Yes, honorable yet fatal. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. This arch is full of water. Mahalo! WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. 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. 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. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 4516 Alawai Rd. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. else if(i=='5'){ 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. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; 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. selectedText = 'Fine'; , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. Not too crowded. 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. Honopu Valley And Arch On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. ny = document.getElementById(image); } Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. 5.8k Views. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. else Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. True story! image = 'qw'+rnid + i; }, 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. else if(star_img=='5'){ var image; WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Honopu Beach "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" Napali Coast Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai el.style.display = 'none'; * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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). On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Honopu Beach Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. (808) 338-9980 selectedVal = '4'; When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. } 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. 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. { With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. }else{ Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). 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. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. Latitude: 22.14403388 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. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. 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. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! } 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. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. 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. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Tour document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. - 8:00p.m. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. 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. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Honopu beach The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. var ny; 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). Honopu Beach. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Honopu Beach. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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. Honop Ridge Trail A raft tour will show you all that this part of Kauais coastline has to offer, and you will get to see the famed Honopu Valley. 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. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Honopu Beach, USA Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. 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). We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. selectedText = 'Poor'; Honopu Beach 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. if(star_img=='1'){ Honopu Ridge Trail In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. If so, how much it costs. "datePublished": "2022-03-16", Great service! if(i=='1'){ Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. } Photo: Ben Schmit. Fins are also highly recommended. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). 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. Honopu Valley and Beach Honopu Beach Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. } We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Honopu Beach Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Movies like, After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the, Click here to visit Niihau & Napali Boat Tour, Click here to email reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Marina Center WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. by The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. In fact, thats what happened in Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; selectedText = 'Good'; The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. 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. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Honopu beach Tours If you were to have a panic attack during this swim, youd be in trouble as theres no shore for you to swim up to. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. 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 experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. function form_visible(){ Honop Valley - Wikipedia Waiting for your response. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! Daily, 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. 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. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. If you happen to be someone who likes to jog across a knife-edge ridge with a several-thousand-foot precipice on both sides, the end of Honopu Ridge will give still give you pause to be mindful about how you proceed. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. else if(i=='2'){ Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. var lc; When the surf is up, it is dangerous to enter the ocean along the Na Pali Coast because of strong rip currents and pounding surf. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. Port Allen Marina Center There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. selectedVal = '3'; } Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. 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. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. Honopu Beach Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. Suite 5A This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. 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 next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. 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. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. info@MakanaCharters.com The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. 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. While the beach is difficult to access, it is only one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); } 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. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { No other company offers this amazing trip daily. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. 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. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. 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. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai }, Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! In fact, thats what happened in 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. else if(i=='4'){ No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. { Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. return; It could be some time before I ever come back here. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide.