Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in 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. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. } This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Unless youre a triathlete or an experienced open ocean swimmer, this swim would not be possible without a snorkel and fins.I brought a small dry bag and strapped it to my leg to carry by camera gear. 4353 Waialo Rd Sometimes you can make out a trail at the top, this is accessible from Kokee State Park and a vigorous hike will get you to an overlook of Awaawapuhi and another trail that connects to the Nualolo trail and cliff. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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. else Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. - 8:00p.m. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. We started our excursion in the morning. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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. More than just a boat ride, our mission is to take our guests on safe, educational, and awe-inspiring adventures that cultivate a sense of understanding and respect for Kauais ecosystem and cultural history. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. 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,. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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). You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. 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 crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! The sailing was especially a fun experience. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. else Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. Despite the regulations the Department of Land and Natural Resources enforces to limit visitors and respect Honopus sacred history, theyve made several exceptions for Hollywood. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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). 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. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. 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. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. While the trail is pretty short, it is no longer maintained by the park (due to Hurricane Iniki damage way back in 1992 and Hurricane Iwa in 1982) - so prepare to bushwack; the ferns are especially brutal on the legs if you're not prepared. 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. } } When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. After our catamaran tour departs Port Allen, located in the Hanapape Bay on the southwest side of Kauai, we head north along the west coast of Kauai, towards the Napali Coast. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. 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. 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 remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. 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. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. Not too crowded. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. selectedVal = '2'; 4516 Alawai Rd. 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). This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Highly recommend this cruise line! This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. } On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. }else{ Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-box-3','ezslot_0',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-box-3-0');It doesn't get anymore secluded and remote than Honopu Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. ", Suite 5A Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. selectedText = 'Excellent'; 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. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. } 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. 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! info@MakanaCharters.com There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. 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. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. if (shows){ Honopu Beach. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. All Rights Reserved. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. 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. 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. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. function showform(raid){ As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. 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. }, (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. So would walking the 4 miile These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. } Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. if(i=='1'){ It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. 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. Waimea, HI 96796 } WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Archeological evidence discovered in the 1920s suggests that a human population flourished in this valley but then disappeared suddenly, which is why Honopu is sometimes called the Valley of the Lost Tribe. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. Mahalo! Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. el.style.display = 'inline'; The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. 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. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. 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. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. show(star_img,rid); However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. 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. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. This arch is full of water. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. 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. { else if(star_img=='3'){ Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Honopu Beach. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. 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. We did not linger under the arch for very long. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. So an early start was a must. 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. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. } Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. Hours: 8:00a.m. 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 } Honopu Beach. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > info@MakanaCharters.com We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. It could be some time before I ever come back here. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! "mainEntityOfPage": { This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Whether you are seeking an all-day ocean adventure to the Napali Coast and Niihau, a sailing adventure with snorkeling, or a romantic sunset dinner cruise; we have an option for you. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. At approximately 10 minutes or so into the hike you'll come to a junction in the trail - you'll want to bear to the right at this junction and from that point follow the most worn portion of the trail (again, look for the orange and pink ribbons). Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { var selectedText = ''; WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and 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. In fact, thats what happened in Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. The guys were great and personable. Lic# TVNC1058, Most prominent landmark on beach is the Honopu arch, which separates two small sandy coves, No landing of any aircraft, boat, kayak or even surfboard is allowed at Honopu Beach, The only legal way to access it is to swim here (either from neighboring Kalalau Beach or from an offshore boat).