"); 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. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. if (shows){ 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,. Love Hawaii? }, 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! 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. 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. On the third day of a recentcamping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? Being the best company to be a part of and work for. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. 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. function form_visible(){ Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. 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. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 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 natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. So an early start was a must. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. "@type": "WebPage", This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. } In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and shows = 1; At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: 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. 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. 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. lc=rid; Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. Waimea, HI 96796 At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. If you happen to be someone who likes to jog across a knife-edge ridge with a several-thousand-foot precipice on both sides, the end of Honopu Ridge will give still give you pause to be mindful about how you proceed. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Suite 5A This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Waiting for your response. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. Photo: Ben Schmit. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. else if(star_img=='3'){ Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; 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. 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. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; selectedVal = '1'; Sand dunes can be found on both sides! 4353 Waialo Rd ny = document.getElementById(image); In fact, thats what happened in If so, how much it costs. if(star_img=='1'){ 5.8k Views. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. After coming out on a tour it can be fun to watch these movies, even if you have seen them before, but this time with a bit of reference to point out the locations made out to be everywhere but Kauai. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. } var i; At approximately 10 minutes or so into the hike you'll come to a junction in the trail - you'll want to bear to the right at this junction and from that point follow the most worn portion of the trail (again, look for the orange and pink ribbons). So would walking the 4 miile Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Freshwater is abundant with a stream and waterfall nearby, and the wide valley has excellent conditions for farming with terracing still in place from ancient days. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. By providing genuine aloha hospitality, were determined to earn and keep the reputation from our guests and our community of being the most professional and forward-thinking Kauai boat tour company, that we may exist and thrive for decades to come. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. Much evidence of their life is still found today. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. if(i<= selectedVal) Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. 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. The waters of Niihau and Lehua are considered to be some of the best in Hawaii with over 100-feet of visibility and unique lava formations with rare endemic sea life you wont find anywhere else. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. else if(i=='3'){ Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; The channel between Kauai and Niihau is very deep and offers the best opportunity to see an abundance of sea life that resides in these Hawaiian waters. var selectedText = ''; It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and 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. Our premier trip aboard Holoholo begins with a continental breakfast as we head west and north to the majestic Napali Coast with waterfalls, lush valleys, and sea caves. What a day! When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. { Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Sponsored Content >. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. There are three major parts of the trail. else if(star_img=='4'){ DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Movies filmed at Honopu include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. "author": { show(star_img,rid); So would walking the 4 miile This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. selectedVal = '2'; 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. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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. 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. 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. var image; document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. We hope to see you out there. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. else if(i=='5'){ Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. Thanks. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. Kauai Travel Blog I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Mahalo! This first prominent cliff we will encounter on our Napali Coast tour is the Makaha ridge and valley. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. 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. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. These cliffs were created millions of years ago when Kauai was formed and have since been shaped by years of withstanding the elements. Honopu Beach. We did not linger under the arch for very long. 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. 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. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. if(i=='1'){ 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. |