Pololū Valley, Valley at the northern edge of Kohala Mountain, Hawaii County, United States
Pololū Valley is a coastal valley on Kohala Mountain's northern edge, characterized by towering cliffs that drop sharply to the shore. The valley floor meets a dark sand beach strewn with large volcanic rocks at the base of these dramatic coastal formations.
The valley was carved by erosion over thousands of years from Kohala, an extinct volcano that last erupted roughly 120,000 years ago. The relentless action of ocean waves and weather continues to reshape this dramatic coastline and deepen the valley's defining cliffs.
The name Pololu means 'long spear' in Hawaiian, reflecting the extended shape of this natural formation carved into the northern Kohala coastline.
The trail to the beach is steep and roughly a quarter-mile long, dropping significantly from the parking area at the end of Highway 270. Sturdy footwear and moderate fitness are recommended for this challenging descent.
Ironwood trees with rope swings line the beach area, while a freshwater stream cuts through the valley before emptying into the Pacific. This combination of vegetation and flowing water creates an unexpected refuge within an otherwise rugged terrain.
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