Honopu Beach

Honopu Beach is a remote Na Pali Coast landmark with two sand coves, towering cliffs, a natural arch and no road, trail or legal boat landing.

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Honopu Beach

Honopu Beach, Kauai

It doesn't get anymore secluded and remote than Honopu Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it.

Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean.

Honopu means "conch shell" in the Hawaiian language. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach.

Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. 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). 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.

Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. 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). During summer when the ocean is calm, some people walk from Kalalau Beach on the exposed rocks and sand along the cliffs to Honopu Beach for most of the way.

Since Honopu Valley is so isolated, it is believed to be spiritual. Many Hawaiian myths and legends tell of this area, and it is also a place of ancient burial grounds for local chiefs.

Key Features

Remote Na Pali Coast landmark below towering sea cliffs
Two sand coves are separated by the natural Honopu Arch
No road or public hiking trail reaches the beach
Boat and kayak landings are not allowed on the sand
The only way to set foot on the beach involves dangerous open-ocean swimming
Strong currents, surge and surf make Honopu unsafe for most visitors
There are no lifeguards, restrooms, water or beach services
Most visitors see Honopu from offshore boat tours that stay on the water or from the air
Honopu Valley is connected with Hawaiian stories and ancient burial traditions
Honopu is a place for respectful viewing, not a casual beach outing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors hike to Honopu Beach?

No. There is no public hiking trail to Honopu Beach. The Kalalau Trail reaches Kalalau Beach, but it does not continue to Honopu.

Can boats or kayaks land at Honopu Beach?

No. State park boating rules prohibit kayak landings at Honopu, and boat landings are not allowed on the beach.

Why is swimming to Honopu Beach dangerous?

The Na Pali Coast can have strong current, surge and surf even when the water looks calmer from a distance. Getting back out can be harder than getting in.

What is Honopu Arch?

Honopu Arch is the natural rock opening that separates the two beach coves and gives the shoreline its cathedral-like look.

Why is Honopu considered a sacred place?

Honopu Valley is connected with Hawaiian stories and ancient burial traditions, so visitors should view the area with respect and leave the shoreline undisturbed.