honopu beach tour

} 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. Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Honopu Beach. else if(star_img=='2'){ Hours: 8:00a.m. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. 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. Suite 5A Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? } Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and 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. Mahalo! 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. selectedVal = '4'; Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! 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. In olden times, it was believed that once a chief died, their bones were collected and taken to the cliffs, and the warrior who transported the bones had to die in order to ensure the secrecy of the location of the bones. 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 Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Waiting for your response. "url": "https://www.napaliriders.com/" Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to Kauais lost tribe, while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. 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. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. else Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. "name": "Na Pali Riders", , such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. This was once a thriving fishing village featuring a stream near many heiau and shrines still found throughout the valley. Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. 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. With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. else if(i=='4'){ by The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! if (shows){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. else if(i=='3'){ Photo: Ben Schmit. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). Napali, meaning the cliffs or many cliffs, consists of 16 miles of dramatic coastline, vivid sea cliffs with over 4,000-foot steep drop-offs, emerald-green valleys, sea caves, and waterfalls. - 8:00p.m. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. 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. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are included in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. selectedText = 'Good'; WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. It looks small but that thing is 90 feet tall. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. 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. Because Honopu Valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water, many stories have formed about what events occurred in the area in olden times. 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. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. In fact, thats what happened in Mahalo! Latitude: 22.14403388 In the valley, ancient burial and home sites have been uncovered, including tools, and artifacts, and evidence of a sophisticated terrace and agriculture network proves that this was once a popular community. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. }else{ With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. } show(star_img,rid); } "@type": "WebPage", There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. }, if(i=='1'){ With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. 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. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Movies like, After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the, Click here to visit Niihau & Napali Boat Tour, Click here to email reservations@holoholocharters.com, Click here to view location Port Allen Marina Center However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. Were ready to impress, so come holo holo with us and let us give you a big dose of vitamin sea! Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. Sand dunes can be found on both sides! Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. 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. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. | Web usage privacy. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). True story! 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. var selectedText = ''; So an early start was a must. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. 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. One could survive in the area simply on the. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; were succeeding in realizing those ideals. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. However, make sure you have the stamina to take this route to get to Honopu Beach its deemed as the most difficult beach to reach in Kauai, with Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers attempting to reach it by swimming. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. 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. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. 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. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. It basically fell into the ocean. 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 crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. If so, how much it costs. This is where we'd advise you to stop, as the third and final portion of the ridge is very narrow and dangerous. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. } 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; We invite you to join us toenjoy this special piece of paradise. 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. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. "@type": "BlogPosting", The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. If your resources allow, we recommend putting a cruise through Na Pali Coast on top of your Kauai bucket list, so you may catch a glimpse of the valleys grandness. 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. 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. document.write("Please Select"); "headline": "Honopu Beach, Kauai: A Complete Guide", 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. Great activity for families. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Honopu Beach. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. Honopu Beach. if(i<= selectedVal) If you do continue, use extreme caution as the trail is only two or three feet wide in places with a very steep drop off on either side and the ground itself is very crumbly and erosive. Port Allen Marina Center info@MakanaCharters.com After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; info@MakanaCharters.com 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. (808) 338-9980 This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. ny = document.getElementById(image); Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. 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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to 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. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. }, 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. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. The guys were great and personable. } Not too crowded. 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. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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). The scale of this place can only be comprehended by being here. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; ny = document.getElementById(image); But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Love Hawaii? { Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. 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. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. 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. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. if(star_img=='1'){ Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. selectedText = 'Fine'; Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. So would walking the 4 miile Honopu Beach is one of the most secluded beaches that Kauai has to offer. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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). Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! Eleele, HI, 96705. 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. } Fins are also highly recommended. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock.