Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
White mist rising off black sands. Dramatic cliffs cloaked in lush tropical vegetation. Waves crashing far below. Sounds like a dream, right? With Nook Outdoors, you can make it a reality. Come along as we reveal the rich history, unmissable sights, and bucket-list experiences of Pololu Valley, Big Island, Hawaii. And stay close by, because later, we’ll tell you about a boutique hotel where the island-urban vibes and curated excursions are sure to put you in the aloha spirit.
Want to get off the beaten trail on your Big Island vacation? Then Pololu Valley is a must! Located in North Kohala, at the end of Highway 270 on the northeastern coast of the Big Island, Pololu (Hawaiian for “long spear”) Valley offers an untamed alternative to Hawaii’s more commercial attractions, with raw beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. Once used for taro farming by native Hawaiians, the valley fell into disuse after colonization. Today, it stands as one of the Big Island’s most pristine landscapes, with sweeping coastal views and a beautiful black-sand beach. So, what’s the best way to experience Pololu Valley? Let’s break it down!
If you only do one thing in Pololu Valley, make sure you do the Pololu Valley Lookout. This breathtaking overlook offers panoramic views of the black-sand coastline, lushly vegetated cliffs, vast ocean horizon, and sparkling Pololu Stream. The best lighting is in late afternoon. However, space, including parking space, is limited. So, if you want great lighting with smaller crowds, consider arriving at sunrise.
The views from the Pololū Valley overlook are spectacular, but if you want to get the full Pololu Valley experience, you have to go deeper. At the lookout, you’ll find the Pololu Valley Trailhead. From here, the Pololu Valley hike takes you all the way to the valley floor and the black-sand beach. It’s less than a mile round trip, but the steep descent and ascent make it a moderately difficult hike. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water!
Pololu Valley’s most striking feature is arguably its black-sand beach. Whether you’re content seeing it from the Pololu Valley Lookout or you won’t rest till your toes are in the sand, this beach certainly makes an impression. The surf is notoriously rough and unpredictable, so swimming is not recommended. However, the unique black sands, composed of powder-fine volcanic glass fragments, offer an ideal place for a picnic or a moment of quiet reflection.
Pololu Valley and its black-sand beach offer a secluded escape from the Big Island’s more crowded beaches and attractions. That said, you’ll find plenty of other fun things in the area if you want to make a full day of your trip to Pololu Valley. Here are just a few of the easy-to-reach attractions nearby:
Looking for a great place to stay near Pololu Valley? Look no further than Pacific 19! Conveniently located in Kailua Kona, Pacific 19 is the ultimate Big Island base camp, offering quick and easy access to iconic attractions like Pololu Valley, manta ray night snorkeling, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Like coffee? Then you’re in for a treat! The world-famous Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm is located just minutes from the hotel. Here, you can enjoy farm tours, tastings, and hands-on classes where you’ll learn how to roast and brew Kona coffee like the ancient Hawaiians. All these experiences and more can be booked with P_19 Experiences, either online or at the front desk.
Of course, you don’t have to leave Pacific 19 to get a great cup of joe. Just head to the Cafe at P19. Open daily from 6:30 am to 1 pm, the cafe serves local blends as well as single-origin estate varieties in a casual atmosphere. Sip your coffee on the open-air patio, poolside, or take it to go! Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to limber up – at yoga class! Held daily on the pool deck (did we mention Pacific 19 has a fabulous resort-style pool?!), yoga classes are the perfect way to stretch before a long day of hiking at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, or after a long day exploring Kailua Kona with a rental bike from the on-site shop. And finally, the Lobby Lounge makes the perfect place to unwind and socialize after you get back.
Pacific 19 offers 150 thoughtfully designed rooms with private lanais, curated local artwork, and sustainable building materials. Other amenities include a macro bar, pour-over coffee, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Choose from various breathtaking views, including ocean, garden, town, or pool, with configurations accommodating two or four guests. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the accommodations at this boutique Big Island hotel near Pololu Valley:
At Nook Outdoors, we specialize in helping travelers get out of their comfort zones without sacrificing the comforts of home. Our handpicked collection of boutique hotels puts the wonder of the great outdoors at your doorstep. You just have to open the door. So, what does that look like? It starts by clicking the link below. From there, you’ll be taken to a world of vacation possibilities, filled with misty mountain retreats, seaside escapes, and woodsy wonderlands. If you find a destination that drives you wild, simply click Book Now to view available dates. Happy trails!
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