NORTH KOHALA, Hawai?i Island – In partnership with the Protect Polol? ?Ohana (PPO), the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife N? Ala Hele Trail and Access Program announces a temporary closure of Polol? Trail and its associated areas for maintenance. Polol? Trail will be closed to all public access on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This temporary closure will affect all access to the following areas:

• Polol? Valley Lookout: No public access will be permitted to the lookout and parking area.
• Polol? Trail: Hiking into the valley will be restricted.

PPO, a group made up mostly of lineal descendants of Polol?, will lead volunteer maintenance efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and to conduct necessary upkeep of the trail, valley and surrounding environment.

May 3 will also mark the fifth annual “E Lei ?O Polol?” event, where lei l??? (ti leaf lei) are interwoven and placed on the valley floor in protection and aloha of the iwi k?puna (ancestral remains) of this place.

Polol? Valley is a cherished destination for both residents and visitors and the partners appreciate the community’sunderstanding and cooperation as this important maintenance work is undertaken. This brief closure will allow the teams to address necessary tasks, ensuring the continued enjoyment and safety of this treasured site.

Public access to the Polol? Valley Lookout and trail will resume at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Residents with questions, concerns or interest in volunteering can contact the PPO at [email protected], @protectpololu on Instagram, and Protect Polol? on Facebook.