honopu beach tour

Its another huge strip of sand surrounded by sheer cliffs. So if youre looking for a peaceful and picturesque beach to relax on, this beach is the place for you! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. WebHonopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Swimming on Kauais Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. Eleele, HI, 96705. Like all valleys along the Na Pali coast, Honopu Valleywas a home to ancient Hawaiians. Honopu Beach is one valley past the famous Kalalau Valley and Beach, which is only accessible via a strenuous 11-mile backpacking trip. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu. 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. Holo Holo Charters was voted the best boat tour in the entire U.S.! ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Many other movies have been filmed here. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. We saw monk seals, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales from the boat. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. So for me, being surrounded by a bunch of confident swimmers was very comforting. We realize the importance and continue to use them outside of the online platform. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. 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. 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). 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. var ny; } ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. But if there was one location that has seen more action than anywhere else, it is probably Honopu. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in The remote beach features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. The vertical faces were even more dramatic than those at Kalalau. info@MakanaCharters.com WebLooking down toward the coast, the thin stretch of beach and the Honop Arch can be seen in the distance. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; var image; In fact, thats what happened in 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 natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. } No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. Great service! image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Make sure to bring your camera on this spectacular Kauai tour. The shoreline area of Nualolo Aina was once a fishing village ringed by steep sea cliffs. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Hiking along the shore from Haena Beach Park to Tunnels to Ke'e and back would also be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Say yes to adventure and come explore with us4,000-foot cliffs, emerald valleys, secluded beaches, sea caves, lava tubes, dolphins, whales, snorkeling, sailing, sunsets, and much more! You can really see how sheer these cliffs are here. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. 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. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Parking for this hike is located 4/10th of a mile past the 17 Mile Marker on Highway 550. We have considered swimming over on a calm morning from Kalalau wearing fins. Our talented team strives to provide impeccable service and deliver extraordinary ocean experiences. Yes, honorable yet fatal. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Honopu Valley has been called the Valley of the Lost Tribe as it was the last rumored refuge of the Menehune on Kauai. 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. This discovery supported claims regarding native tribes having lived in the area in the mid-19th century. } ny = document.getElementById(image); The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! The cliffs directly behind Kalalau beach are known as the cathedral cliffs, for the cathedral-like spires jutting towards the heavens. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Once the winds come, swimming back here to Kalalau Beach wouldve been impossible. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. selectedText = 'Excellent'; The sea caves along Napali were mostly created by erosion, the constant waves have chiseled away at the porous lava rock. Tour boats and catamarans glide through the white caps. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. As we walked down Kalalau Beach, we got to see the massive sea caves carved into the cliffs. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. Honopu Beach. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. 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. although you can not land on the beach, it is still enjoyable getting real close and taking in how majestic Honopu is. Once you step foot on Honopu Valleys beaches, youll understand why its been given such a name. The good news is that on a good clear day it results in a view that is perhaps Kauai's greatest. There may be more legends surrounding the valley, but it does make sense for it to have served various island tribes in the past. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. From the moment we took off our shoes it was a great ride. 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. Brian (@blam) and I made our way to towards the back of the sand dunes. 4516 Alawai Rd. The experienced travelers, who often recover on the nearby coastal stretches, know that you can get to the beach not only by sea. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; if (shows){ } Suite 5A Call Us: 808-742-6331 | Text Us: 808-639-2052. 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. 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. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean. 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. Over the years, weve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. "image": "https://www.napaliriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IMG_9585.jpg", 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 natural beauty of Kauai and unique landscapes on this island make it a prime spot for filming. Just be sure to respect the area and preserve its natural beauty. Honopu Beach. WebHonopu 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. This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. function noshow(star_img,rnid) The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The massive arch separates the beach into two coves, each framed by steep sea cliffs. From here the ridge descends steeply onto the ridge where the views get increasingly better as you hike up and down the hills along the ridge. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. } Because its extremely difficult and dangerous to access, most visitors to Hawaii will never step foot on the beach at Honopu. WebThe beach guests can visit the two parts of the beach thanks to the small natural arch formed in the rock. Honopu means "conch shell" in Hawaiian. - 8:00p.m. This blog post will provide a complete guide, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; 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. "@type": "BlogPosting", 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. From the water, we could look back and peer into the sacred Honopu Valley. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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. It is said this cave once had a weak roof structure that eventually collapsed, creating a skylight effect into the cave. } function show(star_img,rnid) Great activity for families. Some tales talk about the valley having served as a home to. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. From the water, this arch looks modest in size, but that is only when compared to the massive landscape that surrounds it. One could survive in the area simply on the. 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 "parking lot" is on a curve, just a short ways past theAwa'awapuhi Trailtrailhead. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach. A, Why Your Kauai Vacation Needs a Raft Tour, 9600 Kaumuali'i Highway Waimea, HI 96796. Hours: 8:00a.m. It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! 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. Even with a snorkel and fins you need to have some experienced swimmers in your group. We didnt GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. Probably the most recognizable ones areSix Days, Seven Nights,Pirates of the Carribean,King Kong,andJurassic World. "@context": "https://schema.org", 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. 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. We started our excursion in the morning. 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. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. A dramatic arch in the cliff connects two white-sand beaches, with a waterfall nearby. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it. 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. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach.