honopu beach tour

On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. There are three major parts of the trail. The "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. } 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. 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. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: el.style.display = 'inline'; 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. } True story! Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. One could survive in the area simply on the. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. So to get here, one must swim. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. 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. Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Eventually, you'll come to a hill where the trail descends very steeply again onto the outer (third) portion of the ridge. Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded 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. , and only before the winds have picked up. function noshow(star_img,rnid) We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. 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. Port Allen Marina Center Photo: Ben Schmit. Honopu beach Honopu Beach All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Click here to Learn more about sustainability, Click here to Learn more about private boat charters, Click here to Learn more about holo holo pono pledge, Click here to Learn more about photos, history & fun, Click here to Learn more about frequently asked questions, Click here to Learn more about reviews & testimonals, Click here to email reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705 countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; selectedText = 'Excellent'; Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 5.8k Views. } Voyage to the Napali Coast and let us wine you and dine you, as we sail off into the sunset on our gorgeous & comfortable 50 catamaran, Leila. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? Not too crowded. selectedText = 'Good'; info@MakanaCharters.com The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Eleele, HI, 96705. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Sponsored Content >. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. Honopu Ridge Trail Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Honopu Beach. 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. } else { 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. 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. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Hours: 8:00a.m. Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. 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. Hello does the boat take you to the island? Fins are also highly recommended. { { When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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 experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Waiting for your response. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Artifacts have been recovered that are hundreds of years old, ancient heiau, or sites of worship, have been uncovered, and terracing is still present in many areas. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. 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. 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. Its our responsibility to conduct business using the best practices available to preserve the integrity of the water, land, and wildlife that we have the privilege of showcasing. So would walking the 4 miile 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. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. "author": { The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. Mahalo! 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Honopu Beach The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. 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. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail by Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. var image; selectedVal = '5'; 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. Keep in mind that the currents usually flow in the same direction, so if you swim over to Honopu and it was easy, it may not be as easy on the way back if the current comes from that direction (which you may not have noticed on your way there). image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. } Honopu Beach } el.style.display = 'none'; Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. "datePublished": "2022-03-16", function show(star_img,rnid) These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. function mark(star_img,rid) Honop Valley - Wikipedia 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. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. Honopu Beach Kauai document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Just as beautiful as the valleys surroundings are the legends that have formed from its mysterious location. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. 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. 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. Great activity for families. 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. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. 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). This is especially true near the trailhead. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. So would walking the 4 miile 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. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai Then, cross the 17-mile Kaulakahi Channel to Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau to do some world-class snorkeling at Lehua Crater. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Honopu Beach Kauai Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. }, 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. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. } Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. 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. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Longitude: -159.6480865. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Our intent is to strengthen Kauais economy by creating fulfilling jobs and careers, fostering our employees contributions to the islands general health and well-being. Honopu beach 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. 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. 4516 Alawai Rd. Waimea, HI 96796 In fact, thats what happened in Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in So an early start was a must. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort!