", The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. else if(star_img=='3'){ ny = document.getElementById(image); document.write(""); 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. (808) 338-9980 Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. info@MakanaCharters.com A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. Honopu beach At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. 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. } else { 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. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai It could be some time before I ever come back here. Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu image = 'qw'+rnid + i; ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. { I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Aloha! Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. Many other movies have been filmed here. Mahalo! If so, how much it costs. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. Honopu Valley And Arch Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! 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. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. } The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. selectedText = 'Very Good'; Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. 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. 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. 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.. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Honopu 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. Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. var selectedText = ''; 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Honopu Beach 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. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. } 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. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Honopu Beach On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Honopu Beach Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. 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. 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. Honopu Valley and Beach The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. Honopu Beach else 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. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. document.write("

"); On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. Download your copy of our The rest of the crew made their way over. So would walking the 4 miile The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. 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. In fact, thats what happened in the 1976 movie Acapulco Gold. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. 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. Napali Coast "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", el.style.display = 'inline'; Honopu Beach Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. 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. Honopu Beach Kauai ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Photo: Ben Schmit. } function form_visible(){ The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. Honopu Beach So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. So to get here, one must swim. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. if(i=='1'){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. Our boats will enhance your Kauai boat tour experience, and so will our personnel. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. 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. 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. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. 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. selectedText = 'Poor'; 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. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. 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 can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 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). The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. 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. else if(i=='2'){ Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. ny = document.getElementById(image); And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. Tour All Rights Reserved. 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. 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. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. 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. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Suite 5A You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. 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.