| "); If you happen to be someone who likes to jog across a knife-edge ridge with a several-thousand-foot precipice on both sides, the end of Honopu Ridge will give still give you pause to be mindful about how you proceed. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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 experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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). Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. } But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. else if(i=='3'){ From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. selectedVal = '2'; 4516 Alawai Rd. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { 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. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? 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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. }, 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. 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. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. Photo: Ben Schmit. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. } 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. 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. Voyage to the Napali Coast and let us wine you and dine you, as we sail off into the sunset on our gorgeous & comfortable 50 catamaran, Leila. 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 stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ No other company offers this amazing trip daily. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. All Rights Reserved. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and were succeeding in realizing those ideals. } 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. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" Waimea, HI 96796
for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. There are three major parts of the trail. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). Great service! 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. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! if (field.value.length > maxlimit) 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. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. 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. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. } Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. No landing of any boat or aircraft is allowed on the beach or in the valley, unless they belong to Hollywood movies, of which several have been filmed here. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. 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). From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. 5.8k Views. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. } selectedText = 'Excellent'; It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. 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. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; } Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. But setting foot on Honopu is not so easy, as boat, kayak, helicopter and other assisted landings are not permitted and there is no land access due to the steep cliffs. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. 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. 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). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Then, cross the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel to Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau to do some world-class snorkeling at Lehua Crater. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. else if(i=='2'){ 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. 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 actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. 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. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: else if(i=='5'){ The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. 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. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. 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. else if(star_img=='3'){ OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Latitude: 22.14403388 It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. | Web usage privacy. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. It was just us and the occasional crab. 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. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. 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. Honopu Beach. 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. The rest of the crew made their way over. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. "@type": "BlogPosting", document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. 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. } 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. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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. The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. } It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. 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). WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. info@MakanaCharters.com
WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Many other movies have been filmed here. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. "@type": "Organization", When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. 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. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. document.write(" | Please Select |