The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. We had to be mindful of time so that we could swim back to Kalalau Beach before the wind came and ocean current picked up. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. Experienced guides have been caught in small debris slides out here and have needed help to get back up to the top of the ridge. 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. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. else if(i=='4'){ It was just us and the occasional crab. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and selectedVal = '1'; The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! 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. Honopu Beach document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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). } It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. (Originally published in September 2015. If you're looking for a better-maintained trail with similar views of NaPali and a gorgeous valley at the end, then consider theNualolo Trail. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. 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. 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. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. } 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. Waiting for your response. 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. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Honopu Valley And Arch selectedVal = '2'; 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. So to get here, one must swim. "@context": "https://schema.org", When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. 5.8k Views. 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. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; 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. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. Remember that this location is sacred to the locals of Hawaii and should be treated with respect, and you should leave no trace when you decide to leave. ", The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. In fact, thats what happened in We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. }, 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. Honopu Beach Kauai But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Lic# TVNC1058, Most prominent landmark on beach is the Honopu arch, which separates two small sandy coves, No landing of any aircraft, boat, kayak or even surfboard is allowed at Honopu Beach, The only legal way to access it is to swim here (either from neighboring Kalalau Beach or from an offshore boat). Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. There are three major parts of the trail. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; 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. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; 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. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" "mainEntityOfPage": { The dykes act as aquifers and store water. After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. 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. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. Tour We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Tour The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. Honopu Beach { The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. 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. 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). Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Reading about it is one thing, but to truly enjoy the beauty, power, and serenity of a place as special as Honopu and the rest of the Na Pali Coast, you will have to see it for yourself. shows = 1; As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. } }else{ The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. (808) 338-9980 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. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! else if(star_img=='5'){ There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. 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. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a. } Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. var lc; Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Honopu Beach, USA Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. | Web usage privacy. 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. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { var image; The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. What a day! 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. Honop Valley - Wikipedia Honopu beach The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Mahalo! (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). Sea Caves to Visit on Kauai Suite 5A (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Hello does the boat take you to the island? } If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Honopu Beach This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. } 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 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. el.style.display = 'inline'; There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. Honopu Beach. Honop Valley - Wikipedia Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. else if(star_img=='3'){ On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Waimea, HI 96796 4516 Alawai Rd. Na Pali Coast Tour: Honopu The guys were great and personable. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. var el = document.getElementById('sf');