Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Then, cross the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel to Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau to do some world-class snorkeling at Lehua Crater. Photo: Ben Schmit. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; } else { The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. 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. 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. 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. "author": { The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. return; Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. 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. show(star_img,rid); It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. 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. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Honop Ridge Trail From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. selectedVal = '1'; A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. For when you actually put it in perspective, the archway is hundreds of feet long and big enough for a helicopter to fly through it. function showform(raid){ 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. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. } Eleele, HI, 96705. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. In fact, thats what happened in el.style.display = 'inline'; This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. 5.8k Views. What a day! We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. else if(i=='5'){ The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. 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. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Honopu Beach 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. 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. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; } Tours function mark(star_img,rid) At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. Download your copy of our 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. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 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. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. 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,. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. 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. Makana Charters In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. 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). You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. 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. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; } 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. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Mahalo! 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. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. el.style.display = 'none'; We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Photo: Ben Schmit. Honopu Beach Kauai The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. Honopu Beach. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. 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. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. Tour The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Honopu Beach. Thank you! WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. Honopu beach We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; 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. by This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Tours Honopu Valley and Beach If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. 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. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. 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. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. The main trail can sometimes become vague and you might be misled by several other smaller (hunters) trails that branch off from the main trail. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. 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. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. If you do continue, use extreme caution as the trail is only two or three feet wide in places with a very steep drop off on either side and the ground itself is very crumbly and erosive. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. | Web usage privacy. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. else if(star_img=='5'){ function noshow(star_img,rnid) 4353 Waialo Rd Honopu beach document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Known as The Valley of the Lost Tribe, Honopu was once home to hundreds of native Hawaiians who lived in relative isolation from the rest of the island. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. } We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); 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. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. All Rights Reserved. Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. Honopu Beach } } But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! Honopu Beach 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. It could be some time before I ever come back here. Waimea, HI 96796 A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Honopu Beach She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. 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. 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Tours Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. 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. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. 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. } Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Not too crowded. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. }, 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. 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. Latitude: 22.14403388 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). "dateModified": "2022-10-21" Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Honopu Beach Many other movies have been filmed here. Honopu Beach. selectedText = 'Very Good'; As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. One of the first prominent beaches is Milolii, about four miles northeast of Polihale Beach, and the westernmost and driest valley of the Napali Coast State Park. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. } for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. } Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 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. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in