Right at the very end of Akoni Pule Highway, you’ll be treated to one of the best views in the whole of Hawaii Island. The Pololū Valley Overlook sits above the deep valley, carved into the side of the Mauna Loa Mountain. The journey to the overlook is in itself a spectacular experience. As you drive along the highway, the volcanic mountain rises up on one side, whilst the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretches out to the other.
From the overlook you will see the valley cliffs and surrounding mountainside covered with dense tropical rainforest, as if untouched by any human presence. It is this precise character that drew production crews to this area, which served as the location for much of the filming of the 1997 release “The Lost World: Jurassic Park”. However, if you peer down onto the valley slopes, it will be horses you see grazing there, not dinosaurs.
If you are feeling adventurous, follow the hiking trails that snake across the cliffs, and descend to the valley floor. Make sure you are wearing suitable footwear as the ground is rugged with a steep incline. At the mouth of the valley you’ll reach the dramatic black sand beach, characteristic of this volcanic region. Although the water may look inviting, the beach is not protected from the open ocean. Swimming here is strongly discouraged due to the strong currents that sweep along Hawaii Island’s north coast. Should you wish to cool off, you can always paddle in the creek running along the bottom of the valley.
There are no public transport services to the Pololū Valley Overlook, and the journey would be very costly by taxi, so the best way to reach this spot is by car. There is no charge for parking, but the spaces are limited. If the car park fills up, visitors usually leave their cars along the edge of the highway. Make sure you bring food and water with you, especially if planning to hike, as there are no facilities at the overlook. The site is open every day, and there is no charge for admission.
