Waimea, HI 96796 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. 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. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? 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. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. 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. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. function mark(star_img,rid) Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. We hope to see you out there. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. 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. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" var el = document.getElementById('sf'); were succeeding in realizing those ideals. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. } Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. 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. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. In fact, thats what happened in 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. 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. The guys were great and personable. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! var image; "mainEntityOfPage": { We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. Waiting for your response. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. if(star_img=='1'){ The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Check out our other articles at the top of this page for other locations. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. { This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. Sponsored Content >. (808) 338-9980 Thank you! Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. So an early start was a must. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. else if(i=='2'){ All Rights Reserved. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. This is especially true near the trailhead. Mahalo! var b = document.getElementById('t0'); 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. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. } } Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) (Originally published in September 2015. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. Get more stories delivered right to your email. So to get here, one must swim. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! el.style.display = 'none'; You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. If you happen to be someone who likes to jog across a knife-edge ridge with a several-thousand-foot precipice on both sides, the end of Honopu Ridge will give still give you pause to be mindful about how you proceed. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Eleele, HI, 96705. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. 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. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; 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. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. 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. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. The main trail can sometimes become vague and you might be misled by several other smaller (hunters) trails that branch off from the main trail. else if(star_img=='5'){ 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). Love Hawaii? The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Honopu Beach. Download your copy of our by We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. selectedVal = '1'; } Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! 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. We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. One could survive in the area simply on the. 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. function showform(raid){ Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 5.8k Views. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. Much evidence of their life is still found today. 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. else if(i=='3'){ The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. else if(star_img=='2'){ 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. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. 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,. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. 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. 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 blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. function show(star_img,rnid) WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. Hours: 8:00a.m. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. ny = document.getElementById(image); A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. 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. 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. Honopu Beach. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. Aloha! With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. "@type": "WebPage", Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. The sailing was especially a fun experience. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. 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). selectedVal = '2'; Photo: Ben Schmit. return; Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Great activity for families. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. 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). 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 I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. 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. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Port Allen Marina Center Longitude: -159.6480865. }, selectedVal = '4'; selectedVal = '5'; Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. document.write(""); With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. 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. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Remember that this location is sacred to the locals of Hawaii and should be treated with respect, and you should leave no trace when you decide to leave. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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. 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Honopu 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 = 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. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. var shows = 0; Great service! | Web usage privacy. function noshow(star_img,rnid) Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. It was just us and the occasional crab. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. } "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", 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. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. It basically fell into the ocean. } Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. }, - 8:00p.m. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Honopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the NaPali Coastline. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Movies like, After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the, Click here to visit Niihau & Napali Boat Tour, Click here to email reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Marina Center Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). var ny; if (shows){ Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; } Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Please let us know. function form_visible(){ selectedText = 'Excellent'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Mahalo! 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. 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. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs.