Pololu Valley Awini Trail

Beyond Pololu on Awini Trail

If you just didn't get enough of the Big Island's gorgeous valleys at Pololu, there is a hike that will take you over the next ridge and into Honokane Nui "big" Valley. The Awini trailhead can be found on the trail that runs above the beach. (You can reach it from the beach, but it involves walking over lots of rocks.) Expect this hike to the top of the ridge to take an additional 45 minutes to an hour both ways. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. The views into Honokane Nui and the coast are simply stunning from the ridge. The wind blowing in the shrubs and trees and helicopters buzzing close over your head enhance the expansive view. Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. This is probably one of the best angles to photograph the coast and the mouth of the valley.

Unfortunately, as far as we know, you can no longer continue beyond this point. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. The "beach" is nothing but boulders usually, and the view isn't worth the extra work.

Whatever the situation during your visit do NOT even think about taking the coastline to the valleys beyond Pololu. It is a very tempting prospect; however, this is extremely dangerous as one errant wave could easily knock you off the rocks and into the ocean. The cliffs are also known to have landslides as the coast continues its process of erosion. The earthquake from 2006 is evidence of such.