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 of Honopu Beach

• Extremely remote location: No road or trail access - can only be reached by swimming from Kalalau Beach or a boat offshore.
• Two coves and iconic arch: Divided by the natural Honopu Arch and surrounded by towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs.
• Sacred Hawaiian site: Once used as a burial ground for Hawaiian chiefs, rich in cultural and spiritual significance.
• Highly photogenic: Featured in numerous films, helicopter tours often fly over this stunning coastal landmark.
• Unsafe for most swimmers: Strong currents and unpredictable surf make swimming here dangerous without expert skill.

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No ratings yet. Be the first to add a rating! Location: Na Pali Coast, Kauai Directions: There are two ways to access Honopu Beach. You can either hike the Kalalau Trail all the way to the end to Kalalau Beach and then swim to neighboring Honopu Beach (which can be dangerous because of strong currents and high surf), or you can come by kayak or boat, anchor offshore and swim to it (which can be dangerous for the same reason). Another way to see the beach without getting wet is by taking a helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast. No facilities No lifeguards Limited swimming Frequently Asked Questions 🏝️Can I hike to Honopu Beach? No, there is no land trail or road that reaches Honopu Beach. The only legal way to access it is by swimming from nearby Kalalau Beach or an anchored boat offshore. 🌊Is it safe to swim to Honopu Beach? Only very strong swimmers with fins should attempt it, and only when the ocean is extremely calm. Currents and surf can be deadly even if conditions look calm. 📸What is the Honopu Arch? The Honopu Arch is a large natural sea arch that separates the beach's two coves. It's a dramatic geological feature and one of the coast's most iconic landmarks. 🚫Can boats or kayaks land on the beach? No, landings of any kind - boats, kayaks, surfboards - are not allowed on Honopu Beach. Access must be by swimming only. 📖Why is Honopu considered sacred? Honopu Valley was used as a burial site for Hawaiian ali'i (chiefs), and many legends speak of its spiritual presence. The remote nature adds to its cultural mystique.