The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. 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. function show(star_img,rnid) All Rights Reserved. , and only before the winds have picked up. In fact, thats what happened in else So an early start was a must. Carved into a valley on Kauais rugged Na Pali Coast, the popular magazine named Honopu Beach as one of the countrys most breathtaking spots, and we certainly agree. Much evidence of their life is still found today. When you do get to Honopu Beach, make sure to keep in mind that it is treated by the locals as a sacred piece of Hawaiian culture. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. selectedVal = '3'; 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. This arch is full of water. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. 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. So would walking the 4 miile show(star_img,rid); 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. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; else if(star_img=='4'){ 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. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. ", See, Hawaiians believed that their chiefs were direct descendants of gods and that their bones contained powerful amounts of the gods mana or life force. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. document.write("
"); When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. else if(i=='3'){ Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. During summer when the ocean is calm, some people walk from Kalalau Beach on the exposed rocks and sand along the cliffs to Honopu Beach for most of the way.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. 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 Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. 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. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. When you get a chance to step foot in this gorgeous landmark, always keep in mind to respect each element in the area, as well as the history that encompasses years and years of Hawaiian culture. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. 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. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. } Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. 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 True story! else if(i=='2'){ 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. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 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. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. The sailing was especially a fun experience. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. function showform(raid){ WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. info@MakanaCharters.com
The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. "@type": "Organization", shows = 1; Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Holo Holo Charters offer Kauai private boat tours to sightsee and snorkel locations like Napali Coast, Niihau, Lehua Crater, Honopu, Kalalau, and Kipu Kai. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. 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. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. 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. 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). ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. var selectedText = ''; But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. Love Hawaii? Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. { document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. selectedText = 'Poor'; It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and image = 'qw'+rnid + i; This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Hours: 8:00a.m. var selectedVal = ''; Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. No other company offers this amazing trip daily. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. Skip the restaurant and enjoy a delicious Kauai sunset tour including dinner and drinks, while basking in the glory of the Napali Coastrainbows, cliffs, valleys, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. 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). Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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! 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. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. Longitude: -159.6480865. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Experienced guides have been caught in small debris slides out here and have needed help to get back up to the top of the ridge. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Check out our other articles at the top of this page for other locations. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. 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. It looks small but that thing is 90 feet tall. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" 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. } So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. "@context": "https://schema.org", This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. Photo: Ben Schmit. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. if(i<= selectedVal) Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. Honopu Beach. The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. Sponsored Content >. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. Honopu is by far the most difficult beach to reach on the island of Kauai. 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. }, Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. var shows = 0; 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. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. selectedText = 'Very Good'; 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. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. 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. It basically fell into the ocean. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. Great service! Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. Thank you! ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley.