If your resources allow, we recommend putting a cruise through Na Pali Coast on top of your Kauai bucket list, so you may catch a glimpse of the valleys grandness. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Voyage with us today on one of our Kauai boat tours and see why we were voted in the top 10 Best Boat Tour in the US for three years in a row (2021, 2020, and 2019). We are conveniently located with departures in Port Allen and Hanalei, to service guests of Kauai staying in Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Kapaa, Wailua, Lihue, Koloa, Poipu, and Waimea. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; While there is a good bit of descent in the first mile and a half, it's not that much different than many of the ridges in the area. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. else if(star_img=='4'){ Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. It is estimated that life along the Napali began to change in the 1800s and early 1900s, as foreigners began frequenting the islands and introducing new ways of living. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. If you were to have a panic attack during this swim, youd be in trouble as theres no shore for you to swim up to. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! selectedVal = '3'; Experience ancient Hawaii from the water by power or sail during a Napali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruise and experience majestic waterfalls, hidden sea caves, towering cliffs, and lush valleys. Sometimes you can make out a trail at the top, this is accessible from Kokee State Park and a vigorous hike will get you to an overlook of Awaawapuhi and another trail that connects to the Nualolo trail and cliff. No other company offers this amazing trip daily. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. selectedText = 'Good'; In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. It basically fell into the ocean. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. In summer months, it may be possible to walk at least part of the way from Kalalau Beach to Honopu on exposed rocks and sand. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. This arch is full of water. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. What a day! Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. } Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Honopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the NaPali Coastline. The two hidden and pristine white sand beaches at the end of Honopu Valley are joined by a 90-foot high arch through the base of the rocky outcropping separating them. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Highly recommend this cruise line! It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. ny = document.getElementById(image); Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. Known as The Valley of the Lost Tribe, Honopu was once home to hundreds of native Hawaiians who lived in relative isolation from the rest of the island. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. { Our four Kauai-built boats are perfectly designed to take you and your family on an experience of a lifetime in the utmost safety, comfort, and style, to remote locations around the Napali Coast, Niihau, and Lehua Crater. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. , and only before the winds have picked up. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Movies filmed at Honopu include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. Click here to Learn more about sustainability, Click here to Learn more about private boat charters, Click here to Learn more about holo holo pono pledge, Click here to Learn more about photos, history & fun, Click here to Learn more about frequently asked questions, Click here to Learn more about reviews & testimonals, Click here to email [email protected], Click here to view location Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705 Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. Movie scenes have been filmed at Honopu for the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Honeymoon in Vegas and Jurassic Park 3. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. "name": "Na Pali Riders", In olden times, it was believed that once a chief died, their bones were collected and taken to the cliffs, and the warrior who transported the bones had to die in order to ensure the secrecy of the location of the bones. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. The Honopu Valley, which is easily spotted for its distinctive natural arch is filled with stories and wonder that youll want to explore if youre planning a trip to Kauais most famous coastline. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. 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This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Longitude: -159.6480865. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. On our Kauai boat tours, we help guests fully appreciate and absorb Kauais natural beauty, while respecting the islands water, wildlife, land, people, and traditions, with our eco-friendly and meticulously maintained Kauai-built boats and talented staff. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-box-3','ezslot_0',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-box-3-0');It doesn't get anymore secluded and remote than Honopu Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. } Movies like King Kong, Jurassic Park, Six Days and Seven Nights, as well as Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End all feature this beautiful backdrop. function noshow(star_img,rnid) You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. These cliffs were created millions of years ago when Kauai was formed and have since been shaped by years of withstanding the elements. - 8:00p.m. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. One of the most dramatic and mysterious sections on the Napali Coast is Honopu, which consists of two pristine white-sand beaches, backed by steep 1,200 cliffs and separated by the famous 90 Honopu Arch. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. When Napali was inhabited, it is estimated that a large population of two to four thousand Hawaiians may have lived in Kalalau at any given time. One of the first prominent beaches is Milolii, about four miles northeast of Polihale Beach, and the westernmost and driest valley of the Napali Coast State Park. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. el.style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. selectedText = 'Very Good'; else if(star_img=='2'){ This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. In fact, thats what happened in The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! On our signature tour, well explore Kauais extraordinary Napali Coast, and then voyage across the channel to snorkel the world-class waters of Lehua Crater off the Forbidden Island of Niihau, all in one incredible day. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to Kauais lost tribe, while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website. WebHonopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the NaPali Coastline. After coming out on a tour it can be fun to watch these movies, even if you have seen them before, but this time with a bit of reference to point out the locations made out to be everywhere but Kauai. Port Allen Marina Center We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Its our responsibility to conduct business using the best practices available to preserve the integrity of the water, land, and wildlife that we have the privilege of showcasing. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. ny = document.getElementById(image); 5.8k Views. "author": { Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. else if(i=='5'){ Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. One could survive in the area simply on the. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. } With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Every other tour boat operating on Kauai was ordered and delivered from a faraway factory in a faraway land, but were proud to say that our companys boats were designed by our companys founder, specifically to tackle the unique and challenging ocean conditions Kauai faces as the westernmost island of the most remote island chain in the world. No landing of any aircraft or boat is allowed in Honop Valley or on its beach, so visitors must swim from an offshore boat or from neighboring Kalalau Beach. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. It could be some time before I ever come back here. This is especially true near the trailhead. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. We hope to see you out there. We started our excursion in the morning. Many other movies have been filmed here. The channel between Kauai and Niihau is very deep and offers the best opportunity to see an abundance of sea life that resides in these Hawaiian waters. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. Since 1997, Holo Holo Charters has taken people on unforgettable adventures to Kauais, world-famous Napali Coast and remote locations like Lehua Crater off the Forbidden Island of Niihau. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. selectedText = 'Fine'; More than just a boat ride, our mission is to take our guests on safe, educational, and awe-inspiring adventures that cultivate a sense of understanding and respect for Kauais ecosystem and cultural history. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. During summer when the ocean is calm, some people walk from Kalalau Beach on the exposed rocks and sand along the cliffs to Honopu Beach for most of the way.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Water was dripping down and it felt like it was raining underneath the arch.This means that the arch is constantly eroding and rocks can drop from the roof at anytime. } Get more stories delivered right to your email. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; "dateModified": "2022-10-21" We are conveniently located with departures in Port Allen and Hanalei, to service guests of Kauai staying in Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Kapaa, Wailua, Lihue, Koloa, Poipu, and Waimea. Waimea, HI 96796 else The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. No landing of any boat or aircraft is allowed on the beach or in the valley, unless they belong to Hollywood movies, of which several have been filmed here. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Honu (Sea Turtle) and Its Importance to Hawaii, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast. There are three major parts of the trail. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. Honopu Beach. ny = document.getElementById(image); The main trail can sometimes become vague and you might be misled by several other smaller (hunters) trails that branch off from the main trail. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. After our catamaran tour departs Port Allen, located in the Hanapape Bay on the southwest side of Kauai, we head north along the west coast of Kauai, towards the Napali Coast. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. } Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. } Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. However, make sure you have the stamina to take this route to get to Honopu Beach its deemed as the most difficult beach to reach in Kauai, with Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers attempting to reach it by swimming. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. el.style.display = 'inline'; Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. } Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. var lc; Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. else if(i=='4'){ document.write("Please Select"); If you do continue, use extreme caution as the trail is only two or three feet wide in places with a very steep drop off on either side and the ground itself is very crumbly and erosive.