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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. }else{ Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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 sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. Great activity for families. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. - 8:00p.m. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). } Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. 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. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. } 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. 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. The rest of the crew made their way over. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! Waimea, HI 96796
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. So would walking the 4 miile Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. Archeological evidence discovered in the 1920s suggests that a human population flourished in this valley but then disappeared suddenly, which is why Honopu is sometimes called the Valley of the Lost Tribe. In the valley, ancient burial and home sites have been uncovered, including tools, and artifacts, and evidence of a sophisticated terrace and agriculture network proves that this was once a popular community. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Honopu Beach. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. It was just us and the occasional crab. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. 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. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. } 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; } Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 } These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. 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. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. We recognize the proper use of the Hawaiian language including the okina [], a consonant, and the kahak [] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawaii such as Npali). It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Eleele, HI, 96705. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. "datePublished": "2022-03-16", All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. selectedVal = '5'; Port Allen Marina Center The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. 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. 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. 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. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. It was imperative to bury a chiefs remains in a secret location because it was believed that the mana contained within could be used against the tribe if discovered by the wrong people. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. 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. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Andonce the winds pick up around midday, theres no way anyone (fins or not) is making that swim back, no matter how good a swimmer they are. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. if(i<= selectedVal) What a day! Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. }, } We recognize the proper use of the Hawaiian language including the okina [], a consonant, and the kahak [] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawaii such as Npali). 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. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. We started our excursion in the morning. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. So would walking the 4 miile document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. }, Adventure Tours 2020 All Rights Reserved Site Map Disclaimer, Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and, You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. "author": { Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. return; See, Hawaiians believed that their chiefs were direct descendants of gods and that their bones contained powerful amounts of the gods mana or life force. If you're looking for a better-maintained trail with similar views of NaPali and a gorgeous valley at the end, then consider theNualolo Trail. 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. Makana Charters
We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" 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. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. While the beach is difficult to access, it is only one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. (808) 338-9980
WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. We hope to see you out there. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. Artifacts have been recovered that are hundreds of years old, ancient heiau, or sites of worship, have been uncovered, and terracing is still present in many areas. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. } Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. We recognize the proper use of the Hawaiian language including the okina [], a consonant, and the kahak [] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawaii such as Npali). Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Many other movies have been filmed here. For when you actually put it in perspective, the archway is hundreds of feet long and big enough for a helicopter to fly through it. By providing genuine aloha hospitality, were determined to earn and keep the reputation from our guests and our community of being the most professional and forward-thinking Kauai boat tour company, that we may exist and thrive for decades to come. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. selectedText = 'Poor'; function form_visible(){ Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Napali, meaning the cliffs or many cliffs, consists of 16 miles of dramatic coastline, vivid sea cliffs with over 4,000-foot steep drop-offs, emerald-green valleys, sea caves, and waterfalls. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. ", (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). During our brief time exploring Honopu Beach, I tried to keep in mind how lucky I was to be here.If you factor in the effort it takes to get to Kalalau, and that you then have to swim a few hundred yards to access this beach, Honopu is really hard to get to. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. }, 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! Kauai Travel Blog Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. selectedText = 'Excellent'; With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. "mainEntityOfPage": { Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Get more stories delivered right to your email. } "name": "Na Pali Riders", Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Thanks. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. 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. document.write("![](\"../../../reviews/images/blank.gif\"){kind=spacer}
"); Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). Honopu Beach. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. ny = document.getElementById(image); The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. function mark(star_img,rid) Longitude: -159.6480865. } (Originally published in September 2015. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. selectedText = 'Fine'; 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Since swimming to the beach is necessary to set foot on it, one must be a very strong swimmer to reach it (and wear fins). At approximately 10 minutes or so into the hike you'll come to a junction in the trail - you'll want to bear to the right at this junction and from that point follow the most worn portion of the trail (again, look for the orange and pink ribbons). Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. The forests of Honopu Ridge are unique for the area, receiving less than 100 inches of rain per year; considerably less than the surrounding forests of Koke'e State Park. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. 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. 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. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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). With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Much evidence of their life is still found today. This is especially true near the trailhead. 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. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. This arch is full of water. (808) 338-9980
Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. 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. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. In fact, thats what happened in Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. 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. Mahalo! This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. 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. Not too crowded. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. 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. 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. Boats and even kayaks are not permitted to land on the beach, so anyone wanting to go has to literally swim there, which is quite dangerous given the strong rip currents and pounding surf. 5.8k Views. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. { Makana Charters
Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. 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. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. 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.