Black Sand Beach

Hello.

I am wondering about the black sand beach of Waipio Valley. Is that a beach you can sit on and relax? I would really like to check it out.

I heard it%26#39;s only available by 4 wheel drive. Is there a dirt road or no road to get there?

I am also concerned about the car rental company not letting you use their 4 wheel drive off of paved roads..

Any comments, suggestions, feedback would be appreciated!

THANKS!

Black Sand Beach

This is not a beach to lay on.....

it is a very steep 4x4 road in and deep river fords at the bottom.

I wont take my modified 4x4 down there.....its not a good place.....on the edge and the ocean is very dangerous

No rental car or 4x4 is permitted here.... there are better black-sand beaches...like Punalulu, Kahalulu etc

There are great tours here......go with them and check it out first....

Black Sand Beach

Am in total agreement with dan. Be extremely careful wading on beaches where the waves break very close to shore and you cannot see the sand beneath. Too many unheedful tourists have perished (and never been found again....we do have sharks, you see)in the treacherous waters. Pay strict attention to any and all signs on beaches. Even very strong experienced swimmers and surfers don%26#39;t play the overconfident fool in these waters.

You can walk down to Waipio Valley. You will also have to walk up that steep road. If you are not in a hurry, it is a beautiful hike. Wear good hiking quality shoes. You%26#39;ll be thankful you wore them.

Better yet, look phone book Yellow Pages of for tour outfit that leads horseback riding tours in Waipio Valley. You%26#39;ll cover more ground and the horse will do all the walking and carrying for you while you happily snap away, taking pictures of the scenery, your companions on their horses, and having the tour guide photographing you on your steed. Avoid saddle blisters by wearing long pants.

They will meet you at the top, where you can leave your rental car.

It is the best way I have experienced Waipio Valley at very, very reasonable prices with knowledgable, affable guides who will give you interesting historical information about the valley and answer your questions.

Hey There!

We didn%26#39;t go to Waipi%26#39;o Valley...buuuuuuut...we hiked down to Polulu Beach a few years ago (at the end of 270 past Hawi town). It was a steep but quick hike down, steep and slower hike back up, especially for me. I%26#39;m not what you would call in shape, but that didn%26#39;t stop me. It was gray and cloudy the day we were there, as i%26#39;m sure it is most of the time, but well worth it to hike down to the black sand beach at the bottom. The sandy beach area wasn%26#39;t too large but in patches between smooth black lava rocks. YOu could sit there easily and relax, too.

The view of the coastline from the trail was beautiful and even as you got to the bottom on the beach. The waves were insane and there were some local kids playing in the water, but I wouldn%26#39;t (and didn%26#39;t). I was glad we did this little hike. You can park at the top along the end of the road.

If you ever fly out of Hilo try to get the left side of the plane. If it is a clear day, this area of coastline on the Big Island is gorgeous. Maybe my next trip we%26#39;ll do the Waipi%26#39;o trek...

I agree with Flippergirl.

We hiked down the black sand beach at Polulu Valley this past summer The beach was awesome. Very quiet - only a few other people were there. The pictures we took there were among the best on our trip to the Big Island. We went in the water here, it was a little rocky about 4 or 5 feet out (round rocks, not big sharp hidden rocks), but the black sand was out of this world.

Side note - my wife was not thrilled when the black sand pretty much permanently stained her bathing suit. Oh well - such is life.

It is a must see. And the hike down and up is not that bad (steep - but take your time). It sprinkled rain a bit while we were down there, so the steps coming up were a little slippery (but I came up in bare feet so it tells you that it is not too difficult).