Pololū Valley Lookout
Hāwī, HI
The end of Highway 270, where cliffs drop into a green valley with a black boulder beach. The trail down is short but steep and muddy; parking along the road is very limited.
Pololū Valley Lookout is at the end of the Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270) near mile 28 in North Kohala on Hawaiʻi (the Big Island). The valley's name means "long spear". From the lookout you see green cliffs, offshore rock islets and horses grazing on the slope.
The valley is the northernmost of a series of erosional valleys on the east flank of Kohala Mountain. Before Europeans arrived it was known for growing taro; in the 19th century rice was farmed here. A switchback trail leads to the valley floor and the black-sand beach, separated from the interior by a yellow dune. Go Hawaii gives about 25 minutes for the descent, Frommer's about 45. Lonely Planet notes that the stones for Puʻukoholā Heiau are said to have come from this valley.
Swimming is not advisable because of strong currents. The parking lot at the end of the road is small. Bring water and insect repellent.
- Nearest town
- Hāwī, HI
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 20.2044, -155.7337
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
FAQs
Where is Pololū Valley Lookout?
Pololū Valley Lookout is in Hāwī, HI, at GPS 20.2044, -155.7337. It is about 11 mi from Waipiʻo Lookout.
Which road trips pass Pololū Valley Lookout?
Pololū Valley Lookout is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kohala and the Hāmākua Coast: Kona to Hilo the northern way.
What is there to see near Pololū Valley Lookout?
Places worth a stop nearby: Waipiʻo Valley Lookout (11 mi), Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (14 mi), Waiʻānapanapa State Park (44 mi) and ʻAkaka Falls State Park (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Pololū Valley Lookout?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)