Weather: The northern coast of Kohala is cooler and often cloudy, with passing showers common throughout the day. Early mornings tend to be clearer and less crowded.
Pack a Day Bag: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bug spray, water, snacks, a towel, light jacket, and a camera. A small backpack is ideal for the hike down.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good traction. The trail to the valley floor is steep, uneven, and can be slippery—especially after rain. Flip-flops are not recommended for hiking.
What to Bring: There are no services in the valley—bring everything you need. If you plan to swim or explore the black sand beach, pack accordingly, but be cautious: the ocean is often rough and not safe for swimming.
Phone Service: Cell service cuts out once you descend into the valley. Let someone know your plans before heading down.
Bathrooms: There are no public restrooms at the trailhead or in the valley. The nearest facilities are in Hāwī or Kapaʻau.
Parking: Parking is extremely limited at the lookout. Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) for the best chance at a spot. Be respectful of residents—do not block driveways or park illegally.
Check-In Booth: None—this is a self-guided hike. Look for posted signs with safety info near the trailhead.
Photography: Pololū Valley is one of the most photogenic locations on the Big Island. Capture sweeping coastal cliffs, lush valley views, and a dramatic black sand beach. Morning light is best for valley and ocean shots.
Accessible for Disability: The lookout at the top is accessible by vehicle and offers a beautiful view without hiking. The trail to the beach, however, is steep and not suitable for those with mobility limitations.
Meaning and Location
Pololū, meaning “long spear” in Hawaiian, is the northernmost of several deeply carved valleys along the Kohala Coast. Located at the end of Highway 270 near the town of Kapa‘au, the Pololū Valley Lookout offers sweeping views of dramatic sea cliffs, a black sand beach, and the lush, green valley floor below.
Ancient Hawaiian Settlement
Pololū Valley was once a thriving Native Hawaiian farming and fishing community, with fertile lands fed by mountain streams and a coastline rich in marine life. The valley was part of the traditional ahupua‘a system, where Hawaiians lived sustainably from mauka (mountain) to makai (sea), cultivating kalo (taro), sweet potatoes, and bananas, while fishing from shoreline ponds and canoes.
Stone terraces, house sites, and remnants of ancient trails still lie hidden in the valley, connecting it to a broader network of historic settlements in the Kohala region, including neighboring Honokane Nui and Waimanu Valleys.
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
Pololū is considered a place of mana (spiritual energy). The valleys of Kohala were known to house heiau (temples), sacred sites, and burial caves. Local families still maintain ancestral ties to the land, and it’s treated with deep respect by those who know its history. Visitors are encouraged to approach the valley as a sacred landscape, not just a scenic photo op—by treading lightly, staying on trails, and showing aloha for the land.
The Hike and Valley Today
From the lookout, a short but steep trail leads down to the valley floor and the black sand beach. The hike is about 0.6 miles each way, with slippery footing and uneven terrain. At the bottom, you’ll find:
A peaceful, rugged coastline with large waves (not safe for swimming)
An ironwood grove and small freshwater stream
Opportunities for reflection, photography, and connection with nature
While Pololū is a popular destination, it has no facilities, and parking is limited. Local efforts are ongoing to manage tourism and preserve the integrity of the valley, which is still home to descendants of early Hawaiian families.
