Honopu Beach, USA Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. One could survive in the area simply on the. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Tour (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! if (shows){ 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. Makana Charters Honop Ridge Trail This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. 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. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Waimea, HI 96796 In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. selectedText = 'Fine'; Eleele, HI, 96705. Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. function show(star_img,rnid) Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. Photo: Ben Schmit. 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. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Get more stories delivered right to your email. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. 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. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. 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). It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. } 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. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. Honopu Beach. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. Kauai Travel Blog WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. 4516 Alawai Rd. function noshow(star_img,rnid) selectedVal = '4'; Dora Rozet, East West Tours. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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). Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. The waters of Niihau and Lehua are considered to be some of the best in Hawaii with over 100-feet of visibility and unique lava formations with rare endemic sea life you wont find anywhere else. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. }else{ } 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. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. Honopu Beach } Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Unless youre Steven Spielberg or Harrison Ford or Johnny Depp, you might just want to get a ride out to Honopu and admire it from offshore with us, Holo Holo Charters, on one of our daily Kauai boat tours of the Napali Coast. Honopu Beach Kauai It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. 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. return; Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. } Honopu Ridge Trail WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Love Hawaii? Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. 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. Eleele, HI, 96705. Honopu Beach. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. Napali Coast Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. The sailing was especially a fun experience. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. } In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. It basically fell into the ocean. 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. Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). 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. Honopu Ridge Trail 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. Yes, honorable yet fatal. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. Honopu Valley And Arch We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. We hope to see you out there. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. Honopu Beach 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. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Its said that, to this day, the bones of these warriors can be found in the sand dunes, underneath the cliffs, after being exposed to heavy rains or winds. info@MakanaCharters.com They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. } show(star_img,rid); The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Honopu Valley and Beach The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. ", Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. 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. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. 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. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. } The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) The guys were great and personable. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. 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. Many other movies have been filmed here. The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. There are three major parts of the trail. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { This arch is full of water. var ny; 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 crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. It could be some time before I ever come back here. Thanks. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. }, 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! Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. Honop Ridge Trail The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. else if(star_img=='4'){ 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. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. 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. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. Makana Charters Honopu Beach Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. shows = 1; Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. (Originally published in September 2015. 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. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? 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. else if(i=='5'){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Skip the restaurant and enjoy a delicious Kauai sunset tour including dinner and drinks, while basking in the glory of the Napali Coastrainbows, cliffs, valleys, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife. 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. 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. 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. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. When you do get to Honopu Beach, make sure to keep in mind that it is treated by the locals as a sacred piece of Hawaiian culture. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. What a day! | Web usage privacy. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. The erroneous legend endures up to this day, but the isolated valley is also widely believed among locals to be a place of temples and a burial site for the islands chiefs. Honop Valley - Wikipedia When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Honopu Beach document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; "mainEntityOfPage": { 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. function form_visible(){ Aloha! } var b = document.getElementById('t0'); Hours: 8:00a.m. if(i<= selectedVal) "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. True story! We started our excursion in the morning. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" 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. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; } WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. } function showform(raid){ ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. by Great activity for families. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Honopu Beach. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Honopu Beach These cliffs were created millions of years ago when Kauai was formed and have since been shaped by years of withstanding the elements. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. In fact, thats what happened in In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. if(i=='1'){ ny = document.getElementById(image); With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. The end of the valley houses two secluded small beaches collectively called Honopu beach or Cathedral Beach both believed to be spiritual spots for their calm waters and history. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Honopu Beach , and only before the winds have picked up. 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. Tour Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. 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. "author": { 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. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. Hours: 8:00a.m. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. 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. So to get here, one must swim. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. Suite 5A The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. 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 ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. else Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. - 8:00p.m. All Rights Reserved. Latitude: 22.14403388 Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. selectedText = 'Excellent'; Honop Valley - Wikipedia var image; Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Honopu Beach