Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. 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. If so, how much it costs. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. 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 next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Thanks. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Yes, honorable yet fatal. 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. 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. 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. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. else if(i=='2'){ 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. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? { 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. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. It could be some time before I ever come back here. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. } In fact, thats what happened in Mahalo! Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. { document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Photo: Ben Schmit. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. } Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. According to Country Livings 27 of the Most Beautiful Places In America, one of the best beaches in the country also happens to be one of the most remote. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Check out our other articles at the top of this page for other locations. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. Honopu Beach. 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. 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. Honopu Beach. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. 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 trail drops about 1,400-1,950 ft. in elevation from the trailhead to the ridge; again, depending on how far you go out on the ridge. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. 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. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. 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. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. 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. The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. function show(star_img,rnid) Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. The erroneous legend endures up to this day, but the isolated valley is also widely believed among locals to be a place of temples and a burial site for the islands chiefs. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. { From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. 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. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful 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. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and 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. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in , and only before the winds have picked up. Mahalo! 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). Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. 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. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. | Web usage privacy. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Not too crowded. Much evidence of their life is still found today. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. The One Hikeable Lake In Hawaii Thats Simply Breathtaking, The One Little Known Beach In Hawaii That Is A True Utopia, One Of Hawaiis Last Remaining Freshwater Springs Is Hiding In Plain Sight, This Restaurant In Hawaii Is Surrounded By A Lagoon And Will Simply Enchant You, Youll Want To Visit This Tiny Hawaii Island Overflowing With History, The Underrated Hawaii Beach Thats Perfect For A Summer Day, This Secluded Beachfront Restaurant In Hawaii Is One Of The Most Magical Places Youll Ever Eat, Some People Call This Beach In Hawaii A Little Slice Of Paradise, Country Livings 27 of the Most Beautiful Places In America,. The guys were great and personable. If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. else if(star_img=='4'){ 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. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. - 8:00p.m. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. ny = document.getElementById(image); Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. 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. Latitude: 22.14403388 No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 All Rights Reserved. It basically fell into the ocean. The sailing was especially a fun experience. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. 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. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. selectedText = 'Excellent'; Hello does the boat take you to the island? info@MakanaCharters.com At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. function noshow(star_img,rnid) Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. 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. } WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. The two hidden and pristine white sand beaches at the end of Honopu Valley, are joined by a 90-foot high arch through the base of the rocky outcropping separating them. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. Please let us know. 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. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. }, 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! Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. 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. Hours: 8:00a.m. You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. 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. } It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; } Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. It looks small but that thing is 90 feet tall. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. 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. 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 beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. Every other tour boat operating on Kauai was ordered and delivered from a faraway factory in a faraway land, but were proud to say that our companys boats were designed by our companys founder, specifically to tackle the unique and challenging ocean conditions Kauai faces as the westernmost island of the most remote island chain in the world. 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. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. 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. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. document.write("");