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. By participating in online discussions you It is known for its distinctive natural arch, which at approximately 90 feet (27m) tall is the tallest in Hawaii. However, these have been omitted from this website for the best online experience for our visitors. You can also encounter waterfalls and sand dunes on the main part of the beach. It is known for its distinctive natural arch, which at approximately 90 feet (27 m) tall is the tallest in Hawaii. KAUAI, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state is encouraging hunting in Honopu Valley on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. It was a lesson in moment by moment letting go of control and at the same time, an embracing of both deliberate and spontaneous laying in of color. He attempted to alert his companys dispatch by radio, however his radio was useless, too. The arch collapsed in 1992, but the beach still retains its name. At the lower end of the valley is Honop's secluded, .25-mile (0.40 km) beach, also known as Cathedral Beach. 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). }, All Rights Reserved. It is the largest natural arch in Hawaii and has been featured in several different movies. 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. Numerous ancient Hawaiian engineering marvels such as heiau (temples), fishponds, roads, and other structures were attributed to the Menehune. It is known for its distinctive natural arch, which at approximately 90 feet (27 m) tall is the tallest in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians refer to the Menehune as being the kamaaina, or "children of the land". There is a majesty to this remarkable place that can only be felt by being there. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, Hawaii Tourism Authority responds to slashed funding. The Honopu Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings, is the source of many Hawaiian legends. 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. You don't have to make the intense swim to the beach to enjoy the uniqueness of the area. There was no answer and I sat frozen in place, sweeping my light from side to side, while the chanting continued.. This is just as well since Honopu is most definitely sacred. 4516 Alawai Rd. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area. This blog post will provide a complete guide to Honopu Beach, including directions and tips on what to do when you get there. Honopu, Lanai Honopuwai, Kauai Honopuwaiakua, Kauai Honouli, Molokai Honouliuli Honouliuli, Oahu Honu Kevin explained that he had lived on Kauai during the 1970s and had been into upper Honopu Valley. to have lived throughout the Hawaiian Islands, including Kauai, which they inhabited in large numbers. 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. 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. Photos (445) Directions. As he strained his eyes to become accustomed to the darkness, he frantically searched his surroundings to see who was there. If you look closely you can see little huts and shelters. One day during the shoot, Kevin and Mike were chatting with their helicopter pilot about Honopu. THE VALLEY OF THE LOST PEOPLE/TRIBE (FORMALLY CALLED HONOPU VALLEY): Is where a band of the island's last Menehumes lived. Your email address will not be published. Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. In Adventure, Places by Makana ChartersMay 10, 2021Leave a Comment. Kevin had been told there was a route into the upper valley by scaling the iconic arch, and that a rope was still in place hanging down the arch. The name Honopu means conch shell in Hawaiian, because of the sound the northerly winds make when they blow through the arch. I found the frayed remnants of an old rope I was excited to say the least. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. If your comments We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. "author": { Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Sunday, April 30, 2023 | Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. [{"@context":"https://schema.org/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"World","item":"https://www.wondermondo.com/wonders-of-the-world/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Australia and Oceania","item":"https://www.wondermondo.com/wonders-of-australia-and-oceania"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Polynesia","item":""},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"United States","item":"https://www.wondermondo.com/wonders-of-the-united-states"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Hawaii","item":"https://www.wondermondo.com/wonders-of-hawaii/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"name":"Kaua'i"}]}]. Grapefruit and guava trees were plentiful and there were numerous white shrimp in the stream under the rocks. Results are displayed in order by Subject, Source, Legend. The engine failure on the Napali Coast was never explained. 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. Impressive waterfalls. "@context": "https://schema.org", Mailing: PO Box 50940, Eleele, HI 96705. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Honop Ridge, above the cliffs, can be visited with a few miles' walk. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Home; Dante Opera. 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. Kauai Travel Guide Frequently Asked Questions. Cincinnati, Ohio 141 34 Reviewed January 3, 2017 via mobile Brutal trail, stunning view! After setting up camp at the base of the cliff between a small waterfall and sand dunes, Kevin swam back to the point of the arch and inspected the cliff face. A GPS can come in really handy as well when retracing your steps out, as there are opportunities to get lost coming out, too. 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. Mann notes that the DLNR has made efforts to minimize the projects impact on Kauais hunters. 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. 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. { [3], As the valley is so hidden and isolated, it is believed to be spiritual: it is a place of temples and burial grounds, and the source of many Hawaiian legends and myths. I kept asking myself: Why would anyone abandon this village and how did they suddenly disappear?. 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. The Napali Coast on the island of Kauai Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Check out our Google Earth Honopu Ridge Trailmap for more an overview. Honop means "conch shell", and the valley's name is derived from the conch shell-like sound its arch makes when hit by winds from the north.[1]. Copyright 2023 TheGardenIsland.com. The ancient tapa cloth was rotted but still in place. 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. Today's Paper document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Its no question why Honopu Valley and Beach is listed as one of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic spots. 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. Kevin says that from time to time, his son will ask him to tell him this story and asks him about paranormal activity. Keep an eye out for the orange and pink ribbons that others have tied up to mark the trail. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. The arch is also included in the film. Completely freaked out, he returned to his camp, pulled his covers over him and sat with his back to the rock, wide awake, until sunrise. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. A more detailed version of Kevins story appears in the ghost stories segment of Kauai Stories 2, edited and published by Pamela Varma Brown. Today's Paper Work on the fence began in September 2020 and was finally completed in early 2023, as part of a larger five-year project to protect endemic seabirds on Kauai. I sat bolt upright and scrambled to put my back against the rock wall behind me.. discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. 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 attached . While the trail is only 2 miles long each way,it feels much longer as it is very slow going through the forest and ferns. , while some involve tales of the supernatural as it served as burial grounds for Hawaiian chiefs in the past. The swim is only possible in the summer months, only during low tide, and only before the winds have picked up. 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. 180 m (600 ft) elev., UTM 0431028 - 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 It can be difficult to find, but it is definitely worth the effort! I remember thinking that perhaps goat hunters or other locals had landed and were deliberately trying to scare me prior to a beat-down. 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. 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. Impressive waterfalls. Latitude: 22.14403388 Mahalo! The arch is the underside of a huge arm-like rock formation that begins in the valley behind, splits the beaches and culminates in a fist of bluffs that extends 300 feet into the ocean. Honopu Ridge. Deep valley in very dramatic, impressive natural setting. The Honopu Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings, is the source of many Hawaiian legends. It must be accessed by swimming from a boat or the neighboring beach in the summer months. The trail takes you down through some very scratchy fern thickets - wear long pants if you don't want to cut yourself. "@type": "BlogPosting", 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 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. Here was what I was looking for: a feasible route into the upper valley of Honopu.. Legends aside, we know for certain that the Honopu cliffs were used as burial sites for ancient chiefs that ruled along the Napali Coast. Circling back for a closer look, he found the cave had, at one time, been blocked up with stones in dry-rock masonry fashion. This region falls within the. honopu valley legend https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 ICC ICC https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images . Mike and I were speechless, and covered with chicken skin. And then we put around decoys that look like the bird were trying to attract, and were trying to get them to come and occupy this space.