If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. ny = document.getElementById(image); } (Originally published in September 2015. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-box-3','ezslot_0',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-box-3-0');It doesn't get anymore secluded and remote than Honopu Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in In fact, thats what happened in 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. else It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. All Rights Reserved. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. el.style.display = 'inline'; } In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. 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. Our four Kauai-built boats are perfectly designed to take you and your family on an experience of a lifetime in the utmost safety, comfort, and style, to remote locations around the Napali Coast, Niihau, and Lehua Crater. { "@type": "Organization", Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. "@type": "BlogPosting", Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. Experience ancient Hawaii from the water by power or sail during a Napali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruise and experience majestic waterfalls, hidden sea caves, towering cliffs, and lush valleys. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) { Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. document.write("
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"); This article is part of a series to give you an idea for the one-of-a-kind scenery on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. 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 } else { These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. Then, cross the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel to Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau to do some world-class snorkeling at 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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. } 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. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail 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. ", This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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. So would walking the 4 miile WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. | Web usage privacy. 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. 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. Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? Much evidence of their life is still found today. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. 4353 Waialo Rd You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. { Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. if(star_img=='1'){ Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. In fact, thats what happened in 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. 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. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. 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. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. So to get here, one must swim. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Kauai Travel Blog } This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. Say yes to adventure and come explore with us4,000-foot cliffs, emerald valleys, secluded beaches, sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, whales, snorkeling, sailing, sunsets, and much more! With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. Daily, 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. Honopu Beach. Honopu Beach. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); Longitude: -159.6480865. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Honopu Beach. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. Suite 5A 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. If you were to have a panic attack during this swim, youd be in trouble as theres no shore for you to swim up to. The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. There are three major parts of the trail. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. What a day! 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. We started our excursion in the morning. 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. Many other movies have been filmed here. else if(star_img=='2'){ 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. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. if (shows){ , and only before the winds have picked up. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! "@type": "WebPage", function form_visible(){ 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. 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. function showform(raid){ Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. 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. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. 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 Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. info@MakanaCharters.com
WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. 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. 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 if(i<= selectedVal) Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. var ny; They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. 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. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. }, 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. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. 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. So would walking the 4 miile document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Great service! } No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. else if(star_img=='3'){ As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. 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. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. 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. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. 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. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. In fact, thats what happened in Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. 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. Waimea, HI 96796
Skip the restaurant and enjoy a delicious Kauai sunset tour including dinner and drinks, while basking in the glory of the Napali Coastrainbows, cliffs, valleys, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife. In summer months, it may be possible to walk at least part of the way from Kalalau Beach to Honopu on exposed rocks and sand. 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. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. During our brief time exploring Honopu Beach, I tried to keep in mind how lucky I was to be here.If you factor in the effort it takes to get to Kalalau, and that you then have to swim a few hundred yards to access this beach, Honopu is really hard to get to. Download your copy of our We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. "@context": "https://schema.org", Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. So an early start was a must. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. Unless youre Steven Spielberg or Harrison Ford or Johnny Depp, you might just want to get a ride out to Honopu and admire it from offshore with us, Holo Holo Charters, on one of our daily Kauai boat tours of the Napali Coast. 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). Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. var selectedText = ''; Eleele, HI, 96705. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. selectedVal = '3'; shows = 1; 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. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. This arch is full of water. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu 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). 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach.