This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. 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. Napali, meaning the cliffs or many cliffs, consists of 16 miles of dramatic coastline, vivid sea cliffs with over 4,000-foot steep drop-offs, emerald-green valleys, sea caves, and waterfalls. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. It was just us and the occasional crab. selectedVal = '3'; Latitude: 22.14403388 This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. 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. Waimea, HI 96796
* Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. Highly recommend this cruise line! 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. Longitude: -159.6480865. 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. 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. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. 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. 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. When Napali was inhabited, it is estimated that a large population of two to four thousand Hawaiians may have lived in Kalalau at any given time. 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. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. "name": "Na Pali Riders", In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and 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. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; 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. return; shows = 1; 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. 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. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. 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. } This arch is full of water. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The guys were great and personable. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. , and only before the winds have picked up. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Thanks. 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. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. 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. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. Honopu Beach Kauai Honopu Ridge Trail WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. ny = document.getElementById(image); Eleele, HI, 96705. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. Waimea, HI 96796
}, WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. "@type": "Organization", Reading about it is one thing, but to truly enjoy the beauty, power, and serenity of a place as special as Honopu and the rest of the Na Pali Coast, you will have to see it for yourself. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. } The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. 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. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail 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). 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 beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Honopu Beach Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. Great activity for families. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; "@type": "BlogPosting", } Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. Honopu Beach 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. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. Napali Coast We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. else if(star_img=='2'){ Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. One could survive in the area simply on the. Honop Ridge Trail 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. Honopu Valley And Arch Honopu Beach } Honopu Beach, USA With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. We started our excursion in the morning. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. Honop Valley - Wikipedia The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Aloha! el.style.display = 'none'; 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). We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. Honopu Beach Kauai document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; if (shows){ The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. 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. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { else if(i=='5'){ 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. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Suite 5A Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Were obsessed and we believe that its the best thing to do on Kauai and no visit to Kauai is complete without experiencing the island from the water. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! } Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. Honopu Valley and Beach selectedText = 'Fine'; include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) } else { (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). var ny; I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. Honopu Beach 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. selectedText = 'Poor'; Honopu Beach. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. - 8:00p.m. 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. 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. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. by Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. True story! With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the 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. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. 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. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Honopu Valley And Arch Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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. Tours One of the first prominent beaches is Milolii, about four miles northeast of Polihale Beach, and the westernmost and driest valley of the Napali Coast State Park. var selectedText = ''; So to get here, one must swim. So would walking the 4 miile Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. 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. 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. selectedVal = '4'; 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. function show(star_img,rnid) Sponsored Content >. 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. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) {