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. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; selectedVal = '5'; The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. (808) 338-9980 Honopu Beach Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. } 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 valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. 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 means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Honopu Beach Kauai 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 natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. - 8:00p.m. 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. See, Hawaiians believed that their chiefs were direct descendants of gods and that their bones contained powerful amounts of the gods mana or life force. The dykes act as aquifers and store water. 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. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Honopu Beach. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! } The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. var selectedVal = ''; 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. else if(star_img=='2'){ 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. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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,. else Honopu Beach Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; ny = document.getElementById(image); However, make sure you have the stamina to take this route to get to Honopu Beach its deemed as the most difficult beach to reach in Kauai, with Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers attempting to reach it by swimming. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The rest of the crew made their way over. 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. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Honop Ridge Trail We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. selectedText = 'Poor'; The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. } 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. This is especially true near the trailhead. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. True story! Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. 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. Waimea, HI 96796 (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). 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). 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { The sailing was especially a fun experience. Honopu Valley and Beach One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. el.style.display = 'none'; Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. Hours: 8:00a.m. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. "@type": "Organization", Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. function mark(star_img,rid) var i; function noshow(star_img,rnid) In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. 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. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! 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 beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { 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 This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. } 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. 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. Honopu Valley and Beach although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. 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. 4353 Waialo Rd Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Not too crowded. 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. Much evidence of their life is still found today. Honopu Beach All Rights Reserved. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. 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. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. 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"; A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. Tour Honopu Beach This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Voyage with us today on one of our Kauai boat tours and see why we were voted in the top 10 Best Boat Tour in the US for three years in a row (2021, 2020, and 2019). This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. "@type": "WebPage", The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. 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. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Honopu Beach Kauai Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Also, you don't have to be a hard-core hiker to experience all the best Kauai sights, as many Kauai sightseeing tours are perfect for all ages and abilities. } It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. 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. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. 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. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. Honopu Valley and Beach Makana Charters } This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. Aloha! Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu Honopu beach At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. } Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); 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. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. Makana Charters From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. The trail drops about 1,400-1,950 ft. in elevation from the trailhead to the ridge; again, depending on how far you go out on the ridge. var shows = 0; With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. 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. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 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 good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? Learn more >, ADVERTISE: 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. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Honopu Beach Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 ny = document.getElementById(image); 4516 Alawai Rd. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent";