Hike· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail
20° 12.2′ N · 155° 44.0′ W
The end of the road in North Kohala, where a lookout gazes down the sheer green walls of Pololu Valley and the windward sea cliffs; a steep, zigzagging trail drops about 400 ft to a black-sand beach and stream mouth in roughly 25 minutes.
Practical
Coordinate is the OpenStreetMap lookout. A land excursion from Kawaihae or Nishimura Bay (car needed; past Hawi and Kapaau at the end of Akoni Pule Highway). Parking near the trailhead is limited. The trail is steep, rocky and slippery after rain, with a hard climb back up. No lifeguards or facilities; the ocean has strong shorebreak and rip currents and the stream mouth can be unsafe after rain. Bring water and insect repellent. Check for trail closures before driving out.
Best for
Dramatic windward-valley hike on a shore day