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 AU$438 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$438
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,306 reviews)
"We liked the beach, the pools and hot tub on the property. The restaurant with live music on site was great as well. We really loved our stay"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 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 AU$685 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$685
27 Aug - 28 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 our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
Clean and Relaxing
"Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Royal Sonesta Kauai. It's connected to a Marriott resort, so there are a lot of restaurants and different spaces in which to relax. Our room was updated and clean, though they only provide in-room services every two days. As a vegetarian, there were limited options ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 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 AU$402 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$402
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Wonderful"

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 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.
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! (1,632 reviews)
"The room is a little outdated but was clean with lots of room especially for a person on a solo trip. I would recommend this place for anyone traveling with a family or multiple people"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Plantation Hale Suites
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! (1,058 reviews)
"For persons with mobility challenges, ensure to contact property to secure the one mobility accessible rental they have."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 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! (1,022 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
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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