var shows = 0; It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 4353 Waialo Rd 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. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. 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. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. Themana here is very powerful, and many people in this area feel an eerie presence when they are here; as if they are being watched by spirit guardians. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. else if(i=='3'){ The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. var image; Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. 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. We started our excursion in the morning. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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 So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? The guys were great and personable. Kauai Travel Blog Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. 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. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. So would walking the 4 miile "@type": "WebPage", function showform(raid){ } At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. 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. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. } This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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 Beach One of the most remote shores in the world, Honopu Beach, located on Kauais Na Pali Coast, can only be accessed by swimming. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. The rest of the crew made their way over. 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. el.style.display = 'none'; The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. If you're looking for a better-maintained trail with similar views of NaPali and a gorgeous valley at the end, then consider theNualolo Trail. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", Photo: Ben Schmit. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; }else{ Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. 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. Hours: 8:00a.m. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. selectedVal = '4'; } ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. "@type": "Organization", Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. } A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. "author": { 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. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; 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. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. So an early start was a must. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. 4353 Waialo Rd We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. 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. 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. 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. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. 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. 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. 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. var lc; A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. } WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Not too crowded. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. 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. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Makana Charters It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. document.write("

"); Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. (Originally published in September 2015. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. return; This arch is full of water. It basically fell into the ocean. if (shows){ On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 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. The erroneous legend endures up to this day, but the isolated valley is also widely believed among locals to be a place of temples and a burial site for the islands chiefs. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Sponsored Content >. Thanks. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. var selectedText = ''; WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. 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. Honopu Beach. lc=rid; Honopu Beach. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. { WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. 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). } Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. 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.