Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. 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. 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. Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. Honopu Valley and Beach 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. "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" Sponsored Content >. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. 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. WebHonopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the NaPali Coastline. ny = document.getElementById(image); Great service! Honop Valley - Wikipedia Honopu Beach Kauai Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. var image; Honopu beach This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. 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. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. 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. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. 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. var shows = 0; If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. This is especially true near the trailhead. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). Since 1997, Holo Holo Charters has taken people on unforgettable adventures to Kauais, world-famous Napali Coast and remote locations like Lehua Crater off the Forbidden Island of Niihau. 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. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 4516 Alawai Rd. On our Kauai boat tours, we help guests fully appreciate and absorb Kauais natural beauty, while respecting the islands water, wildlife, land, people, and traditions, with our eco-friendly and meticulously maintained Kauai-built boats and talented staff. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. }, If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. The dykes act as aquifers and store water. lc=rid; So to get here, one must swim. The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. Honopu Beach 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. 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. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. 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. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. by The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Honopu Ridge Trail You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Say yes to adventure and come explore with us4,000-foot cliffs, emerald valleys, secluded beaches, sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, whales, snorkeling, sailing, sunsets, and much more! , and only before the winds have picked up. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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, 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. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. 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. 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. Honopu Beach You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. 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. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. } } else { ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; There are three major parts of the trail. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Yes, honorable yet fatal. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. var selectedText = ''; 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. 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). WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. else if(star_img=='4'){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Honopu Ridge Trail This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Click here to Learn more about sustainability, Click here to Learn more about private boat charters, Click here to Learn more about holo holo pono pledge, Click here to Learn more about photos, history & fun, Click here to Learn more about frequently asked questions, Click here to Learn more about reviews & testimonals, Click here to email reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705 The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. 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. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. 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. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. 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. 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. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. Photo: Ben Schmit. Love Hawaii? So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. We hope to see you out there. }, So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. Honop Ridge Trail Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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). We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. Honop Ridge Trail WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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. Honopu Beach Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. 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). Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. 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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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. 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. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Tours The guys were great and personable. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. Our intent is to strengthen Kauais economy by creating fulfilling jobs and careers, fostering our employees contributions to the islands general health and well-being. Honop Ridge Trail Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. } The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. Andonce the winds pick up around midday, theres no way anyone (fins or not) is making that swim back, no matter how good a swimmer they are. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. 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. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Honopu Beach ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Eleele, HI, 96705. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. var ny; Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. 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. Longitude: -159.6480865. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. Honopu Ridge Trail This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. Tour Hours: 8:00a.m. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The forests of Honopu Ridge are unique for the area, receiving less than 100 inches of rain per year; considerably less than the surrounding forests of Koke'e State Park. Thank you! 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Honopu Beach, USA The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. } function showform(raid){ Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. else if(i=='3'){ (Originally published in September 2015. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. We did not linger under the arch for very long. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Makana Charters In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. 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. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever.