Pololū Valley Lookout and Trail
Pololū, Kohala Coast
A Dramatic Valley Lookout and a 420-Foot Drop to a Black-Sand Beach
Pololū Valley sits at the end of Highway 270 (mile marker 28) in North Kohala. The lookout is free and a few steps from the parking area, with views down the Kohala coast toward Waipiʻo. A 0.6-mile (each way) trail drops about 420 feet in four switchbacks to a black-sand beach — rated moderate by the state's Nā Ala Hele program, about 20–25 minutes down and 30–45 minutes back up, and muddy after rain (expect more mud than usual after recent storms).
The beach is not safe for swimming: the state warns of high surf, undertow, and rip currents, and there is no lifeguard and no phone signal, so a rescue means hiking back up to call. Stay near the shoreline and off the dunes, which hold burial sites; the land farther back is private.
The lot holds roughly a dozen cars and fills by about 9 AM; spaces open up around 3 PM, and if it's full you can park on the shoulder (tires off the pavement, clear of driveways). Don't leave valuables in the car. As of October 2, 2026 the state lists the trail as open with no fee, parking fee, or reservation; the lookout and trail close for part of a day each May for a community event. Lapakahi State Historical Park, on the drive up Highway 270, was closed for fallen trees after Hurricane Lala.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A must-see view and a rewarding short hike — go early, wear real shoes, and stay out of the surf.
Best for: scenery, moderate hikers, photography, an early-morning Kohala outing.
Insider tip: arrive before 9 AM or after 3 PM for parking, and skip the hike after heavy rain.
- Hazards / conditions:
- Beach has high surf, undertow, and rip currents; swimming is discouraged. No lifeguard, no restrooms or emergency phone, and no cell coverage. The trail is packed dirt with rocks and gets slick with mud after rain.
- Safety notes:
- State listed the trail open as of Oct 2, 2026 (no fee). Parking is tight and valuables are targeted — don't leave any in the car.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Slick mud after rain; skip the hike after heavy rain and don't cross the stream when it's running hard.
- Best arrival time:
- Early morning (lot fills by about 9 AM)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Arrive before 9 AM (or after 3 PM) — the lot holds only about a dozen cars.
- •Wear shoes with grip
- •the switchbacks are slick after rain.
- •Don't swim — high surf, undertow, and rips
- •no lifeguard and no phone signal.
- •Stay off the dunes
- •they hold burial sites.
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