Kauai Town Guide

Hanapepe

Hanapepe is a west Kauai town known for art galleries, Friday Art Night, the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, plantation-era storefronts and nearby Salt Pond Beach.

Plan Your Visit

Hanapepe, Kauai

Hanapepe, meaning "crushed bay" in the Hawaiian language, is located about 18 miles (29 km) west of Lihue. Hanapepe bills itself as "Kauai's Biggest Little Town" (look for the welcome sign with this slogan on it as you enter the town).

In the 1800s, Chinese farmers came here to grow rice, and by the early 1900s until after World War II, Hanapepe was a bustling economic center and one of the main population centers on Kauai. Hanapepe had many bars and shops, two movie theaters and three skating rinks. In 1982, the Kukui Grove Shopping Center opened in Lihue and many businesses in Hanapepe shut down.

Today, Hanapepe is mainly known for its art scene with the greatest concentration of artists on the island. Hanapepe becomes alive every Friday night from 5-9 pm for a popular event called Friday Art Night. This is when local art studios keep their doors open longer. Some artists sit right on the sidewalk to paint and display their most recent work, and local performers play Hawaiian music.

Another visitor attraction in Hanapepe is the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge, which leads across the Hanapepe River. The original bridge was built in 1911, but was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Located near Hanapepe is Salt Pond Beach Park, which is a good beach for swimming and picnicking (it has facilities).

Key Features

Historic west Kauai town between Eleele and Waimea
Known as Kauai's Biggest Little Town
Art galleries, small shops and local food stops line the town center
Friday Art Night brings galleries, vendors and music to town
Hanapepe Swinging Bridge crosses the Hanapepe River
Plantation-era storefronts give the main street its old-town character
Salt Pond Beach Park is a short drive away
Port Allen and Eleele are nearby west-side destinations
Good stop during a drive toward Waimea or the west side
Population: 2,678 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96716

Featured selection

Vacation rentals in Waimea / Kekaha

Explore Waimea / Kekaha rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hanapepe mean?

Hanapepe is often translated as crushed bay. The name belongs to a west Kauai town shaped by river crossings, plantation-era history and a small main street.

Why is Hanapepe called Kauai's Biggest Little Town?

The nickname reflects the town's small size and outsized personality. Galleries, shops, food stops, the swinging bridge and Friday Art Night give Hanapepe more activity than many visitors expect.

What is the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge?

The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the Hanapepe River. It began as a local crossing and is now one of the town's most photographed landmarks.

What happens during Friday Art Night?

On many Friday evenings, galleries and shops stay open later, with local art, food vendors and music around the town center. It is one of the best times to see Hanapepe's creative side.

How is Hanapepe different from Waimea?

Waimea has more direct history connected with Captain Cook, Waimea Canyon access and west-side services. Hanapepe is smaller, more arts-focused and centered on its old storefronts and river crossing.