Hanapepe

Travel Guide

Swinging Bridge showing a suspension bridge or treetop walkway
Hanapepe which includes a house and a suspension bridge or treetop walkway
Hanapepe
Hanapepe showing 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 P10,372 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P10,372
P14,255 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,314 reviews)
"Nice property, no frills. Best aspect is the beach right by the hotel and a nice restaurant in the property."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Kauai Shores Hotel
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 P18,778 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P18,778
P25,181 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Staff was amazing."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
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 P9,578 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P9,578
P12,978 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, HI
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.
Banyan Harbor Resort

Banyan Harbor Resort

3 out of 5
3411 Wilcox Rd, Lihue, HI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lihue. Enjoy a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,069 reviews)
"Good clean mostly the views of the safe"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Banyan Harbor Resort
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! (1,023 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER

3 out of 5
2253 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Poipu Beach and Poipu Shopping Village ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (951 reviews)
"Loved the stay. Communication and staff were great! Only downsides were that the room only had a floor A/C unit and a lot of things broken. Very warm nights to sleep well. Room needs a little makeover. Broken tiles, oven wasn’t working (fixed immediately on a good side!) double doors broken, and ..."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
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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