honopu beach tour

There was a massive landslide this past winter and a couple hundred yards of Kalalau Beach is now gone. Photo: Ben Schmit. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Download your copy of our show(star_img,rid); 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 swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. Hello does the boat take you to the island? The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. This beach is only accessible by the sea and camping is allowed with a permit. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. The only way to get to Honopu is by swimming, either from Kalalau Beach or from a boat. It could be some time before I ever come back here. We happened to have triathletes, ocean safety certified folks, surfers and a former water polo player in our group. Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. 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. 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. Once you get through the initial "maze" it's very easy to follow the trail out onto the ridge. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coastfelt like a good 350-400 yards. You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. Travel in comfort and style to dramatic locations around Kauai and Hawaiis Forbidden Island of Niihau off uninhabited Lehua Crater. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. 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. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. 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. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. This arch is full of water. 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. WebHonopu Arch is one of the most amazing sights you will see along the Napali Coast. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; function noshow(star_img,rnid) So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, Honopu Beach is the place for you! WebAdd Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. The guys were great and personable. selectedText = 'Very Good'; This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. 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. Eleele, HI, 96705. Port Allen Physical: 4353 Waialo Road, Suite 5A, Eleele, HI 96705, Hanalei Physical: 5-5134 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714. 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. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. selectedVal = '3'; 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. WebA Bit of History for Your Na Pali Coast Tour Honopu Beach. This cliff is easily distinguished, as it hosts radar and tracking equipment and cellular phone sites you can see from a distance. 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. Mahalo! } The views from the end of the second portion of the trail are fantastic, and they won't get much better further out. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. selectedText = 'Good'; Honopu Beach. else if(i=='5'){ Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. The land on Honopu Valley is highly fertile, making it a great base for communities and even castaways! } Since swimming to the beach is necessary to set foot on it, one must be a very strong swimmer to reach it (and wear fins). This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; The cliffs are formed by erosion duringthe winter when gigantic surf pummels this side of the island. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. } 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. selectedText = 'Excellent'; 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. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 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. 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. if(i=='1'){ }, 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! ny = document.getElementById(image); When the warrior was satisfied with the placement of the remains, hed jump to his death, thus securing the locations secrecy forever. 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. Hanauma Bay was once voted as the best beach in America, but wed love to hear your thoughts. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in 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. 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. Please let us know. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! el.style.display = 'inline'; The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. 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. 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. 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. 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. The restrictions on beach landings are due to the beaches and valley being sacred in Hawaiian culture. 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. The water then flows through the arch and into the ocean. 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. | Web usage privacy. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. 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. } Honopu Beach. 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). It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. WebWe have also Kayaked the coast during Summer 3 times. 4353 Waialo Rd 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. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only. These spots are better appreciated through a helicopter tour or a boat cruise through the Na Pali Coast. Everything is larger than it appears once you walk up to it. The beach can easily be seen from a distance on Na Pali Coast boat and helicopter tours. } 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. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. if(i<= selectedVal) Boats (including kayaks) are not allowed toland here. 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. Waiting for your response. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. shows = 1; The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. I followed Kurtis (@kurtisfunk) through this massive arch. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. In this article, well take you through the stories surrounding Honopu Valley and equip you with tips on visiting the spot. { I followed Kurtis and Sonomi (@lomilomisomi)back through the golden arch. 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. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. When you do get to Honopu Beach, make sure to keep in mind that it is treated by the locals as a sacred piece of Hawaiian culture. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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. They were very knowledgeable and we learned a lot of information about the island and the sea life. However, later studies of the valley and the found artifacts determined that all of Honopu Valleys residents were Hawaiian. lc=rid; WebHonopu beach and valley have been made famous by several feature films. "name": "Na Pali Riders", The area is a place of ancient temples and burial grounds for Hawaiian royalty. I understand we have to swim to shore from the boat. Could you please let me know if you can arrange a boat for a family of 4 adults to visit Honopu beach. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; 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 valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. Thanks. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. info@MakanaCharters.com } Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. Hours: 8:00a.m. Honopu Beach. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. This is especially true near the trailhead. Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Add Honopu Beach, on Kauais Na Pali Coast, to the list of the worlds most beautiful and most dramatic beaches. 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. 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. (That spec at the bottom the photo is a person.). The rest of the crew made their way over. Many other movies have been filmed here. 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. 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. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and The next valley and cliff are known as Awaawapuhi, it is a great valley with a stream at the bottom. Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705 Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. 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. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. 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. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. "description": "Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. 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. If so, how much it costs. The natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. The most famous and most photographed spot on Honopu is most likely the giant archway. It is considered to be a sacred place and is told to be the ancient burial grounds of Hawaiin chiefs. We did not linger under the arch for very long. We enjoyed Honopu Beach for an hour or so. Honopu Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on Kauai. If we missed ourwindow of opportunity, we would have to wait at Honopu until the evening when the winds finally die down. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. In fact, thats what happened in On that page, we've also posted a map of the entire area (Koke'e and Waimea State Parks) for you to download and print out at home. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. 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. Explore the beauty and adventure on one of our Kauai boat tours to the Napali Coast, Niihau and Lehua Crater. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. if (shows){ Maintaining the best vessels and equipment on island. "dateModified": "2022-10-21" Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. (808) 338-9980 return; 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. document.write("

"); Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. } The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 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 For an up close and personal glimpse of the famous Honopu Sea Arch, check out this mesmerizing footage from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. 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. (Be warned they may tryto dissuade you from doing the hike since it's not an officialtrail). - 8:00p.m. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; 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. So would walking the 4 miile A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. selectedVal = '4'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. There are many myths surrounding this unique scar, but it is mostly credited to the volcano goddess, Pele, leaving her volcanic signature. Suite 5A Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. 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. One could survive in the area simply on the. 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. Whether you're looking for a professional hiking guide or need some maps to take along, you'll find them right here. } Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! Unless youre a triathlete or an experienced open ocean swimmer, this swim would not be possible without a snorkel and fins.I brought a small dry bag and strapped it to my leg to carry by camera gear. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; { Being the best company to be a part of and work for. Holo Holo means to explore, to travel, and to go! by However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors.