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Pololu Valley Beach Review

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Pololu Valley Beach

Address: End of Hwy. 270, HI | Map It

Category: Beaches
Location: Kohala

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Fodor's Review:

On the North Kohala peninsula is one of the Big Island's most scenic black-sand beaches. About 8 mi past Hawi town, Highway 270 terminates at the overlook of remote Pololu Valley. Beach access is gained by a 15-minute hike down (twice as long back up) a generally steep and rocky trail that can be muddy and slippery. Caution is advised. The beach itself is a nice wide expanse of fine black sand surrounded by sheer green cliffs and backed by high dunes dotted with pine trees. A gurgling stream leads from the beach to the back of the valley. This is not a particularly safe swimming beach even though locals do swim, bodyboard, and surf here. Dangerous rip currents and usually rough surf pose a real hazard. And because this is a remote, isolated area far from emergency help, extreme caution is advised. The valley leading back from the beach was once farmed with taro patches but is no longer being used. There is very limited parking at the turnaround and along the roadside here.

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