Hanapepe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Swinging Bridge featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway
Hanapepe showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and a house
Hanapepe
Hanapepe featuring a small town or village
Hanapepe

Admire the quaint setting, browse the charming stores and restaurants and visit the pristine sandy bays in Kauai’s Biggest Little Town.

Among the liveliest towns in Hawaii, Hanapepe has a rich culture and historic buildings. Its plantation history is alive in the old structures, which today hold quaint shops and art galleries. Purchase artisanal gems from local vendors and chat with residents for a glimpse into their traditions.

Stroll through the enchanting town center for excellent dining and shopping options. The picturesque commune was the setting for several movies and the inspiration for the Disney animation Lilo & Stitch. Embark on an art tour on Friday evenings, when the town’s painters and sculptors showcase their work.

The Swinging BridgeOpens in a new window sheds light on the rich past of the town. Watch your kids sway on the fun structure on the Waimea River, as Hawaiian children have done since the early 1900s. School was often canceled on rainy days, as the bridge was inaccessible. Consider Hanapepe’s intricate history, entwined with American G.I.s, sailors who trained in the Pacific theater.

In the southern part of the town is the Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji. Play games with your kids, enjoy a meal and join a memorial service.

Take a break from the cultural delights of the town with a relaxing afternoon at one of the beaches. Immediately south is Glass Beach, which takes its name from the abundance of sea glass. Collect these pretty translucent pebbles that shimmer in hues of blue, brown and white.

Head west to Salt Ponds Beach for its ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions. Spot monk seals and see the traditional salt ponds.

Fly to the Port Allen Airport and get a taxi to the town with a drive of just a few minutes. The commune is on the southern shore of Kauai, just 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Koloa. Visit nearby attractions, such as the Spouting Horn.

Hanapepe is known for its quaint strip of shops and its excellent beach options.

Kauai Shores Hotel
Kauai Shores Hotel
3.5 out of 5
420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaa, HI
The price is NZ$450 per night from 9 July to 10 July
NZ$450
9 July - 10 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Kapaa. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,262 reviews)
"Great location! Rooms were Newley renovated and clean. Lava lava beach club was very convenient place to grab drinks or food in a pinch. This hotel pretty much had every amenity .The only problem I would say is that the parking fills up very quickly and lot is small."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
3.5 out of 5
3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI
The price is NZ$389 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$389
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Amazing spot, convenient location"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
4 out of 5
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI
The price is NZ$864 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$864
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lihue. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Room was great and area was beautiful. Only complaint would be walls were a little thin so it was easy to hear your neighbors"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plantation Hale Suites
Plantation Hale Suites
3 out of 5
525 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kapaa. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,629 reviews)
"Check in fast, property is very clean 2 minutes walk to beach Enjoyed my trip"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Plantation Hale Suites
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
3 out of 5
2253B Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Kauai Beach Villas
Kauai Beach Villas
4 out of 5
4330 Kauai Beach Drive, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Lihue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (469 reviews)
"Very nice property, we loved having a full kitchen and it was well stocked with all essential dishes. Property was clean, bed was comfortable. There is a shed with beach equipment so we were able to have a couple of chairs to sit out in. The only downside, and this is not the fault of the property, ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

Kauai Beach Villas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Hanapepe