Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. 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. Makana Charters The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. 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. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. }, 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! selectedText = 'Excellent'; A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. var ny; } Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. 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. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 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. "mainEntityOfPage": { The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail So an early start was a must. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. } 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. 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. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Click here to The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour, Click here to Learn more about niihau tours, Click here to Learn more about kauai tours, Click here to Learn more about niihau island, Click here to Learn more about the napali coast, Click here to Learn more about snorkeling, This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our, Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and 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. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. } These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Photo: Ben Schmit. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Many other movies have been filmed here. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. 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. If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. For when you actually put it in perspective, the archway is hundreds of feet long and big enough for a helicopter to fly through it. 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. var i; In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. var selectedVal = ''; Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. We invite you to go the distance and experience the adventure of a lifetime. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. ny = document.getElementById(image); The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", 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. 4353 Waialo Rd The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. It basically fell into the ocean. 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 beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. 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. 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. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. 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. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; So would walking the 4 miile It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. selectedText = 'Good'; 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. 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. 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. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { 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. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. info@MakanaCharters.com if(i=='1'){ The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. The sailing was especially a fun experience. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! Check out our other articles at the top of this page for other locations. This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. 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. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. 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. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding this mysterious valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot, as well as the two beaches located by the valleys fascinating arch. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; 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. The guys were great and personable. Fun factdid you know that Holo Holos four tour boats were all designed and built right here on Kauai? 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. Honopu Beach. 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. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Unless youre a triathlete or an experienced open ocean swimmer, this swim would not be possible without a snorkel and fins.I brought a small dry bag and strapped it to my leg to carry by camera gear. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. else if(star_img=='3'){ The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Waiting for your response. 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. Since swimming to the beach is necessary to set foot on it, one must be a very strong swimmer to reach it (and wear fins). This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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). Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. Kauai is most definitely our favorite Hawaiian island to hike. 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. 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. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. (808) 338-9980 document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" 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. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. So would walking the 4 miile 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. 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. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. el.style.display = 'inline'; show(star_img,rid); shows = 1; Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. else if(i=='5'){ 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). Sponsored Content >. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. (808) 338-9980 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. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. 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. 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. 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.