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. 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. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. selectedText = 'Poor'; WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Suite 5A 4353 Waialo Rd When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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. else if(star_img=='5'){ The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. 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. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Nestled along Kauais 17-mile Na Pali Coast is a landmark valley surrounded by a beautiful mystery. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. ny = document.getElementById(image); Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. "mainEntityOfPage": { The guys were great and personable. As we emerged from the water on Honopu Beach, we saw that we were surrounded by towering cliffs. 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. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. This arch is full of water. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. } We hope to see you out there. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. Despite the regulations the Department of Land and Natural Resources enforces to limit visitors and respect Honopus sacred history, theyve made several exceptions for Hollywood. 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. function show(star_img,rnid) Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Mahalo! document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; After viewing all the famous sites of Napali, the captain points the boat west toward the Forbidden Island of Niihau. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. In summer months, it may be possible to walk at least part of the way from Kalalau Beach to Honopu on exposed rocks and sand. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. At the trailhead, just as you leave the road, take the left branch (under the large limb) to find the main trail. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. One could survive in the area simply on the. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. Carved into a valley on Kauais rugged Na Pali Coast, the popular magazine named Honopu Beach as one of the countrys most breathtaking spots, and we certainly agree. Please let us know. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. This leads to the question, How do you get to Honopu Beach?. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. 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. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. else if(i=='2'){ Another name for the beach is Cathedral Beach because of its spectacular, soaring appearance. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. 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. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. 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 example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. document.write("Please Select"); }else{ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; So would walking the 4 miile When Napali was inhabited, it is estimated that a large population of two to four thousand Hawaiians may have lived in Kalalau at any given time. Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. 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. 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. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. "@context": "https://schema.org", Latitude: 22.14403388 Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. selectedText = 'Good'; WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. (Originally published in September 2015. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. 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. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. Honopu Beach. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. 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. 4353 Waialo Rd Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. Download your copy of our ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; 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. These days, its a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to the clear water and abundance of marine life. }, 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. Great service! WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: 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. When we arrived on the beach, it was completely empty. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. { Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? 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 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. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. 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. Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. And while all of Hawaiis beaches are gorgeous in their own way, some are certainly prettier than others. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. ", "datePublished": "2022-03-16", All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Photo: Ben Schmit. We soaked in our surrounds before making our way to the arch. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. 4516 Alawai Rd. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. Come voyage with us to the extraordinary Napali Coast and explore sea caves, waterfalls, and hidden beaches. 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. selectedVal = '3'; The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Eleele, HI, 96705. el.style.display = 'none'; On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. lc=rid; Winds pick up at around 11am or noon. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. 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. Honopu Beach. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. } When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Our destination wasHonopu Beach, one of the most incredible beaches in Hawaii. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This unique landmark often has brown boobies perched above the entrance. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. We point out the most famous sea cave along the way, the Open Ceiling Cave. Honopu Beach. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. The end of the valley houses two secluded small beaches collectively called Honopu beach or Cathedral Beach both believed to be spiritual spots for their calm waters and history. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. else el.style.display = 'inline'; In fact, thats what happened in These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. 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. Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. What a day! This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. - 8:00p.m. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) Honopu 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. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. The winds, very strong current, and waves would be against you and the distance just seems too far. var ny; Hawaiians enjoyed an isolated life in the valleys of Napali for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail 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. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. We did not linger under the arch for very long. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past.