'Best beach' in America is so beautiful it's been named second prettiest in world

A Hawaiian beach has been named one of the most beautiful in the world , thanks to its pristine sands and striking cayenne-coloured cliffs that separate it from the rest of Kauai.

Honopu Beach was ranked second in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the prettiest beaches worldwide, making it the top-rated beach in the United States .

This secluded stretch of sand is situated on the northwestern coast of the Garden Isle, adjacent to the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.

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There are no roads connecting the beach to the park, meaning the only way to reach Honupu is by swimming.

Boats regularly drop off eager holidaymakers who are prepared to swim to enjoy a few hours in Hawaii 's warm temperatures.

However, locals caution that the 400-yard swim should only be attempted by confident swimmers who can handle rough sea conditions.

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The area is known for its strong winds, which create large waves that crash against the cliffs, and a powerful rip current.

Visitors can also access the beach from Kalalau Beach, located a quarter of a mile north of Honupu, but they are advised to use fins.

The beach gets its name from a natural rock arch, the Honopu Arch, which stood until 1992 when it collapsed.

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For the people of Hawaii, this Kauai beach holds a special significance as it is considered a sacred spot and is believed to be the ancient resting place of Hawaiian chiefs.

Hawaiians believed their chiefs were direct descendants of gods, and their bones possessed a potent life force known as 'mana'.

The hiding of a chief's remains was crucial, as it was thought that the mana could be used against the tribe if discovered by malevolent individuals.

Upon a chief's death, a courageous warrior would be selected for the significant but perilous task of burying his bones.

This warrior would ascend hundreds of feet up the sheer cliffs in search of an appropriate cave to respectfully place the chief's remains.

Once content with the chosen burial site, he would leap off the cliff, ensuring no one would ever discover the chief's resting place.

Archaeological discoveries from the 1920s suggest that the surrounding valley once housed a human settlement that mysteriously disappeared a legend that earned the area the moniker of Valley of the Lost Tribe.

Honopu Beach has also been the setting for international film productions, featuring in blockbuster hits such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, and King Kong.

Today, it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving due to the crystal-clear water and abundant marine life.