Pololu Valley
Approximately a 15 minute hike transports visitors down into the Pololu Valley. The hike is steep, and has a tendency to slippery when wet, but no matter the conditions, it is well worth it.
(View of the Pololu Valley from above)
(Shot of Valley)
At the bottom, the Pololu Stream flows out into
the ocean over a beautiful black sands beach. The fertile valley was once
one of the richest taro plantations in Hawaii, but today has been abandoned by
agriculture. The area is good for agriculture because there is a fresh
water supply, fertile soils, and a good climate. Risks and dangers however
include flooding, landslides, and the threat of tsunamis.
One should use caution when entering the ocean here as there can be a strong rip current. Generally it is safest to swim here in the summer months.
(Some of the guys in the group braved the rough waves)
(Left: Marc Bradford and Ross Kleiner after taking a dip in the ocean.)
(Right: Erin Brown walks on rocks to cross the Pololu Stream.)