Hanapepe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Swinging Bridge which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway
Hanapepe featuring 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 ₹17,962 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹17,962
₹24,230 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,276 reviews)
"It was wonderful. I plan to stay there again"

Reviewed on 15 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹16,938 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹16,938
₹22,512 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"It’s ok for the price and service."

Reviewed on 16 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 ₹29,878 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹29,878
₹39,807 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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 their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,016 reviews)
"We liked everything about this property"

Reviewed on 14 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
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 their reviews. ...
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,021 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Castle Kaha Lani Resort

Castle Kaha Lani Resort

3 out of 5
4460 Nehe Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Lihue. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (760 reviews)
"Nice central location to access the north shore or Poipu or Wailua. Eating options are limited for vegetarians - you have to go to Kapaa or Poipu (much better variety). Loved the walkable beach next to the property and the quiet vibe. Front desk staff were a bit cold in the way they explained stuff ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Castle Kaha Lani Resort
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.

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