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. } 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). 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). Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Get more stories delivered right to your email. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; So an early start was a must. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! 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. } document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; var ny; WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Waiting for your response. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. 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. Port Allen Marina Center For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. selectedVal = '1'; One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Eleele, HI, 96705. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. 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. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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. 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. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Movies like, After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the, Click here to visit Niihau & Napali Boat Tour, Click here to email reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Marina Center The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. Waimea, HI 96796
), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. } Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail document.write("
"); The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. 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. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 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. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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. 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Daily, 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. Mahalo! WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Thanks. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. } Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. The rest of the crew made their way over. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); { 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. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. var selectedText = ''; Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. 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. } 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. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. Much evidence of their life is still found today. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. | Web usage privacy. selectedText = 'Very Good'; We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. It basically fell into the ocean. "@type": "WebPage", by Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. Honopu Beach. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. 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. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. 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. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Sponsored Content >. 4353 Waialo Rd 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. We did not linger under the arch for very long. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Honopu Beach. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. Honopu Beach. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! 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. 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. 4353 Waialo Rd Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. else if(star_img=='3'){ }, Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail } 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. "@type": "Organization", document.write("
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"); When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. else if(star_img=='2'){ Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. 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. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. var shows = 0; 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. if(star_img=='1'){ It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Thank you! Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. } Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. In fact, thats what happened in 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. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. ny = document.getElementById(image); If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 "name": "Na Pali Riders", However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. 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. selectedText = 'Fine'; Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. } Yes, honorable yet fatal. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. These cliffs were created millions of years ago when Kauai was formed and have since been shaped by years of withstanding the elements. 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,. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. (808) 338-9980
The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. 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. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. 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. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. shows = 1; We hope to see you out there. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. } Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. 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). } Latitude: 22.14403388 From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. selectedVal = '2'; el.style.display = 'inline'; Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. One could survive in the area simply on the. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). 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. Hours: 8:00a.m. 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. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. } document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; } When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. "@type": "BlogPosting", 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. { info@MakanaCharters.com
Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. } In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding this mysterious valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot, as well as the two beaches located by the valleys fascinating arch. var image; WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. 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. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Photo: Ben Schmit. } } Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Download your copy of our Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. 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. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. 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. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. Suite 5A On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. 4516 Alawai Rd. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. function mark(star_img,rid) Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. Photo: Ben Schmit. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Eleele, HI, 96705. 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. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. lc=rid; WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. - 8:00p.m. 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. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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). 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. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. 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. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Many other movies have been filmed here. 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. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. "datePublished": "2022-03-16", All Rights Reserved. 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. 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.