Enjoy the view of the valley, ocean, and cliffs from Pololu Valley Lookout on Kohala Mountain. Even though it was once densely populated, the valley is now completely uninhabited and taken over by nature. A short hiking trail leads to the black sand beach at the bottom of the valley. While the hike down is not very difficult and provides some great views, coming back up the steep hill can be tricky. It's important to have adequate footwear and to bring enough water and bug spray. Swimming at the beach is not recommended due to strong currents. If you don't want to try the whole hike, consider at least going down a couple of switchbacks for totally different views from those you get at the top. After the ten parking spaces fill up, you'll have to park along the street, avoiding private property. For Pololu Valley Lookout and beyond, use our Kapaau trip maker website to get the most from your Kapaau vacation.
Tours to Pololu Valley Lookout
Pololu Valley Lookout reviews
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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...
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... more »
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This is pretty but not an essential stop; don’t drive more than an hour for it. It’s an overlook into a valley. The best views are partway down the (half-mile, steep) trail. Other reviewers rave...
This is pretty but not an essential stop; don’t drive more than an hour for it. It’s an overlook into a valley. The best views are partway down the (half-mile, steep) trail. Other reviewers rave... more »
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What a beautiful view. Parking is at a premium so go early. So have to take the trail down. It was about a 20 minute hike down and 25 back up. You can’t get the full experience without hiking down...
What a beautiful view. Parking is at a premium so go early. So have to take the trail down. It was about a 20 minute hike down and 25 back up. You can’t get the full experience without hiking down... more »
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Was looking for something to do this morning and this lookout was worth the drive. If you are planning to do the hike definitely west the right shoes and bring water. So many folks were out in sandals and no water and that is how accidents happen. I would say the trail is fairly difficult but even half way down there are beautiful views.
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Great trail head. 20-30 minutes to the beach and about the same coming up. Not handicap friendly as it is a rough trail in spots, but not a hard hike up or down. The view along the way is absolutely stunning and the beach is very mice as well. Would not feel this is a snorkel type beach, but body boarding and possible surfing would be good.
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It's a bit out of the way but definitely worth it. The parking situation can be easy if you just want to go and look around for a few minutes (tell them that) or harder if you want to hike it which forces you to park further away. Either way you do it, amazing views!
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This is a cool lookout. We did not do the hike but many folks were. The views are pretty cool from the top. Not a ton of room up there and it can get very busy. Be aware it's a tight road and parking up there. Be patient and you'll be rewarded.
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Beautiful! The road up is very pretty, take your time, it is a narrow road and is windy going over 4 single lane bridges. Once there we parked on the side of the road and walked down to the lookout and the trailhead. There is a very small parking lot (10 min parking max) and is monitored. Some people were taking the trail down to the beach and spending the day. The Valley is beautiful and so lush and green it is amazing to see.
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