Napali Coast It basically fell into the ocean. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. 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. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you!
Honopu Beach 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. 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. selectedText = 'Excellent'; Mahalo! It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why.
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. The rest of the crew made their way over. Aloha! Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. Honopu Beach. Love Hawaii? "name": "Na Pali Riders", } OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach.
although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. What a day! 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. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. 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. if(i=='1'){ 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. Honopu 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. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. 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 selectedVal = '5'; 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. else if(i=='2'){ 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.
Napali Coast Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. Whether you are seeking an all-day ocean adventure to the Napali Coast and Niihau, a sailing adventure with snorkeling, or a romantic sunset dinner cruise; we have an option for you. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. 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! ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Also, you don't have to be a hard-core hiker to experience all the best Kauai sights, as many Kauai sightseeing tours are perfect for all ages and abilities. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. 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. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance.
Honopu Beach WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. } var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. 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. var selectedText = ''; our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) } if (shows){ Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. 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. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. function showform(raid){ 4353 Waialo Rd for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. ny = document.getElementById(image); Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. var ny; In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. 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. Great service! The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. 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. 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. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. 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). } else { It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" , and only before the winds have picked up. 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. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. Photo: Ben Schmit. 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. On our Kauai boat tours, we help guests fully appreciate and absorb Kauais natural beauty, while respecting the islands water, wildlife, land, people, and traditions, with our eco-friendly and meticulously maintained Kauai-built boats and talented staff. 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. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. Artifacts have been recovered that are hundreds of years old, ancient heiau, or sites of worship, have been uncovered, and terracing is still present in many areas. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. 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. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", So would walking the 4 miile 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. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach.
Honopu Beach WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock.
Honop Valley - Wikipedia It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. We hope that this article has given you a wonderful image of Honopu Valley and Beach and encourages you to come out and see this natural wonder for yourself. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. if (field.value.length > 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; function noshow(star_img,rnid) 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.
Tour On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. return;
Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu This arch is full of water. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 4353 Waialo Rd Learn more >, ADVERTISE: At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. document.write("
| "); This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Highly recommend this cruise line! WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Eleele, HI, 96705. selectedVal = '2'; The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. } Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; ny = document.getElementById(image); Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. We did not linger under the arch for very long. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. } With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 5.8k Views. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. var selectedVal = ''; Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 } There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Great activity for families. if(star_img=='1'){ 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. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. }, In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. }else{ Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. 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). 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. 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. }, 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. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. else if(star_img=='5'){ } It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. 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. 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Tour But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. 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. 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 } We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. } However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. { Thank you! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. It was just us and the occasional crab. } Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. 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). selectedText = 'Good'; There are three major parts of the trail. The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Not too crowded. "datePublished": "2022-03-16", 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. Tours Hours: 8:00a.m. 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). (808) 338-9980
But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. 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. These cliffs were created millions of years ago when Kauai was formed and have since been shaped by years of withstanding the elements. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. }, A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. 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). The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). Get more stories delivered right to your email. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. The dykes act as aquifers and store water. 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. 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. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World.
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