WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. } You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Honopu Valley and Beach 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. The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. Honop Valley - Wikipedia 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. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. 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. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. 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. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail 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 crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. else if(i=='2'){ We did not linger under the arch for very long. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. 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. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) }else{ } Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. Napali Coast 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! image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Water was dripping down and it felt like it was raining underneath the arch.This means that the arch is constantly eroding and rocks can drop from the roof at anytime. { Hello does the boat take you to the island? 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. Honopu Beach Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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 beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. 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). if (shows){ Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Honopu Beach Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Honop Ridge Trail Artifacts have been recovered that are hundreds of years old, ancient heiau, or sites of worship, have been uncovered, and terracing is still present in many areas. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { 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. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. } 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 to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. } WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on 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. var shows = 0; selectedVal = '5'; Eleele, HI, 96705. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); 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. So would walking the 4 miile After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. So would walking the 4 miile 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. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. Then, cross the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel to Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau to do some world-class snorkeling at Lehua Crater. Honopu Valley And Arch Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Makana Charters Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. show(star_img,rid); var image; 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. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. 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. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. When you do get to Honopu Beach, make sure to keep in mind that it is treated by the locals as a sacred piece of Hawaiian culture. else if(i=='5'){ No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). Honopu Ridge Trail In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. The rest of the crew made their way over. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" } 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 Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. When the surf is up, it is dangerous to enter the ocean along the Na Pali Coast because of strong rip currents and pounding surf. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. Honopu Beach Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. var ny; WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. function showform(raid){ Honopu Beach Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. var i; if(i=='1'){ Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Honopu Beach The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. Honop Ridge Trail selectedVal = '2'; function noshow(star_img,rnid) The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. Honopu Ridge Trail ny = document.getElementById(image); It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Honopu Beach. Honopu Beach Kauai Download your copy of our "@type": "BlogPosting", } At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. } selectedVal = '3'; 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. Honopu Beach. 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. 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. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. 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. True story! Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. 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. 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. 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. if(i<= selectedVal) So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. var selectedVal = ''; WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Napali Coast The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. 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. { } WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. return; "dateModified": "2022-10-21" Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. } Honopu Beach 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. There are three major parts of the trail. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. Honopu Beach Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. 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 Suite 5A document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. { 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. 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and } WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. selectedText = 'Excellent'; The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Fins are also highly recommended. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. The dykes act as aquifers and store water. It was just us and the occasional crab. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Honopu Beach, USA document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. 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. 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 means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! (808) 338-9980 WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. 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. Honopu Beach. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Our four Kauai-built boats are perfectly designed to take you and your family on an experience of a lifetime in the utmost safety, comfort, and style, to remote locations around the Napali Coast, Niihau, and Lehua Crater. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! 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. Honopu Ridge Trail But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu.