Learn more >, ADVERTISE: The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. } At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! "datePublished": "2022-03-16", 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. selectedText = 'Good'; Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. 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 good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. So would walking the 4 miile The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Kauai Travel Blog Highly recommend this cruise line! } 4516 Alawai Rd. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Longitude: -159.6480865. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. var shows = 0; Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. 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. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. if(star_img=='1'){ 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. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. 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. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { "@context": "https://schema.org", ny = document.getElementById(image); Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. else When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. var image; Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 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. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. 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. document.write("Please Select"); , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. In fact, thats what happened in These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. lc=rid; var selectedText = ''; WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. 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. (808) 338-9980 This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; else if(i=='5'){ 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. 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. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. }, - 8:00p.m. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. var ny; Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. 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. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. 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. Honopu Beach. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. "mainEntityOfPage": { Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. 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. 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). 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. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Photo: Ben Schmit. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. 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. info@MakanaCharters.com However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. 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). else if(star_img=='3'){ No other company offers this amazing trip daily. 4353 Waialo Rd else The further in he walked, the bigger the arch looked. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Not too crowded. Were obsessed and we believe that its the best thing to do on Kauai and no visit to Kauai is complete without experiencing the island from the water. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. { 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). selectedVal = '1'; }, 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. function form_visible(){ Photo: Ben Schmit. 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. The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. 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. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! 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. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. } if (field.value.length > maxlimit) "@type": "BlogPosting", Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. 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. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. 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 had to be mindful of time so that we could swim back to Kalalau Beach before the wind came and ocean current picked up. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. function showform(raid){ It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. Movie scenes have been filmed at Honopu for the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Honeymoon in Vegas and Jurassic Park 3. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. var selectedVal = ''; A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. The guys were great and personable. } Love Hawaii? It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. 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. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. In fact, thats what happened in } This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Fins are also highly recommended. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. }, The dykes act as aquifers and store water. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; selectedVal = '3'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) 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. Much evidence of their life is still found today. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. 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 rest of the crew made their way over. } for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { It is estimated that life along the Napali began to change in the 1800s and early 1900s, as foreigners began frequenting the islands and introducing new ways of living. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. 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 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. 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. } The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. In summer months, it may be possible to walk at least part of the way from Kalalau Beach to Honopu on exposed rocks and sand. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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. Honopu Beach. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. "@type": "Organization", There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. If so, how much it costs. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. 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. el.style.display = 'inline'; Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. The waters of Niihau and Lehua are considered to be some of the best in Hawaii with over 100-feet of visibility and unique lava formations with rare endemic sea life you wont find anywhere else. selectedVal = '5'; WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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 companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; So would walking the 4 miile Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! - 8:00p.m. 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. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. 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). Reading about it is one thing, but to truly enjoy the beauty, power, and serenity of a place as special as Honopu and the rest of the Na Pali Coast, you will have to see it for yourself. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. shows = 1; WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. 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. Waimea, HI 96796 Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. 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In fact, thats what happened in I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. , and only before the winds have picked up. From here the ridge descends steeply onto the ridge where the views get increasingly better as you hike up and down the hills along the ridge. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Hours: 8:00a.m. 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. 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.