Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. 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. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", Hello does the boat take you to the island? It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. 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. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! One could survive in the area simply on the. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. Waimea, HI 96796 This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. selectedText = 'Excellent'; 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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. lc=rid; } image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. } 5.8k Views. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. - 8:00p.m. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. selectedVal = '5'; We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. else document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. else if(star_img=='2'){ Honopu Ridge Trail With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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 else if(star_img=='4'){ 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. It was just us and the occasional crab. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Eleele, HI, 96705. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. } Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. We had to be mindful of time so that we could swim back to Kalalau Beach before the wind came and ocean current picked up. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Tours Napali Coast WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here 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. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Tour Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. } Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Please let us know. On that page, we've also posted a map of the entire area (Koke'e and Waimea State Parks) for you to download and print out at home. Honopu Beach Not too crowded. 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. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Honopu Valley and Beach From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu } 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. Great service! 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. This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. Photo: Ben Schmit. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", Honopu Beach I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. 4516 Alawai Rd. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. if(i<= selectedVal) Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. In fact, thats what happened in Honop Valley - Wikipedia Makana Charters else if(i=='4'){ } for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { { 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. The valley and beach of Kalalau boast many hikers all year round; the Kalalau trail starts at Kee beach, and winds over eleven strenuous miles to Kalalau Beach. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Honopu Beach Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. function form_visible(){ Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. else if(star_img=='3'){ It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Honopu Beach { } The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. ny = document.getElementById(image); 4516 Alawai Rd. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai 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. By providing genuine aloha hospitality, were determined to earn and keep the reputation from our guests and our community of being the most professional and forward-thinking Kauai boat tour company, that we may exist and thrive for decades to come. 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. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. 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. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. We hope to see you out there. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! } There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. Honopu Beach. } 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. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. 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 Honopu beach The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. 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. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. selectedVal = '3'; 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. We started our excursion in the morning. ny = document.getElementById(image); Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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). A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. show(star_img,rid); image = 'qw'+rnid + i; But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. "mainEntityOfPage": { It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. }, "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. 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. 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. 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. var lc; 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. selectedText = 'Fine'; Mahalo! You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. 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. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. 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. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. In the valley, ancient burial and home sites have been uncovered, including tools, and artifacts, and evidence of a sophisticated terrace and agriculture network proves that this was once a popular community. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. All Rights Reserved. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. }, 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Yes, honorable yet fatal. Kauai Travel Blog Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) Honopu Beach Kauai if(star_img=='1'){ document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). info@MakanaCharters.com Tours If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. 4353 Waialo Rd The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Honop Ridge Trail This is especially true near the trailhead. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. var image; However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. Alternatively, you can also jump off a boat cruise and swim to shore, so long as you have the go signal and guidance from your captain. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. No other company offers this amazing trip daily. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. 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. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. During summer when the ocean is calm, some people walk from Kalalau Beach on the exposed rocks and sand along the cliffs to Honopu Beach for most of the way.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. In fact, thats what happened in This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. 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. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. 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. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. selectedVal = '1'; 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). Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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. 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. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 var i; Hours: 8:00a.m. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. With approximately 750 miles of stunning coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are easily home to some of the best beaches in the country if not the world. ny = document.getElementById(image); The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. 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. 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. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. WebHonopu Beach | Kauai Boat Tours Honopu Beach & Valley One of the most dramatic and mysterious sections on the Napali Coast is Honopu, which consists of two pristine white-sand beaches, backed by steep 1,200 cliffs and separated by the famous 90 Honopu Arch. 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. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. Honopu Beach document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. "@type": "BlogPosting", Click here to The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour, Click here to Learn more about niihau tours, Click here to Learn more about kauai tours, Click here to Learn more about niihau island, Click here to Learn more about the napali coast, Click here to Learn more about snorkeling, This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our, Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. shows = 1; On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; document.write(""); This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Honopu Beach document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; 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). The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. 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 Makana Charters Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. Napali Coast For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. 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. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you!