honopu beach tour

You can see dykes running through the arch when you look up. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. 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. The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. Eleele, HI, 96705. Providing the safest, most unique, and memorable ocean experience available. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. This is due to the belief that a chiefs bones gain a supernatural power upon death, which could be used against the chiefs tribe. 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. Tour WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. 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. More than just a boat ride, our mission is to take our guests on safe, educational, and awe-inspiring adventures that cultivate a sense of understanding and respect for Kauais ecosystem and cultural history. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. Thanks. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. Whether you are seeking an all-day ocean adventure to the Napali Coast and Niihau, a sailing adventure with snorkeling, or a romantic sunset dinner cruise; we have an option for you. 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. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. With its picturesque structure, a solid minute spent looking at it in awe is enough to last a lifetime. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. 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. Being the best company to be a part of and work for. selectedText = 'Poor'; document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. While touring the Na Pali Coast with us, some locations may seem familiar, as if you have seen it before. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. 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. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License, Camping at Kalalau requires someserious planning as camping permits go fast.Permits area available on. Theres a reason this beach is known as one of the hardest to reach on the island of Kauai. { The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. } else { Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Honopu Beach, USA Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. 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. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Honop Ridge Trail 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. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. if(i<= selectedVal) In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. Honopu Ridge Trail So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! shows = 1; 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. 5.8k Views. 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. 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. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. Port Allen Marina Center If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. Honopu Beach Love Hawaii? Makana Charters The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. This made the swim to Honopu that much longer and it made having a snorkel and fins that much more important. A visible X slashed into the high part of the cliff helps you easily recognize Nualolo. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. } document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. The sailing was especially a fun experience. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail Wasnt a lot to see snorkeling, but it was still fun. Much evidence of their life is still found today. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. function show(star_img,rnid) Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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). Honopu Valley And Arch On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. function mark(star_img,rid) Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Tours var selectedVal = ''; 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. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", 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. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. selectedText = 'Good'; else if(star_img=='3'){ If so, how much it costs. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. Honopu Valley And Arch This belief is the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths, which wed love to give you a glimpse of. else if(star_img=='5'){ Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. | Web usage privacy. 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. by 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). WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! 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. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. Also, you don't have to be a hard-core hiker to experience all the best Kauai sights, as many Kauai sightseeing tours are perfect for all ages and abilities. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. In fact, this is exactly what happened in the James Bond movieThe Man With the Golden Gun. Kauai Travel Blog function showform(raid){ Boats and even kayaks are not permitted to land on the beach, so anyone wanting to go has to literally swim there, which is quite dangerous given the strong rip currents and pounding surf. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. 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. Providing the highest degree of quality customer service available in the industry. Honopu Beach. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. document.write("

"); So would walking the 4 miile Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. 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. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. Honopu Valley And Arch Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Its the hard rock thatsembedded in the more crumbly earth. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. Saw whales, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins and spinner dolphins. else if(i=='5'){ All of the rubblethat breaks off gets washed away leaving this clean edge between sand and cliff. 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. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. 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. Themana here is very powerful, and many people in this area feel an eerie presence when they are here; as if they are being watched by spirit guardians. Honopu Beach. selectedVal = '4'; var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail - 8:00p.m. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 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. 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. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. While the trail is pretty short, it is no longer maintained by the park (due to Hurricane Iniki damage way back in 1992 and Hurricane Iwa in 1982) - so prepare to bushwack; the ferns are especially brutal on the legs if you're not prepared. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Honop Valley - Wikipedia 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. 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. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian because of the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds. Suite 5A for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. Honop Valley - Wikipedia 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. 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. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. were succeeding in realizing those ideals. } ny = document.getElementById(image); Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. 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. Photo: Ben Schmit. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. 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. 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. The Holo Holo snorkel/sail was a great excursion! It was just us and the occasional crab. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. 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. Luckily we are running tours every day (weather permitting) on a variety of different boats. If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. It basically fell into the ocean. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); There are three major parts of the trail. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Aloha! On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; info@MakanaCharters.com { our companys ideals resonate with people and 2.) ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. 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. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. el.style.display = 'none'; var el = document.getElementById('sf'); The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. selectedVal = '1'; Honopu Beach, USA It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. Native Hawaiians began abandoning their culture and simple lifestyle and eventually moved to more populated communities on Kauai to take advantage of emerging opportunities. 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. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. The Original Niihau + Napali Coast Boat Tour. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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. var shows = 0; If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. In our opinion, it is one of the best though roughest hikes on Kauai. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; selectedText = 'Excellent'; 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. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. Honopu Beach. The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. 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. 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. Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! Eleele, HI, 96705. - 8:00p.m. Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. 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. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. 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.