Honokane Nui Valley Beach

If you are visiting Pololu Beach and want to extend your hike, venturing toward the Honokane Nui Valley is your best option. The Honokane Nui Valley holds the next beach south of Pololu Valley.

To get there you’ll first hike down to Pololu Beach via the Pololu Trail. Then you’ll hike the Awini Trail which starts at the far south end of Pololu Beach. This trail is rugged and washed out in places so only strong hikers should attempt to hike it. We don’t recommend bringing dogs as they can’t use fixed ropes which might be in place for exposed washouts. If it’s raining or has been wet we don’t suggest going beyond Pololu as the surface gets super slimy and the going is nearly impossible (the trail to Pololu will be tricky too).

The Honokane Nui Valley is beautiful but the beach isn’t for sunbathing. The dry part of the beach is covered in large round rocks and sticks that are hard to walk on or sit/lay down on. Honokane Nui Stream flows onto the beach at the south end of the beach.

Historic Hawaiian walls and foundations are in the valley so don’t disturb any rock piles you discover there.

Honokane Nui Lookout (20.19657, -155.72308) is on the Awini Trail and looks down on the beach from high above. Most folks will stop there as dropping into the valley to reach the beach means climbing the same elevation (about 600 feet) on the way back up and the trail condition gets worse beyond the lookout.

Strong hikers who got an early start can continue to the next valley where Honokane Iki Stream is located, but local residents there don’t welcome visitors so continue through if you decide this extended trip is for you. The trail beyond Iki is difficult to follow so only those with route-finding skills and backcountry experience should continue.

Dispersed camping is not allowed in the Pololu Valley or Kohala Forest Reserve. Bugs can be bad along the Awini Trail so bring bug dope and zip-on pant legs if you have them. We recommend real hiking shoes or even stiffer boots beyond Pololu Beach. Flip flops will break and open-toed shoes are insufficient. Make sure you budget enough time to get back to the trailhead before daylight ends.

Address

52-5100 Akoni Pule Hwy
Kapaau, HI 96755

Phone

808-974-4221

Park Name

Kohala Forest Reserve

Other Names

Nui Beach, Iki Beach, Pau'Ekolu

Owner

State

Pet Details

Dogs not suggested on this hike due to exposure

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking

Amenities

Trail, Stream, Lookout