Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. Love Hawaii? } Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. According to Country Livings 27 of the Most Beautiful Places In America, one of the best beaches in the country also happens to be one of the most remote. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. 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. 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. 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. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. 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 The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. (Originally published in September 2015. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. 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. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. 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. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) So would walking the 4 miile Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. if (shows){ The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. 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. 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). function mark(star_img,rid) The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. el.style.display = 'inline'; Despite the regulations the Department of Land and Natural Resources enforces to limit visitors and respect Honopus sacred history, theyve made several exceptions for Hollywood. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. selectedText = 'Very Good'; "name": "Na Pali Riders", Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. Honopu Beach. From here the ridge descends steeply onto the ridge where the views get increasingly better as you hike up and down the hills along the ridge. "@context": "https://schema.org", On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from 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. } ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. Makana Charters
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. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. In fact, thats what happened in Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Latitude: 22.14403388 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. } Sponsored Content >. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. 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. "@type": "Organization", document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Themana here is very powerful, and many people in this area feel an eerie presence when they are here; as if they are being watched by spirit guardians. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Highly recommend this cruise line! Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. if(i<= selectedVal) It could be some time before I ever come back here. Honopu Beach. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. 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. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. } There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Then, cross the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel to Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau to do some world-class snorkeling at Lehua Crater. } 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. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. var lc; The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. 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. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. } There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. function noshow(star_img,rnid) You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. The sailing was especially a fun experience. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Waiting for your response. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Please let us know. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The guys were great and personable. }, 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. Makana Charters
With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. }, 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! Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 else if(i=='2'){ 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). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { 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. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. } 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. 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. selectedVal = '5'; "datePublished": "2022-03-16", Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; "@type": "BlogPosting", WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail 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. var selectedVal = ''; | Web usage privacy. else Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. 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. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 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. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. 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. 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. 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. 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. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. Carved into a valley on Kauais rugged Na Pali Coast, the popular magazine named Honopu Beach as one of the countrys most breathtaking spots, and we certainly agree. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. Great activity for families. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. var ny; This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. } Honopu Beach. , and only before the winds have picked up. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. document.write("
| "); ny = document.getElementById(image); Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. Mahalo! The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; } document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. Not too crowded. 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. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Photo: Ben Schmit. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. }, 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.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Suite 5A Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. No other company offers this amazing trip daily. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. But setting foot on Honopu is not so easy, as boat, kayak, helicopter and other assisted landings are not permitted and there is no land access due to the steep cliffs. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. ", But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. var shows = 0; Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! else if(i=='4'){ It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. 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. 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. This article is part of a series to give you an idea for the one-of-a-kind scenery on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. } 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. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. This is especially true near the trailhead. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? What a day! The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail.
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