honopu beach tour honopu beach tour

Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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). It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. 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. Kauais South Shore vs North Shore Which One to Choose? Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. shows = 1; Take that arch way off in the distance for instance. But nothing compares to seeing this beautiful coastline in person, and we invite you to join us on one of our boats. Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). lc=rid; if (field.value.length > maxlimit) WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Since 1997, Holo Holo Charters has taken people on unforgettable adventures to Kauais, world-famous Napali Coast and remote locations like Lehua Crater off the Forbidden Island of Niihau. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. We ate a small breakfast at our campsite then walked the lengthof Kalalau Beach (pictured above) towards the West. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. This beach is named after the Honopu Arch, a natural rock arch that used to be located here. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. } Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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. For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. Voyage with us today on one of our Kauai boat tours and see why we were voted in the top 10 Best Boat Tour in the US for three years in a row (2021, 2020, and 2019). The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! If you miss it, just park at Kalalau Lookout and hike the 1/4th of a mile back to the trailhead. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. In fact, thats what happened in Being burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty, its essential that you remain sensitive to your surroundings while visiting the beach. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. With its stunning views and rich history, its an unforgettable experience that youll always treasure. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); Wearing long pants is a great way to get through the ferns (we personally love convertible cargo pants). If you come with us and feel that deja v, it is probably because you have seen it, in Hollywood movies. } By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. 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. Yes, honorable yet fatal. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. Honopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. 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. It was just us and the occasional crab. Experience Kauai snorkeling tours and true trade-wind catamaran sailing on Kauais Napali Coast! The top of the valley can be accessed by a variety of hikes as well if youre in for the challenge. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. There are large waves that crash against cliffs, strong rip currents, and around 400 yards of swimming. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. 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. Its our promise to provide the cleanest, safest & most unique ocean experience available with the highest degree of aloha spirit customer service. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail A lot of people, though they might bestrong, can get panic attacks when swimming in the open ocean. Thank you! On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. No other company offers this amazing trip daily. } Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. el.style.display = 'none'; Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. So would walking the 4 miile 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. function showform(raid){ The channel between Kauai and Niihau is very deep and offers the best opportunity to see an abundance of sea life that resides in these Hawaiian waters. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { 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. The valley and beach of Kalalau boast many hikers all year round; the Kalalau trail starts at Kee beach, and winds over eleven strenuous miles to Kalalau Beach. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! Oh and, this swim is also only possible during the summer months and when there oceans are calm. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Photo: Ben Schmit. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. As morning sun rose over the towering cliffs surrounding Honopu, it lit up the arch with warm glow. 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. Its said that, to this day, the bones of these warriors can be found in the sand dunes, underneath the cliffs, after being exposed to heavy rains or winds. (808) 338-9980 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. { We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. The sheer cliff faces are scarred with lines formed bywater running down them when it rains. What a day! Honopu Beach. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. 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). Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. 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. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. 4516 Alawai Rd. Above: Kauais Honopu Beach as seen on a Kauai helicopter tour. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. (See pre-landslide views of Kalalau Beach.) document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. The guys were great and personable. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! } 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 }, 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. Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! function noshow(star_img,rnid) Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Book Now Learn More Snorkel + Sail From $210 Napali Snorkel Sail } 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. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! 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. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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. 4353 Waialo Rd A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. In fact, thats what happened in Every single day, from sunrise to sunset, Kauais coasts sing a unique symphony of natural wonder. On the other side of the Honopu arch is anotherbeach. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; } A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. It basically fell into the ocean. 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. } The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. 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. So would walking the 4 miile When you get a chance to step foot in this gorgeous landmark, always keep in mind to respect each element in the area, as well as the history that encompasses years and years of Hawaiian culture. 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Then it was time to swim back to Kalalau Beach and cook up some food at camp. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. Plenty to eat and drink and the group size was just great. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. selectedVal = '4'; WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Beautiful sunset and beautiful water topped off the adventure. This arch connects the two beaches of Honopu Valley. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. 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. The forests of Honopu Ridge are unique for the area, receiving less than 100 inches of rain per year; considerably less than the surrounding forests of Koke'e State Park. 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. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. } Eleele, HI, 96705. function form_visible(){ She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. At the eastern point of the bay is a high vertical sea cliff. } else if(i=='2'){ Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; "mainEntityOfPage": { document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. As if Honopu Beach couldnt get more breathtaking, theres also a waterfall here. In fact, thats what happened in A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. With the rugged scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and much more, it is easy to see why. It is truly music to the eyes and sustenance for the soul watching the sun rising and setting into the ocean. Dora Rozet, East West Tours. The crew Drew, Emily and Jess were fantastic! We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. selectedVal = '5'; Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. 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. Latitude: 22.14403388 (Originally published in September 2015. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. return; When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. 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. 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. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Honopu Beach has a lot of cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. WebHonop Valley and Beach sit along the northwest shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, on the Na Pali coast. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Honopu Beach was once a popular spot for filming movies and TV shows, including South Pacific and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. Keep in mind that the currents usually flow in the same direction, so if you swim over to Honopu and it was easy, it may not be as easy on the way back if the current comes from that direction (which you may not have noticed on your way there). (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! Photo: Ben Schmit. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. include the 1976 remake of King Kong, Six Days Seven Nights, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides and Honeymoon in Vegas. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; You can see Kalalau from the top of the valley from the Kalalau Lookout point located in Kokee State Park. Known as The Valley of the Lost Tribe, Honopu was once home to hundreds of native Hawaiians who lived in relative isolation from the rest of the island. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. Nualolo is probably steeper going down than Honopu; though Honopu does have some very steep areas. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. 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. It stands 90 feet in the air and makes a conch shell sound when the winds are right. 4516 Alawai Rd. Well, the only way to legally access it is by swimming. The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. This arch is full of water. else if(i=='5'){ 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. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. Another interesting feature of Honopu Beach is the picturesque waterfall that falls from one of the rocks. There are three major parts of the trail. 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. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. Honopu Beach is as hard to get to as it is dramatic. 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 dykes act as aquifers and store water. - 8:00p.m. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. 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. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. We started our excursion in the morning. { Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. WebThey will have very few people so you will have a peaceful beach. Friends, winning the title of#1Best Boat Tour in America is a major affirmation that 1.) ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. It could be some time before I ever come back here. "@type": "Organization", Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. In Adventure, Na Pali Coast by Makana ChartersJune 10, 20162 Comments. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. var image; selectedText = 'Excellent'; Until then, Honopus sand dunes and amazingly blue waters will continue to stay enchanted for twinkle-toed adventurers to discover. WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. 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. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. "name": "Na Pali Riders", Hello does the boat take you to the island? The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. } } if(star_img=='1'){ Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. 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.