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.
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More details and hikes in Hawaii
Hiking the Green sand beach at Papakolea
Big Island Hike at Pu’uwa’awa’a
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