Best of Hawaii: Big Island - Pololu Valley

Pololu Valley is found at the end of Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270) on the northeast coast of the Kohala Mountains on the Big Island. The word Pololu means ‘long spear” in the Hawaiian language. The valley is one of several formed by erosion along this section of coast. Pololu is the first valley and Waipio is the last from west to east. The valley was once known for its red-steamed taro that once grew in this area. The valley is on the ocean with a rocky, black sand beach. There’s a hiking trail that leads from the valley overlook down to the black sand beach.