There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. { 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. Suite 5A Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Many other movies have been filmed here. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. "@context": "https://schema.org", 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). The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; - 8:00p.m. 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. 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. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. el.style.display = 'none'; All Rights Reserved. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Yes, honorable yet fatal. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. 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 Suite 5A Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. 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. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. The valley and beach of Kalalau boast many hikers all year round; the Kalalau trail starts at Kee beach, and winds over eleven strenuous miles to Kalalau Beach. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. "@type": "Organization", At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Waiting for your response. Photo: Ben Schmit. Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. }, 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. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Keep in mind that the currents usually flow in the same direction, so if you swim over to Honopu and it was easy, it may not be as easy on the way back if the current comes from that direction (which you may not have noticed on your way there). 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. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; if (field.value.length > maxlimit) 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. } The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. else if(star_img=='2'){ The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. When Napali was inhabited, it is estimated that a large population of two to four thousand Hawaiians may have lived in Kalalau at any given time. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Photo: Ben Schmit. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. return; Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! 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. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. 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. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; 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. 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; shows = 1; Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. var shows = 0; Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. } document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; By providing genuine aloha hospitality, were determined to earn and keep the reputation from our guests and our community of being the most professional and forward-thinking Kauai boat tour company, that we may exist and thrive for decades to come. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour 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. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" { "dateModified": "2022-10-21" You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. Please let us know. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. 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. 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. So to get here, one must swim. One could survive in the area simply on the. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. 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. our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) } WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. In fact, thats what happened in Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. The total distance depends on how far you hike out on the ridge at the end, but we estimate that to the logical and safe stopping pointit's about 2.4 miles one way. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. selectedText = 'Good'; Dora Rozet, East West Tours. ny = document.getElementById(image); At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: Honopu Beach. ny = document.getElementById(image); Sponsored Content >. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Say yes to adventure and come explore with us4,000-foot cliffs, emerald valleys, secluded beaches, sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, whales, snorkeling, sailing, sunsets, and much more! Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Theres the intensity of the rainbows, the fluctuation of the waterfalls, the playfulness of the spinner dolphins, and the majesty of humpback whales (seasonally). I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. Napali, meaning the cliffs or many cliffs, consists of 16 miles of dramatic coastline, vivid sea cliffs with over 4,000-foot steep drop-offs, emerald-green valleys, sea caves, and waterfalls. } - 8:00p.m. 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. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. document.write("

"); It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. 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. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. 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 winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. , and only before the winds have picked up. If so, how much it costs. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. 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. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. 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). Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in 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. 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 restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. 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. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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. 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. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. At approximately 10 minutes or so into the hike you'll come to a junction in the trail - you'll want to bear to the right at this junction and from that point follow the most worn portion of the trail (again, look for the orange and pink ribbons). Longitude: -159.6480865. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. selectedText = 'Very Good'; (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. 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. True story! Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. Latitude: 22.14403388 info@MakanaCharters.com A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. } else if(i=='5'){ Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. ny = document.getElementById(image); We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. 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. 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 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. ", WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. selectedVal = '4'; for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. 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. "@type": "BlogPosting", 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. 4516 Alawai Rd. Eleele, HI, 96705. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. 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. 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. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. 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. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Mahalo! The sailing was especially a fun experience. 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. 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. } else { }, 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! However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. lc=rid; else if(star_img=='3'){ With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. The dykes act as aquifers and store water. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. selectedVal = '1'; Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. var image; The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. } Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. (808) 338-9980 Makana Charters el.style.display = 'inline'; Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. 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. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas.