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. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. 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 [email protected], Click here to view location Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705 }, Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. We started our excursion in the morning. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. We hope to see you out there. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. 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. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. - 8:00p.m. selectedText = 'Good'; Great service! field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); The crew was knowledgeable and helpful. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. In fact, thats what happened in The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. } So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. So would walking the 4 miile You are not allowed to land any watercraft on the island, and helicopters are also not permitted. It was just us and the occasional crab. } Yes, honorable yet fatal. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. The next valley, Kalalau, is probably the most famous and photographed valley of the Napali Coast. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Photo: Ben Schmit. 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. 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. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Remnants of Hawaiian life can still be found in this area, including a rope ladder that connected the beach to the valley. 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. It basically fell into the ocean. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. 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. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. Every other tour boat operating on Kauai was ordered and delivered from a faraway factory in a faraway land, but were proud to say that our companys boats were designed by our companys founder, specifically to tackle the unique and challenging ocean conditions Kauai faces as the westernmost island of the most remote island chain in the world. 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. else if(i=='5'){ This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. - 8:00p.m. In fact, thats what happened in Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. else if(star_img=='2'){ 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. 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). When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. 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. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. var selectedVal = ''; True story! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; The total distance depends on how far you hike out on the ridge at the end, but we estimate that to the logical and safe stopping pointit's about 2.4 miles one way. if(i<= selectedVal) Daily, 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. } Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; else if(star_img=='3'){ Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. 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. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. ", Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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 [email protected], Click here to view location Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705 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. Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. 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). Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Honopu Beach. 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. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. So, which of Hawaiis countless stunning beaches do you think is the prettiest? WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. 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. Nualolo cliff and valley are spotted next; another fishing village thrived here due to an excellent coral reef system fronting the beach. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. var shows = 0; 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. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Much evidence of their life is still found today. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. 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. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. 4516 Alawai Rd. Providing a solidly positive impact on both our ocean resources and our island community. } For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. else 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. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. [email protected]
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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. "@type": "Organization", Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. document.write("