Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. document.write(""); When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. var lc; Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. 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. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. selectedVal = '1'; Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. 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. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. 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. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. Fins are also highly recommended. Much evidence of their life is still found today. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" (808) 338-9980 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. 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. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. return; Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. ", At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Every other tour boat operating on Kauai was ordered and delivered from a faraway factory in a faraway land, but were proud to say that our companys boats were designed by our companys founder, specifically to tackle the unique and challenging ocean conditions Kauai faces as the westernmost island of the most remote island chain in the world. 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. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. 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. We hope to see you out there. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. } WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. 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. Great service! although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Photo: Ben Schmit. The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! 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). Yes, honorable yet fatal. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. So would walking the 4 miile True story! 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. 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. 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. 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. selectedText = 'Poor'; It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. 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. selectedText = 'Fine'; Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Since 1997, Holo Holo Charters has taken people on unforgettable adventures to Kauais, world-famous Napali Coast and remote locations like Lehua Crater off the Forbidden Island of Niihau. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. Experienced guides have been caught in small debris slides out here and have needed help to get back up to the top of the ridge. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; }, "mainEntityOfPage": { There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Thanks. 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. document.write("Please Select"); One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. selectedText = 'Good'; function showform(raid){ WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. 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. 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. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. 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. function noshow(star_img,rnid) 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). Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. "author": { This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); If so, how much it costs. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. } The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website. } This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. } Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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. } So would walking the 4 miile if (shows){ There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. var selectedText = ''; Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. Love Hawaii? 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. }, selectedVal = '5'; document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. Hello does the boat take you to the island? } The dykes act as aquifers and store water. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. document.write("
"); Waiting for your response. 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. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! Honopu Beach. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. By providing genuine aloha hospitality, were determined to earn and keep the reputation from our guests and our community of being the most professional and forward-thinking Kauai boat tour company, that we may exist and thrive for decades to come. 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). 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. 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. 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. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Not too crowded. 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. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. , and only before the winds have picked up. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. This is especially true near the trailhead. 4353 Waialo Rd function form_visible(){ Makana Charters This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. 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. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever.