You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. 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. el.style.display = 'none'; You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. Honopu Valley and Beach If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. 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. else if(i=='2'){ This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Honopu Beach } We hope that this article has given you a wonderful image of Honopu Valley and Beach and encourages you to come out and see this natural wonder for yourself. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. Reading about it is one thing, but to truly enjoy the beauty, power, and serenity of a place as special as Honopu and the rest of the Na Pali Coast, you will have to see it for yourself. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. 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 reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705 selectedText = 'Very Good'; "@context": "https://schema.org", It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! 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. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Love Hawaii? Honopu Valley And Arch Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Daily, 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. 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. 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. 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. 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. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. Tours document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. 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. Port Allen Marina Center else if(star_img=='4'){ Mahalo! A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. (808) 338-9980 In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. "@type": "Organization", Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Honopu Beach WebFrom $285 Niihau + Napali Super Tour 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. 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. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Honopu Beach Kauai This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. These cliffs were created millions of years ago when Kauai was formed and have since been shaped by years of withstanding the elements. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { In fact, thats what happened in document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Learn more >, ADVERTISE: We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Honopu Beach. Daily, Because Honopu Valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water, many stories have formed about what events occurred in the area in olden times. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. WebHonopu Beach One of the most remote shores in the world, Honopu Beach, located on Kauais Na Pali Coast, can only be accessed by swimming. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. 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. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. Makana Charters Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Honopu Beach Lic# TVNC1058, Most prominent landmark on beach is the Honopu arch, which separates two small sandy coves, No landing of any aircraft, boat, kayak or even surfboard is allowed at Honopu Beach, The only legal way to access it is to swim here (either from neighboring Kalalau Beach or from an offshore boat). image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. selectedVal = '2'; But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding this mysterious valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot, as well as the two beaches located by the valleys fascinating arch. 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. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. } WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", Alternatively, you can also jump off a boat cruise and swim to shore, so long as you have the go signal and guidance from your captain. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. Mahalo! WebHonopu Beach | Kauai Boat Tours Honopu Beach & Valley 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. - 8:00p.m. Waiting for your response. The guys were great and personable. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. True story! The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. 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. Honopu Valley And Arch WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. Check out our other articles at the top of this page for other locations. Tours This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. "author": { Freshwater is abundant with a stream and waterfall nearby, and the wide valley has excellent conditions for farming with terracing still in place from ancient days. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. Download your copy of our The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. When the surf is up, it is dangerous to enter the ocean along the Na Pali Coast because of strong rip currents and pounding surf. Thanks. Napali Coast document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Were obsessed and we believe that its the best thing to do on Kauai and no visit to Kauai is complete without experiencing the island from the water. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. 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. Unless youre a triathlete or an experienced open ocean swimmer, this swim would not be possible without a snorkel and fins.I brought a small dry bag and strapped it to my leg to carry by camera gear. Kauai Travel Blog Honopu Beach The sailing was especially a fun experience. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Napali Coast Up to this point the trail has continuously descended almost a thousand feet, but now the undulating peaks of the ridge require some strenuous ups-and-downs. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. A raft tour will show you all that this part of Kauais coastline has to offer, and you will get to see the famed Honopu Valley. 5.8k Views. Honopu Beach Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. WebHonopu Beach | Kauai Boat Tours Honopu Beach & Valley 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. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. { Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. The warrior would climb hundreds of feet up the steep cliffs, a search for a suitable cave in which to carefully place the chiefs remains. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Eleele, HI, 96705. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. While the trail is pretty short, it is no longer maintained by the park (due to Hurricane Iniki damage way back in 1992 and Hurricane Iwa in 1982) - so prepare to bushwack; the ferns are especially brutal on the legs if you're not prepared. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. 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. 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. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. Tour Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. } Keep in mind that the currents usually flow in the same direction, so if you swim over to Honopu and it was easy, it may not be as easy on the way back if the current comes from that direction (which you may not have noticed on your way there). WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. 4353 Waialo Rd WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. } This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. document.write(""); 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. The total distance depends on how far you hike out on the ridge at the end, but we estimate that to the logical and safe stopping pointit's about 2.4 miles one way. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Honopu beach We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. 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. Honopu Beach. So an early start was a must. , and only before the winds have picked up. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Highly recommend this cruise line! The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Waimea, HI 96796 WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Makana Charters Honopu Beach Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. 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. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. selectedText = 'Good'; ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Sponsored Content >. Experienced guides have been caught in small debris slides out here and have needed help to get back up to the top of the ridge. 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. } So would walking the 4 miile With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. } We had to be mindful of time so that we could swim back to Kalalau Beach before the wind came and ocean current picked up. } Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. by After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Suite 5A Dora Rozet, East West Tours. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park.