selectedVal = '2'; As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. else if(i=='4'){ el.style.display = 'none'; A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. Makana Charters
Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Waiting for your response. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. Honopu Beach. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. "author": { Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. 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. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; function show(star_img,rnid) selectedVal = '4'; shows = 1; This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Despite the regulations the Department of Land and Natural Resources enforces to limit visitors and respect Honopus sacred history, theyve made several exceptions for Hollywood. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. 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. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. No other company offers this amazing trip daily. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. 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. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Eleele, HI, 96705. 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. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. el.style.display = 'inline'; Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. else if(i=='3'){ WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; else if(star_img=='3'){ Honopu Beach. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. 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. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. Its our responsibility to conduct business using the best practices available to preserve the integrity of the water, land, and wildlife that we have the privilege of showcasing. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Voyage to the Napali Coast and let us wine you and dine you, as we sail off into the sunset on our gorgeous & comfortable 50 catamaran, Leila. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. 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). WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Honopu Beach. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. What a day! Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. 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. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Much evidence of their life is still found today. 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 sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. } On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. - 8:00p.m. 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. var selectedVal = ''; In the valley, ancient burial and home sites have been uncovered, including tools, and artifacts, and evidence of a sophisticated terrace and agriculture network proves that this was once a popular community. The sailing was especially a fun experience. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Mahalo! { 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. One could survive in the area simply on the. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Please let us know. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Fins are also highly recommended. 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. 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. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; "name": "Na Pali Riders", The One Hikeable Lake In Hawaii Thats Simply Breathtaking, The One Little Known Beach In Hawaii That Is A True Utopia, One Of Hawaiis Last Remaining Freshwater Springs Is Hiding In Plain Sight, This Restaurant In Hawaii Is Surrounded By A Lagoon And Will Simply Enchant You, Youll Want To Visit This Tiny Hawaii Island Overflowing With History, The Underrated Hawaii Beach Thats Perfect For A Summer Day, This Secluded Beachfront Restaurant In Hawaii Is One Of The Most Magical Places Youll Ever Eat, Some People Call This Beach In Hawaii A Little Slice Of Paradise, Country Livings 27 of the Most Beautiful Places In America,. var lc; 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. In fact, thats what happened in function form_visible(){ } 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. Its said that, to this day, the bones of these warriors can be found in the sand dunes, underneath the cliffs, after being exposed to heavy rains or winds. 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. else if(i=='5'){ We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. } if(i<= selectedVal) This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. } Great service! The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Port Allen Marina Center The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. - 8:00p.m. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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). Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. Latitude: 22.14403388 Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 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. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ function mark(star_img,rid) } else { It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. ny = document.getElementById(image); Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. if(star_img=='1'){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Andonce the winds pick up around midday, theres no way anyone (fins or not) is making that swim back, no matter how good a swimmer they are. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. 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. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. 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. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. 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. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. 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. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. by WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Great activity for families. 4353 Waialo Rd } If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. }else{ (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. The rest of the crew made their way over. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. So to get here, one must swim. { } info@MakanaCharters.com
} The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to Kauais lost tribe, while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. There are three major parts of the trail. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. It looks small but that thing is 90 feet tall. 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. } This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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 stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. 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. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Suite 5A , and only before the winds have picked up. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. var image; selectedText = 'Very Good'; selectedVal = '3'; Mahalo! 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. The warrior would climb hundreds of feet up the steep cliffs, a search for a suitable cave in which to carefully place the chiefs remains. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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.