Pololū Valley

Pololū (Hawaiian spelling: Pololū, stressed on the final 'ū') is the Northernmost of a series of erosional valleys forming the East coast of Kohala mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii. The word Pololū means "long spear" in Hawaiian.

Features

The valley forms a deep cut in the side of Kohala mountain, and is traversed in its entirety by Pololu stream. Hiking trails criss-cross the valley, and lead in and out. The valley is fronted on the ocean side by a beautiful black sand beach. A yellow sand dune protects verdant areas inland from the occasional fury of the ocean.

History

Prior to European colonization, Pololu valley was renowned for its kalo (taro) farming. A particular variety of kalo (kalo Pololu) was grown here, notable for its crimson stems. Kalo farming was complemented by rice in the 1800s. In the 20th century, though, the valley fell into disuse. A section of the Kohala ditch, which diverts water from Honokane valley to the sugar cane fields of North Kohala, run along the sides of Pololu valley. Hikes to and in the ditch are offered by a tour company.

Transportation

Pololu valley is accessed from the North, from a lookout forming the terminus of Hawaii state highway 270. A relatively short hike on a graded trail leads to the bottom of the valley. The trail continues beyond the valley, climbing over a ridge to neighboring Honokane Nui valley.

External links

* [http://ulukau.org/cgi-bin/hpn Hawaaian Place Names]
* [http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2002/Sep/08/il/il22a.html Hike Through History at Pololu Valley] Article from the Honolulu Advertiser