Pololu Valley Lookout
Pololu Valley Lookout
4.5
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One of many scenic valleys on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,166 reviews
Excellent
866
Very good
241
Average
46
Poor
9
Terrible
4
Sonya S
Rancho Cucamonga, CA17 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This is a beautiful place no doubt. Understandably having a lot of tourists crowd this spot affects locals. The man running the place and warning people of the steep hike back seemed to have had it with disrespectful people. It is only half mile down, pretty rocky, and steep at times. I’m relatively fit but out of caution took about 20 min to go down and a little less time coming up. The black sand was neat to see but the crowd took some away from the experience. If you choose to go down to the beach, do bring water and stay hydrated but there are no bathrooms, so.. There’s that! About half mile back down the road is a park with restrooms.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maitaimike2015
Laguna Hills, CA253 contributions
Feb 2021
Having been to this lookout pretty much every visit to Hawi, I wasn't expecting much. It is a bit of a drive to the point on a narrowing, winding, road. The parking at the end of # 270 is a zoo on good weather days. It was a little greener this visit. The trail down to the beach can be muddy. Trekking poles, study footwear, & water, if you do. To old, and outta shape, I 'll pass. There are no facilities located here as well. Good photo's if clear and sunny, weeds are getting too high though.
Mahalo.
Mahalo.
Written March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VncrCanada
Vancouver, Canada239 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The view was gorgeous, it was nice and sunny out over the ocean when we there, with cloud over the lovely lush valley. But the parking was crazy and confusing! The parking lot itself is very small so there were locals there, directing traffic and telling visitors they can only park for 10 minutes to enjoy the view. They were pretty strict about kicking us out when we only overstayed by about 5 minutes so that we could grab a quick snack out of our cooler. We figured out after the fact that if you want to stay longer, or hike down to the beach you have to park along the road, well outside the small parking lot. We didn’t bother trying to squeeze in along the road and do the hike as the road was very congested with cars and we did not bring proper shoes for the trail, it looked very steep. There are no washrooms but other reviewers said that a park down the road has them. It might be preferable to park at the park then walk along the road to the lookout, being careful to dodge the traffic congestion. The last few miles of road before the lookout are narrow with a lot of one lane bridges, take care around the curves.
Written October 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
georgeedwardd2016
San Diego, CA2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I completely agree with an earlier review where the person felt unwelcome. I had a similar experience on 6/25/24, when I arrived to do the Pololu Beach hike. I was met by two volunteers who pretend to be stewards, but in reality are there to discourage hikers. From my first interaction, their tone was hostile. Warning me about the difficulty of the hike, not to relieve myself on the trail and how I will be fined $250. Also, The older woman volunteer said this is the sacred land of her ancestors who are buried there and not to trespass beyond the roped off areas. I should mention I observed one of her compatriots enter the forbidden area at the beach she so sternly warned me against. These volunteers have no legal authority and are there to make it difficult for tourists. I laughed about them telling me about the difficulty of the hike since I have done Grand Canyon and half Dome in Yosemite.
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilFrazier
6 contributions
Mar 2021
Amazing views!! It felt like something you'd see in a Jurrasic Park movie! The trip down and back up is steep, but doable if you're in reasonably good shape. The best part is really at the bottom and you won't get the full experience if you just stay at the top. At the bottom there is a magical forest, a black sand beach (not safe for swimming, but cool to see) and a bunch of rope swings hanging from the trees! We brought along hammocks and had a peaceful afternoon enjoying the woods and looking at the waves.
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RichMc31
Weymouth, MA37 contributions
Feb 2020
The lookout is a fantastic spot, definitely worth checking out. From the top it's interesting, if you're up to making the long trek down to the bottom it's definitely worth it. It takes 30-45 minutes (longer on the way back!) to make it all the way down to the beach, and it has its challenges, but it's definitely doable even if you're not a mountain climber. Having walked down on a dry day, when the footing was fine, I would advise against going down on a wet day. But the views on the way down (plenty of places to stop and take photos) and at the beach are really worth it.
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olivia w
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Friends
This was a very beautiful place to see and be able to experience, but it was very misleading. These trails are definetly not for everyone, since it is a very steep and dangerous hike to the bottom and the person running the place gave us a lot of information about broken ankles and legs. Also, I didnt even get to make it to the bottom while I was there because while I was hiking down someone came running up the trail asking us to call 911 because 5 people were drowning. After I heard that, I immediatly called 911 and went back up the trail. The water and trail are definetly not safe to go on and should only be attempted by people who know what theyre doing.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan P
Broomall, PA24 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The lookout has a small parking lot but that's ok because it isn't heavily populated. You can take pictures at the top of the coastline, but it is very worthwhile to hike down at least part way to get views into the Pololu valley. It had been raining hard the day before so the trail, which is always steep and has rocks and roots, was also slippery. We only hiked about half way since we had done a strenuous hike the day before. Wear hiking shoes and use a walking stick (usually a selection at the top). Beautiful scenery.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenny Macdonald
Spokane Valley, WA607 contributions
Jan 2023
Beautiful location! Stunning views from the top and quiet and peaceful beauty down the hill at the beach. We last visited 6 years ago when people were camping and habitating the area. Now, it has been cleaned up, no more campers, and much of the valley area is restricted and hikers are asked to remain only on the beach. I appreciate the locals sharing this sacred site and I am hopeful that ALL visitors will be respectful and considerate. Limited parking at the lookout (end of road), but we went early and had no issues. About a 20 minute walk from the parking area to the beach. Take some water. Wear sturdy shoes.
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy H
Alameda, CA1,518 contributions
Feb 2020
If the clouds cover your view, wait a few minutes as the wind will blow them away. It's a great spot. The only drawback is the parking and traffic. It's is so small and everyone wants to view it. It can get impossible to maneuver with all the big cars around so be patient.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the best shoes to wear? Sneakers or regular hiking boots? And would hiking poles help especially on the way back up?
Written May 10, 2021
Mkharder,
Per my review, "sturdy footwear" can be trail running shoes, or rugged outdoor footwear. Good traction is what I recommend. You don't need Hiking boots technically, as you are not carrying a heavy back pack. I use trekking poles on many outdoor trails due to being "old & outta shape"
Even a hiking staff would be helpful. I have not made this particular hike. My advice is due to having a good deal of knowledge regarding outdoor equipment & footwear.
Safe travels,
Mike
Written June 17, 2021
Would this be OK for someone on crutches? Some sites call this an "easy" hike but still unclear if this would be a good idea. Thanks!
Written September 1, 2017
Definitely not on crutches or even someone with bad knees or ankles. It is a very challenging hike due to the steep grade and the terrain.
Written October 17, 2017
It would depend on your stamina and strength. It is a fairly steep climb back up. You are not ever climbing as with your hands and knees, but there are three switchbacks and almost constantly climbing as if on stairs.
Written May 26, 2016
Bonjour
Nous serons en mai sur BIG ISLAND, POLOLU VALLEY est accessible pour une personne de 74 ans, en forme, mais pas vraiment sportive ?
Written March 15, 2016
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