The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. You should only attempt this swim if you are an extremely confident swimmer who is familiar with rough ocean conditions. Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. 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). Once all the predators are out, then we go back in and put in social attraction equipment, which basically emits a sound of the birds were trying to bring in through speakers, Mann said. 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. The DLNR is trying to clear the area of hooved animals as crews build a fence to . The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. Adagio Overview; Examples (videos) If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. 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. [citation needed] The skeletal remains and skulls were in fact stupendous, super-human in size. A more detailed version of Kevins story appears in the ghost stories segment of Kauai Stories 2, edited and published by Pamela Varma Brown. If your comments A raft tour will show you all that this part of Kauais coastline has to offer, and you will get to see the famed Honopu Valley. 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. The reason we built the fence is to keep the ungulates out, and the public wants the ungulates, so we invite them in, said Sheri Mann, Kauai Island branch manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. 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). Today's Paper We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. [9] Scenes that involved filming in the ocean were hard to film due to the 12-foot-high waves. Overall though, we feel the trail is fairly easy to follow and is well marked. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. [4], In 1983 3 people from a sailboat while climbing up the arch discovered a skeleton while exploring the valley that led to the source of waterfall that fell on the beach. The first time had been in 1968 while under gunfire, transporting wounded soldiers in Vietnam. 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. 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. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. They created terraces and grew either taro in irrigated plots or dry-land yams, in addition to fishing. Latitude: 22.14403388 27 m high natural arch, which makes powerful sound when hit by northern winds. For this reason the site is the most remote and secluded along the coast, being extremely difficult and dangerous to access due to the spiritual significance of this burial site. Honop Valley is perhaps most famous for its appearances in the 1976 remake of King Kong and in the 1998 movie Six Days Seven Nights. At the aviation hangar, under the inspection of the companys mechanic, both engines checked out perfectly. Theres a reason its known as one of the worlds most beautiful destinations. Within minutes, Kevin packed his gear and paddled away from Honopu. Honopu means 'Conch Shell' and consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. My rock climbing experience definitely came in handy., After reaching the top of the cliff face, I stared back into the valley. The entire crew of 25 was being flown into Honopu Beach each day by two Bell 212 helicopters. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. While scouting locations on the Napali for a movie project, he had flown next to a 1,000-foot-high cliff face and spotted a large cave. The next day he paddled down the gorgeous, cliff-lined Napali Coast with his binoculars at the ready. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Legend has it that this valley was home to the last of the Menehune, a mythical people who some say inhabited the islands before the Polynesians landed. When Hollywood needs a dramatic, exotic, tropical beach, they often head to Honopu. , and only before the winds have picked up. The massive skeletons were accompanied by numerous normal-sized human skulls that lined the back wall of the cave. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. 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. This is rated a difficult trail based on the fact that the trial is not officially maintained. I was shocked awake, he says. Copyright 2023 TheGardenIsland.com. Hovering 30 feet from the entrance we found every detail was still exactly as he had described, Kevin recalls. The Honopu Arch is one of the best parts of Honopu Beach. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. Your email address will not be published. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. At the lower end of the valley is Honop's secluded, .25-mile (0.40 km) beach, also known as Cathedral Beach. Remember to respect the quiet atmosphere and leave no trace behind as you head on to your next adventure. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Mike and I were speechless, and covered with chicken skin. A Guide to Honopu Valley and Beach in Kauai. When chiefs 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. The forest/fern portion of the trail, which terminates at an overlook of the valley mostly blocked by trees. "@id": "https://www.napaliriders.com/a-complete-guide-to-honopu-beach/" 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. Honop Valley is a landmark along the N Pali coast. Honopu consists of two beaches that are connected by the Arch which stands 90 feet tall and is 124 feet wide. Step three of the DLNRs plan involves capturing cats, rats and barn owls that find their way into the enclosure all of which pose significant risk to the seabird populations. You might also like: If you find yourself at a stream bed (the left fork), go back and take the other fork which continues out onto the ridge. I remember thinking that perhaps goat hunters or other locals had landed and were deliberately trying to scare me prior to a beat-down. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. It was obvious that people could live here indefinitely, wanting for nothing. Don't forget to check ourKoke'e State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Honopu Beach, on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, features a 90-foot natural arch in the middle that is large enough to fly a helicopter through. 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. Some of the most popular movies that have been filmed at the arch are King Kong, Pirates of the Carabbean: On Stranger Tides, 6 Days and 7 . Subject: Honopu, Kauai appears in the legend: "Legend of Kuapakaa" in the book: Fornander, Abraham, Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-Lore . 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. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. One could survive in the area simply on the large amount of wild fruit, such as guavas and grapefruit that grows along its coast. 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. After paddling his one-man kayak by moonlight along the Napali Coast, a region of Kauais North Shore accessible only by ocean, or by hiking the challenging 11-mile Kalalau Trail cut high into the cliffs, Kevin spent the night under the stars at Hanakapiai Beach. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The trail drops about 1,400-1,950 ft. in elevation from the trailhead to the ridge; again, depending on how far you go out on the ridge. The pilot was able to land his helicopter on the sand below and was uninjured. The fence will contain step-through gates to allow public access into fenced areas. [2] The valley is isolated and not easily accessible except by water. The engine failure on the Napali Coast was never explained. Its also rumored in some circles that Honopu Valley was the last home of Kauais fabled Menuhune tribe of little people. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, Hawaii Tourism Authority responds to slashed funding. Length 4.4 miElevation gain 1,597 ftRoute type Out & back. You don't have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. There is a majesty to this remarkable place that can only be felt by being there. It is known for its distinctive natural arch, which at approximately 90 feet (27m) tall is the tallest in Hawaii. There was no answer and I sat frozen in place, sweeping my light from side to side, while the chanting continued.. At the lower end of the valley is Honop's secluded, 0.25mile (0.40km) * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Thus, when a chief died, a capable warrior was designated for the honorable yet fatal task of burying his bones. You dont have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. 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. The waterfall is fed by gushing springs high in the hanging valley above which has carved a small but deep gorge through the rocks and falls into a shallow pool behind the beach on the far side. 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. If youre looking to experience a truly unique and beautiful beach, Honopu Beach is definitely worth a visit. Grapefruit and guava trees were plentiful and there were numerous white shrimp in the stream under the rocks. 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, 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. Use discount code: ARWALKCOLOR. I kept asking myself: Why would anyone abandon this village and how did they suddenly disappear?. Honop Valley is a landmark valley within N Pali Coast State Park along the northwest shore of Kaua i, Hawai i, United States.It is known for its distinctive natural arch, which at approximately 90 feet (27 m) tall is the tallest in Hawaii. Kevin told Mike and the pilot about the night he was awakened by the disembodied chanting. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, Our helicopter pilot from Island Helicopters flying up to Manawaiopuna Falls, AKA Jurassic Park Falls Photos (445) Directions. Hawaiian Legends Index Back to Subject Browse. The location, topography, and nearby roads & trails around Honopue Valley (Valley) can be seen in the map layers above. Today's Paper No tell-tale gouges in the sand of a boat coming ashore. The unofficial trail was closed due to deterioration, even before Hurricane Iniki in 1982, but local hikers manage to keep it passable. 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. That, in turn, improves the habitat for more seabirds.. HONOPU VALLEY The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced a special three-month hunting period in the upper Honopu Valley to clear out invasive ungulates, or nonnative hoofed animals, that cause damage to native plants and wildlife. 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. 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. 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. send us an email. It comes from the conch-like sound the arch makes in high winds, and conch shell in Hawaiian is called Honopu. to have lived throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, which they inhabited in large numbers. The Honopu Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings, is the source of many Hawaiian legends. Honopu Beach Overview Isolated beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast Most prominent landmark on beach is the Honopu arch, which separates two small sandy coves }, Click here to Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! 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. "Honopu Valley, because of the mystery surrounding the exodus of the people who lived there until the mid-19th century, is sometimes called "The Valley of the Lost Tribe." In 1922, visiting. Impressive waterfalls. One could survive in the area simply on the. At the lower end of the valley is Honop's secluded, .25-mile (0.40 km) beach, also known as Cathedral Beach. Honopu valley, also known as the Valley of the Lost Tribe, is considered a deeply spiritual place, known to have once housed temples and burial grounds. 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 point it's about 2.4 miles one way. The steep cliffs (pali) surrounding the valley and beach kept the area protected from outside intruders. There are tour boats that travel along the coast and helicopters offering aerial views of the valley. This tribe was believed to consist of Marquesans, who were Polynesians originally from Tahiti. A sense of vertigo swept over me, from the bizarre angle of the steeply fluted wall that rises to Kokee, Kauais rainforest, shrouded in mist some 4,000 feet above me.. "author": { Recently Voted the Best Boat Tour in the US! It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! By Pamela Varma Brown | Sunday, December 6, 2015, 2 a.m. You can camp here in Summer months while there is a big stretch of sand, just not in winter as big seas erode a lot of the beach away. If you are unsure what these terms mean you should probably contact your host. In any event, you may want to consult the rangers at Koke'e VC before heading out on this hike. My staff will talk to me, and well make a decision on whether its worth keeping it open, she said. 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. It felt like it was vibrating the air. I knew that falling in a place this isolated would be serious and I doubted the strength of the old, sun-bleached rope, he says. The Napali Coast on the island of Kauai Longitude: -159.6480865. Head out on this 4.4-mile out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. Haunted Valley of Koulaula Haunuu Hauoa Hauola (heiau) Hauola, Hawaii Haupu Haupu (Kauai) Haupu (Warrior of Kauai) . Sticks and branches are often laid across the wrong trails, so watch for them. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. On one side a waterfall flows onto the beach from Honopu Valley, while sand dunes can be found on both sides. We were a bit spooked, but accepted his offer, Kevin says. It is known for its distinctive natural arch, which at approximately 90 feet (27m) tall is the tallest in Hawaii. "dateModified": "2022-10-21"