In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. Thanks. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. 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. 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And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. info@MakanaCharters.com This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. } Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. 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. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. In fact, thats what happened in Thank you! When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). Sometimes you can make out a trail at the top, this is accessible from Kokee State Park and a vigorous hike will get you to an overlook of Awaawapuhi and another trail that connects to the Nualolo trail and cliff. This arch is full of water. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; We did not linger under the arch for very long. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. Mahalo! shows = 1; Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. 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). A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. if(i=='1'){ 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. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. The sailing was especially a fun experience. } This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Honopu Beach. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ var shows = 0; This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Click here to The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour, Click here to Learn more about niihau tours, Click here to Learn more about kauai tours, Click here to Learn more about niihau island, Click here to Learn more about the napali coast, Click here to Learn more about snorkeling, This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our, Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. } Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. function show(star_img,rnid) Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. 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. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. function noshow(star_img,rnid) 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! 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. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. Hello does the boat take you to the island? The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. else if(i=='3'){ Photo: Ben Schmit. "author": { 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. if (shows){ 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. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. } } else { After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Daily, The Honu (Sea Turtle) and Its Importance to Hawaii, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. 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. 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. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. 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. 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. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. "mainEntityOfPage": { At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. selectedVal = '1'; The dykes act as aquifers and store water. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! 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. So to get here, one must swim. Honopu Beach. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. else if(star_img=='4'){ Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 4353 Waialo Rd selectedText = 'Good'; All Rights Reserved. While there is a good bit of descent in the first mile and a half, it's not that much different than many of the ridges in the area. } 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. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. var lc; "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. 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. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Great activity for families. info@MakanaCharters.com Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. In fact, thats what happened in WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. }, If your resources allow, we recommend putting a cruise through Na Pali Coast on top of your Kauai bucket list, so you may catch a glimpse of the valleys grandness. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. } Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. } 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. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. The rest of the crew made their way over. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. See, Hawaiians believed that their chiefs were direct descendants of gods and that their bones contained powerful amounts of the gods mana or life force. 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. 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. 4516 Alawai Rd. { There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. 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. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. 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). WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. This 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. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. 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. When you get a chance to step foot in this gorgeous landmark, always keep in mind to respect each element in the area, as well as the history that encompasses years and years of Hawaiian culture. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World.
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