and refined dining. Greetings start with green and gold shell necklaces and escorted to private dining seats. A gourmet three course menu is served at the table along with craft signature drinks served.
In the entertainment segment, you get a beautiful show with live ukelele performances, singing, beautiful hula to Tahitian dancing and high energy Samoan fire dances at night.
Details to the Feast at Mokapu
Limited seating available on Sunday and Tuesday evenings from 5 to 8 pm
Complimentary 8 x 10 souvenir photo is included with the event
Craft cocktails are prepared for each drink
For more details check out this site for more information, availability and prices.
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Best luau to choose in Maui I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions.
If you like what you see, come and check out my other social media channels for more updates, including Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter
Beautiful Maui luau at Lahaina
Photo credit – A Maui Blog
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A gorgeous hike from the top to the gorgeous black sandy beaches of Polulu Valley, the drive alone and panoramic views of the cliffs and coastlines impresses the moment you park on the end of road. 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. Check out all the fun details of this Big Island hike to Polulu Valley.
Hiking to Polulu Valley and beyond
The hike down is mostly gravel and soil and relatively easy to climb down depending on temperature and wetness factor. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor.
Arriving Polulu Valley and parking
Parking is
just at the end of road with most day trippers coming to take pictures and
leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. You can also park
further out and then walk to the end where the trail begins.
The hike
downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and
picture taking. The roundtrip hike goes down about 420 feet to the valley floor
and is only about a half hour hike to the bottom of this .6-mile hike.
It is wide enough for both uphill and downhill traffic to the bottom but give some clearance to people struggling uphill.
The black sand beach of Polulu
Once you get
to the bottom, head for the black sandy beach (the small trails that follow the
stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. Views
of the beach with the impressive 500 foot cliffs make for a fantastic photo
opportunity in the area.
The expansive black sand beach is fantastic to walk through and check out the rock sculptures and enjoy the beach. There are no lifeguards on the beach and the surf breaks and the beach with undertow is treacherous so swimming is not encouraged on the beach.
Along the river bank are tall ironwood trees with swings set up for some casual fun and really high swinging.
You can take a short stroll along the river bank before it stops with warning signs of private property beyond the trail areas.
Extend your
hike to Honokane Nui trail
If you’re challenged to extend your hike, consider going beyond to the next valley on the Honokane Nui trail to reach the Honokane gulch. 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. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile. You’ll finally get to a high ridge with magnificent views of Honokane and the other cliffs of the Kohala mountains. Currently, there are no trails leading to the valley floor of Honokane so you return back to Polulu and up to the Polulu lookout point.
More details
to hiking Polulu
The trail is
steep with 13 percent grade going down to the valley floor and is only .6 miles
to reach the bottom
On rainy
days, it is muddy and extremely slippery
Look to
visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below
There are no
public services or lifeguards at the beach
Bring plenty
of water with you on the short hike and sun screen for hot days
Trail and rocky and rough so hiking shoes or tennis shoes are necessary
Other things
to do in the Kohala area
If you’re
done with your hiking adventure, check out all these other fun things to
explore and see in the area.
Keokea Beach park – a beautiful park with nice views of the coastline with picnic grounds and public services.
ATV tours in Kohala – ATV outfitters take you on tours on private lands for 1.5 to 3-hour scenic tours and outdoor ATV experiences between Hawi and Polulu. Check out the details here for more images and inspiration to doing this tour.
Check out
the Kamehameha statue in Kapaau – at the Kohala civic center sits the original
statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. You
can find more details about the original
Kamehameha stature here for more information. The small town of Kapaau has
many unique galleries and shops worth exploring while you are in the area.
Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Also, home to some unique art galleries, boutiques and restaurants located in old plantation style buildings, you can easily spend a few hours exploring and eating your way through town.
Directions
to Polulu Valley
Drive down the Akone Pule highway 270 and past the small town of Hawi. From there its s another 8 miles until you hit the end at the Polulu Valley Look out point.
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on this Big Island hike to Polulu Valley I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.
If you like what you see, come and check out my other social media channels for more updates, including Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter Some links in this article on this Big Island hike to Polulu Valley are affiliates which provide a small commission to support this site at no extra cost to you. Thank you for reading, and happy travels
A gorgeous trail to explore from the bottom to the top of the cinder cone, Pu’uwa’aw’a is a moderate to challenging hike to undertake. A 12.9 Km or approximately 8 mile roundtrip trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers, native flora and spectacular views from all around the trail. It is about an 2000 foot elevation gain and a good workout for those that want to burn some calories on the hike. If you want to do a unique and different hike, check out the Big Island hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a, it is worth the hike all the way to the top.
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone trail
You can choose
to hike up a paved roadway to the base area of the Pu’u or take a side trail
called the Ohia trail through some lovely high desert like forest and shady
spots before you hit more exposed and sunny areas.
The area around the parking lot is filled with beautiful wildflowers with these gorgeous red succulents in bloom the day we were hiking up the trail.
Starting the Big Island hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a
Just past the entry paved road going upwards to the base of the pu’u is a detour trail marked the Ohia trail which is more scenic and a gravel/dirt path to another fire road that eventually connects to the same paved road. This trail is covered and shady in throughout the route which is a nice cover before you get to the more exposed and sunny areas of the trail head leading the base of the pu’u.
Entry check in station at Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
The asphalt fire road leading to the base area of the Pu’u cinder cone
Detour on the Ohia Trail – a dryland forest
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’aTaking the Ohia trail to the Pu’u base at Pu’uwa’awa’aFeather grass and dryland tree forest on the Ohia trails
Reaching the
base of the Pu’u
The paved road eventually stops at the base of the pu’u with a secured gate entry that prevents invasive wildlife from entering the area. Horses are allowed on the trail so take note of all the horse manure left along the trail you can avoid. You may spot wildlife around the area including goats, rams and wild sheep roaming the hills around the Pu’u along with the typical cows, ducks and various birds living the vicinity.
grassy trail Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State ParkCloudy skies at Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
The trail is a recent addition to the state park system and called the Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park. Along the way you’ll see fantastic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalei, and North Kohala mountains. Weather is variable from pure sun to cloudy and rainy, so choose a sunny and clear day if you want to have beautiful views and weather reaching the top of the cinder cone.
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a with Hualalei in background
Mid range of
the pu’u hike
The trail is pleasant with dirt trails that eventually lead to grassy meadows with a moderate incline. There are nice stops along the way with benches if you want to take a break and enjoy the views below. Note – most of the remainder of the trail is exposed and very hot on sunny days so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Steep incline at Pu’uwa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
The last segment through a mostly dirt pathway to the top is challenging and steep so take a break and enjoy the views along the way. These are fun moments to also capture and even do some selfies.
Reaching the top of Pu’uwa’awa’a
Reaching the
top of the cinder cone
The steep incline to the top is definitely difficult especially on sunny and hot days, but there are benches along the way to enjoy and soak in all the views from the back side. The grassy trails make it more scenic and pleasant to hike through to the top which is filled with beautiful native Ohias and fascinating dead trees that make a nice photo composition to capture.
There’s also a cool set of trees that look like the perfect framing of the coastline views below of the Kohala area.
Tree portal and views from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Views of surrounding mountains and Pu’u cinder cone below
Views from the top of Pu’uwa’awa’a
One top is mostly grassy area with a few benches to relax and enjoy the views or have a casual picnic on the grass.
Enjoying a bench and views at Pu’uwa’awa’aHiking Pu’uwa’awa’a
Decayed trees make for dramatic landscapes to capture
Downed trees and views to the Kohala coastline
Hiking back down
Kohala views from the cinder cone at Pu’uwa’awa’a
The hike back downhill is relatively fast depending on your speed and need to descent. There are different views going downhill and the light changes late in the afternoon with the clouds coming in and golden light time frame.
Native ohia and grass at Pu’uwa’awa’a
Heading back downhill
Hiking downhill from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Cloudy skies and silhouettes from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Gorgeous panoramas from Pu’uwa’awa’aStorymy skies from Pu’uwa’awa’aWalking downhill from Pu’uwa’awa’a
Tips on hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a
Entry to the
state reserve park is between Mile Marker 21 and 22 on Highway 190 and you
enter a remote control gate that opens with sensors and you park right next to
the sign in station which only requires hunters to sign in.
Most of the
trail and hike is exposed so bring plenty of water and sunscreen or hike in the
morning or afternoon when conditions are cooler. It is mostly asphalt fire road
to the base of the pu’u, but you can take an alternate on the Ohia trail through
more scenic dryland forested areas which connects to another gravelled fire
road to the mid way point.
Trail is
moderate with a steady climb and steeper at the end with excellent views of the
area.
There is a
foot entry scrub (which prevents boots that might have contact to the Ohia
virus happening throughout the island) so please do scrub your shoes before and
after the hike.
There is a
porta john on the way up the asphalt road, but outside of this, there are not
other services in the park.
The gate and park is open from 6am to close at 6pm so descend before that time frame.
Hiking Pu’uwa’awa’a
Directions
to Pu’uwa’awa’a
From Kona – This is 18.1 miles or about 29 minutes from downtown Kona. Take Highway
190 until reach between mile marker 21 and 22.
From Hilo area – This is about 60 miles or 1.10 mins from Hilo. Take the Saddle road to the dead end T and make a left on Highway 190 to mile marker 21 and 22.
Thanks for visiting today and checking out this post on Big Island hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a. I hope you are inspired to plan a visit and enjoy these wonderful attractions. If you enjoyed the images and post, could you please share it with any of the social media buttons located around the post.
If you like what you see, come and check out my other social media channels for more updates, including Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter
Some links in this article on Big Island hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a are affiliates which provide a small commission to support this site at no extra cost to you. Thank you for reading, and happy travels
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