Pololū Valley Lookout

The basics

If you're in the mood for a bit more adventure, take a 25-minute hike down to the valley floor, whose black-sand beach offers a closer view of the ocean (though it’s not recommended for swimming). The lookout is easy to get to by car, with a small parking area where the road ends, and can be found on some app-based self-guided driving tours, which typically include offline maps and contextual information.

Things to know before you go

• Parking can be limited at the lookout, so you may need to turn around and park on the side of the road if you can’t find a spot.

• If you plan to hike down to the beach, wear sturdy shoes and prepare to tackle some steep slopes.

• It’s not generally safe to swim at the beach below the lookout, due to rough and unpredictable waters.

How to get there

The Pololū Valley Lookout is located at the end of Highway 270 on the northeast coast of the Big Island, in an area without public transportation. It takes about 80 minutes to drive to the lookout from Kona or 1 hour from Waimea. Getting to the lookout from Hilo takes about 2 hours.

When to get there

The best time of day to visit the Pololū Valley Lookout is right at sunrise, particularly on days when there’s not too much cloud cover. Your best chances for good weather are during the dry season, which starts in April or May and typically runs through September. During this time of year, there's generally better visibility, but be ready for crowds if you come during the summer months.

Visiting the Waipiʻo Valley

Further down the coast from the Pololū Valley Lookout sits the Waipiʻo Valley, or Valley of the Kings, a popular spot for outdoor adventure. Here you can take ATV rides through the jungle, visit massive waterfalls, or simply take in the views from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Pololū Valley Lookout.