The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. Photo: Ben Schmit. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The rest of the crew made their way over. On our Kauai boat tours, we help guests fully appreciate and absorb Kauais natural beauty, while respecting the islands water, wildlife, land, people, and traditions, with our eco-friendly and meticulously maintained Kauai-built boats and talented staff. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Honopu Beach. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. (808) 338-9980
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. Makana Charters
Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Honopu 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. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) 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. return; Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Makana Charters
Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. - 8:00p.m. This is especially true near the trailhead. selectedText = 'Poor'; And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Photo: Ben Schmit. }, 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! 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. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. True story! We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. It was just us and the occasional crab. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. } image = 'qw'+rnid + i; It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. } Thanks. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! 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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 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. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. } The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. With approximately 750 miles of stunning coastline, the Hawaiian Islands are easily home to some of the best beaches in the country if not the world. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. function noshow(star_img,rnid) 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. function form_visible(){ As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. selectedVal = '3'; At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. var ny; This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. "name": "Na Pali Riders", } var shows = 0; At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. if(star_img=='1'){ "@type": "Organization", Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. "@context": "https://schema.org", If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. }else{ Dane (@nakadane) climbed a sand dune to snap some pics. Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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). Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. It basically fell into the ocean. 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. 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. }, 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. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Eleele, HI, 96705. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. 4353 Waialo Rd The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. 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! Eleele, HI, 96705. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. ny = document.getElementById(image); In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. if (shows){ So an early start was a must. Kauai Travel Blog However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. "@type": "BlogPosting", With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Thank you! Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Daily, 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Sometimes you can make out a trail at the top, this is accessible from Kokee State Park and a vigorous hike will get you to an overlook of Awaawapuhi and another trail that connects to the Nualolo trail and cliff. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. 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. { We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. 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. 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. } OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. 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. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. } else { We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. 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). var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); 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. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. 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. The forests of Honopu Ridge are unique for the area, receiving less than 100 inches of rain per year; considerably less than the surrounding forests of Koke'e State Park. } 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. In olden times, it was believed that once a chief died, their bones were collected and taken to the cliffs, and the warrior who transported the bones had to die in order to ensure the secrecy of the location of the bones. 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. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! var selectedVal = ''; On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { The guys were great and personable. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. 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. Many other movies have been filmed here. The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments.