Today’s highlighted picture was taken from the Pololu Valley lookout in the northwestern corner of the Big Island, which offers memorable views of a classic Hawaiian landscape. Foamy surf, black sand beaches, rugged cliffs and lush rainforest characterize the windward (rainy) side of this island. It’s the “real Hawaii” many people strive to find. And by itself, this viewpoint is worth the drive from Kona or Hilo, but you’ll be treated to a lot of great scenery along your journey.
If you’re up to it, from the lookout parking area hike the trail 400 feet (just over 100 m) down to a large lagoon and the black sand beach you see in this photo. Explore some of this valley — something I’ve done twice and really enjoyed. The sand on the beach is coarse and while you can swim in the ocean, the current’s strong so be careful of an especially strong undertow. This valley is quite isolated, as are the other six valleys of this coast (some of which you get a hint of from this photo); together this series of valleys offers a backpacking trip worth your consideration.
You can read more about the Big Island on prior blog posts on this site:
4) Kohala coast and Saddle Road
