Pololū Valley — Attraction in Hawaii

We drove from the Hilton resort area after breakfast, and the trip took about an hour or so to get there. You pass through one or two small towns along the way; otherwise, the drive was relatively lonely without hardly any traffic. Parking at the lookout wasn't a problem at 9:30 in the morning. And the forecast was calling for rain all day, so we figured once we got there, we might only be looking from the top without hiking down. But it wasn't raining, so we went down. Someone had left a hiking stick at the top that we took just in case it started to rain as we hiked. (We passed it along to another hiker when we were done with it.) The trail was slicker at the top due to loose dirt and something like loose dead pine needles along the steep ground. Once we got further down, it was steep and rocky. No doubt the rocks would be slick if it had been raining. (Which happens quite a bit on this shore of the island.) There are some viewpoints along the way if you decide to not go all the way to the bottom and to turn back. Definitely don't try this trail in flip flops. A closed toe shoe with grippy bottom is best. It was about 20 minutes down and just a little longer back up due to ascent. Take as long as you want at the bottom. There is a fun rope swing at the bottom before you get to the shore. You can walk along the black sand shore, and the views reveal why the road you were driving on doesn't keep going nor connect further along the coast. Driving up to this lookout/trail is definitely a dead end. So to go here is a destination, not something to see as you pass through to somewhere else. We took the morning to go here, walk along the shore for a bit, then hike back out and drive back to the Hilton for lunch. It was a morning well spent!

Note the warning signs! Bring bottles of water, wear appropriate shoes, and check out the rope swings at the bottom...

I've lived in this area for 35 years and can't count how many times I've been to the lookout and hiked down into first valley below. Also camped out in first and second valleys. The lookout is allways crowded and difficult to find a parking space but worth the view and picture taking. I wouldn't advise going swimming in the valley because of the strong undertow and riptide. I'm a strong swimmer and know where to get in and out of the water how far out to go safely. Still...once I took some friends down and after I went in to cool off and after 20 min or so realized one of the girls had followed me in. I was body surfing and didn't notice her right away. The waves got bigger quickly and and to powerful for the inexperienced girl. She waved frantically for help and when I reached her she was too tired to swim against the strong current any longer.With her under one arm and and paddling with the other after what seemed like hours ( about 45 min ) we crawled up on the beach, unable to even stand for a while,we were so worn out ( I hadn't brought my fins with me that day ) An experience, she told me the next time I ran into her, she'll never forget ! Anyway, you can also hike back into the valley on unmarked trail that's on flat ground that's easy and fun to take.The switchback trail in and out of the valley is steep and a little tricky but short so manageable for most. Well worth the walk.Must have permit to...

We were slightly trepidatious after reading some of the comments, but so glad that we did the hike, instead of just visiting the lookout. It is so worthwhile. Yes it's a bit steep, but it's short, and the scenery is breathtaking. First off, I found the hike down, much more difficult than the hike back up. I've had two dislocated kneecaps, so the descent was much more arduous. It had just rained the night before (I wouldn't attempt this in the rain) - and the path is very slippery at points. The very beginning is the most slippery, so if you make it through that, don't expect it to get any worse on the way down. Definitely wear shoes with good grip, and a hiking stick wouldn't hurt, though there's usually a couple sticks to grab at the trailhead. All in all, it took us about 25 minutes down (pausing both for pictures and footing) and 20 going up. Once you reach the bottom, you can cross the stream and continue on the trail - it was high tide and we decided against this - or simply enjoy the beach and the views of the valley a bit inland. We brought some snacks for a light picnic. All in all, a great hike to do on...