The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. else if(i=='5'){ var i; You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. 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. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. 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. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. 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). Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. "@type": "Organization", For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. Waimea, HI 96796 A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. 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 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. In fact, thats what happened in We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. , and only before the winds have picked up. var image; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. 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 shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. So would walking the 4 miile var ny; el.style.display = 'none'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; | Web usage privacy. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. The One Hikeable Lake In Hawaii Thats Simply Breathtaking, The One Little Known Beach In Hawaii That Is A True Utopia, One Of Hawaiis Last Remaining Freshwater Springs Is Hiding In Plain Sight, This Restaurant In Hawaii Is Surrounded By A Lagoon And Will Simply Enchant You, Youll Want To Visit This Tiny Hawaii Island Overflowing With History, The Underrated Hawaii Beach Thats Perfect For A Summer Day, This Secluded Beachfront Restaurant In Hawaii Is One Of The Most Magical Places Youll Ever Eat, Some People Call This Beach In Hawaii A Little Slice Of Paradise, Country Livings 27 of the Most Beautiful Places In America,. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. There are three major parts of the trail. Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. { The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. 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. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. else if(star_img=='2'){ This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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 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. If so, how much it costs. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. Our premier trip aboard Holoholo begins with a continental breakfast as we head west and north to the majestic Napali Coast with waterfalls, lush valleys, and sea caves. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. 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. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Whether you are seeking an all-day ocean adventure to the Napali Coast and Niihau, a sailing adventure with snorkeling, or a romantic sunset dinner cruise; we have an option for you. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. 4516 Alawai Rd. Download your copy of our When you get a chance to step foot in this gorgeous landmark, always keep in mind to respect each element in the area, as well as the history that encompasses years and years of Hawaiian culture. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. } 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. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. else if(star_img=='3'){ Many other movies have been filmed here. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. (808) 338-9980 Booking a tour with the Na Pali Riders is a fantastic way to get the most out of your visit and see what Kauais coastlines have to offer. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. else if(i=='4'){ All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. 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. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. 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. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. 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. 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. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. The rest of the crew made their way over. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. 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. }else{ } Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. show(star_img,rid); The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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). Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Yes, honorable yet fatal. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. info@MakanaCharters.com Hours: 8:00a.m. 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. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; }, 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! else info@MakanaCharters.com Eleele, HI, 96705. 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. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. document.write("

"); The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! Port Allen Marina Center 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. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. } The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. lc=rid; Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. ny = document.getElementById(image); At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. selectedVal = '2'; "mainEntityOfPage": { Not too crowded. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. 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. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); var shows = 0; else if(i=='2'){ 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. 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. 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. 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. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. Love Hawaii? Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. Great service! Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. Honopu Beach. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. All Rights Reserved. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. 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. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", 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. Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. selectedText = 'Very Good'; 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. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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 considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. 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. 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. It could be some time before I ever come back here. 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). Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! } If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. 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. Thanks. (808) 338-9980 This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. else if(i=='3'){ This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained.