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Day 4: Hike Pololu Valley, Eat Lunch at Keokea Beach Park, Sushi anyone?

We are once again ready for a small adventure on the Big Island, and another favorite stop is Hawi. We just take Highway 270 north until it ends and we find ourselves overlooking Pololu Valley. There is a small parking lot and a view of Pololu Valley from 1000 feet up, this view alone is worth the drive. This is where we start the hike down to the black sand beach. We wear a suitable pair of hiking shoes because sometimes it can be slippery due to recent rain storms. We have often passed visitors on the trail either barefoot because they gave up on their flip flops, or worse slipping because of the steepness of the path. It is a fun path that zigzags down the valley wall and ends up next to a stream that empties into the ocean. Many of the locals have built swings that hang from the trees and small fire pits. The waves are usually loud and crashing which adds to the fun of being on the beach. However, we don’t recommend going for a swim because it is pretty rough. If we have time we hike further up the trail which continues on through the forest and then up over the other side of the valley into another valley called Honokane Nui Valley. This is a moderately hard trail that is lush and beautiful and ends in an equally beautiful overlook. The trail continues all the way to Waipio Valley, but we have not explored further.

Eat Lunch at Keokea Beach Park

We like packing lunch and eating at Keokea Beach Park which is a short drive from Pololu Valley. It is located along Highway 270, turn north at mile marker #27 and just follow the signs. Keokea Beach Park is equipped with restrooms, water, and picnic tables. If the waves are large they will crash against the man made breakwater of boulders and create a wonderful show while we eat lunch. Once again, this beach is for looking not swimming, with all of the rocks and waves we are not tempted to get in.

We don’t pack dessert because a favorite treat lies along Highway 270 in downtown Hawi. This is where we buy some Tropical Dreams Ice Cream. It is homemade on the island and is the best ice cream we have ever had. Our favorite flavor is of course… Macadamia Nut.

If we’re not dying to get back to our pool we stop at Mookini Heiau State Monument. This interesting historical stop is located 2 miles in on a dirt road that is near the sign for Upolu Airport. This is the site of one of Hawaii’s earliest religious temples, and was also used as a temple of human sacrifice.

Sansei Seafood, Steak, and Sushi Bar

At the Queen’s Shops is a fantastic Sushi restaurant called Sansei Seafood, Steak, and Sushi Bar. We love sushi and this is a special treat for our family. They offer 25-50% off of your meal if you are the first seated at 5:00 on certain days of the week. So if seafood is your thing, call ahead for reservations and ask about their specials.

We have enjoyed many nights watching Hawaiian Dancers and Musicians playing in the courtyard of the Queen’s Shops. Some are quite good, and we like to enjoy the entertainment after our meal. We look ahead for entertainment that we may enjoy online at The Queen’s Shops calendar of events. It is a great way to end a fun Hawaiian day.