Makana Charters Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Thank you! Mahalo! although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. 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. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. Aloha! It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and var b = document.getElementById('t0'); A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. So would walking the 4 miile Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). In fact, thats what happened in This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. 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. (808) 338-9980 else You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Honopu Beach. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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 is especially true near the trailhead. Honopu Beach. 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. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. selectedVal = '3'; We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. document.write("
"); The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. else Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. This arch is full of water. var selectedVal = ''; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. 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. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. } include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. 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. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; 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). On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. } 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. } At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. 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 dykes act as aquifers and store water. Thanks. 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. }, Adventure Tours 2020 All Rights Reserved Site Map Disclaimer, Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and, You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. Great activity for families. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; } else { } Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. lc=rid; WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. Sponsored Content >. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. 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. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. It was just us and the occasional crab. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. The rest of the crew made their way over. So would walking the 4 miile Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", Many other movies have been filmed here. Not too crowded. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. else if(i=='4'){ With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. } Highly recommend this cruise line! 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. 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. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. 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. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. 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. 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. 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. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. Waiting for your response. 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. Fins are also highly recommended. We did not linger under the arch for very long. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. else if(i=='2'){ As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. We started our excursion in the morning. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. 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. } There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. We hope to see you out there. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. function showform(raid){ If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Download your copy of our 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. "@type": "BlogPosting", "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 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. - 8:00p.m. In fact, thats what happened in Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. 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. function mark(star_img,rid) This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! Hours: 8:00a.m. } There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. 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. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. In fact, thats what happened in 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. } The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. 5.8k Views. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. var i; Longitude: -159.6480865. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. 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. 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. During summer when the ocean is calm, some people walk from Kalalau Beach on the exposed rocks and sand along the cliffs to Honopu Beach for most of the way.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. 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. The forests of Honopu Ridge are unique for the area, receiving less than 100 inches of rain per year; considerably less than the surrounding forests of Koke'e State Park. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. Kauai Travel Blog Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. } info@MakanaCharters.com el.style.display = 'inline'; This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. if(i=='1'){ Check out our other articles at the top of this page for other locations. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. 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. 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. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) If so, how much it costs. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! } 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. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. 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. else if(star_img=='4'){ The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. ny = document.getElementById(image); else if(star_img=='2'){ selectedVal = '5'; This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. 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. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. 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. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. info@MakanaCharters.com We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. 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. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). , and only before the winds have picked up. var ny; We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. 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. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. 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). Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? } }, WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. The sailing was especially a fun experience. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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.
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