Things to do in Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi

This article was updated Feb. 25, 2026.

Hanapēpē, on Kauaʻi's west side, is known for its historic salt ponds that Native Hawaiian families have been harvesting for generations. The area was also prime agricultural land, first used to grow kalo, or taro, and eventually rice after immigrants began leaving Kauaʻi's sugar plantations.

According to hanapepe.com, labor union organizers and striking workers, who were not allowed on plantation camps, came to the area in the early 1900s. These immigrants helped build the town of Hanapēpē into what it is today. Most of the structures have been around long enough to be listed on state or national historic registers. Some, like the former D.W. Chang's Star Auto Dealership building, were built in the early 1900s, destroyed by Hurricane 'Iniki in 1992 and rebuilt a few years later.

Hanapēpē is a town that has held tenaciously to its roots. It looks much as it did when Asian immigrant entrepreneurs developed it over a century ago. Filmmakers love this town — Disney's "Lilo & Stitch," for example, featured its historic buildings.

Hanapēpē murals. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

There is a garden located behind the Hanapēpē Heritage Center called Sparky's Peace Garden, honoring the late U.S. Sen. Spark M. Matsunaga, a peace advocate who grew up in Hanapēpē. This is also the location of Storybook Theatre of Hawaiʻi.

There are at least eight galleries and a children's theater listed among the gift shops and restaurants that make up the business district of Hanapēpē. If you're interested in a guided walking tour of this small town, maps are available from most merchants. Many people start their walk at the Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge and explore the town afterward.

I recommend visiting during the weekly Hanapēpē Art Night on Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., when there is more to see and do. In addition to entertainment, food trucks and vendors on the street, the galleries, shops and restaurants will also be open.

Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge, on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1911 so residents and farmers would have a way to easily cross the Hanapēpē River. In 1992, the bridge was almost destroyed by Hurricane 'Iniki but was fully restored in 1996. Visitors can traverse the 194-foot-long, 18-foot-wide bridge and feel it sway as they walk over its wooden planks.

To find Hanapēpē, turn off Hwy. 50 at a sign that reads "Kaua'i's Biggest Little Town." The bridge is located at 3857 Iona Road.

Salt Pond Beach Park is near the town of Hanapēpē on the west side. It's named for the traditional Hawaiian sea salt produced in pools located near the beach. For generations, Hawaiian families have evaporated seawater in pans dug out of the red soil here to produce natural sea salt during the summer months. The salt is used for cooking and as a natural medicine similar to Epsom salt.

You may see families at work in their salt ponds. This is private property — please do not walk too close to them. The rights of use are handed down from generation to generation and the art is practiced with pride.

With its gentle waves rolling in year-round, Salt Pond Beach Park is a popular spot for family outings and perfect for young bodyboarders. Snorkelers will find clear water at each end of the crescent beach. Tide pools worth exploring front the salt ponds. Camping is available by county permit.

To find the beach, turn makai, or toward the ocean, off Kaumualī'i Highway at the west end of Hanapēpē and drive toward the coast. Take Lokokai Road/Salt Pond Road all the way to the ocean.

This local bookstore used to be one of the main attractions in Hanapēpē. In 2025, the owners were forced to relocate, but you can still find them at their new location, a short 6-minute drive from town on Kaumualii Highway.

Come here for new and used books, including a big selection of books on Hawaiʻi, vintage and rare books, vinyl records, comics and more.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5.pm., closed Sunday and Monday.

Talk Story Bookstore now located at 1-2600 Kaumualii Hwy. #3B, Kaumakani, HI 96747. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Along the historic buildings on Hanapēpē Road, you'll find plaques telling the stories of the original owners. One was a photography studio that opened in 1922 with large multi-paned windows used for natural lighting. In the 1930s, it became an art studio in addition to a photography studio. Now it is home to local art galleries.

Across the street, check out Banana Patch Studio, Pu'uwai Gallery & Boutique, Island Art Gallery and more.

Order a cup of specialty coffee of Pilina Coffee and sit and stay awhile. Pilina means connection in Hawaiian. The café is more than a quick stop for coffee, it's a gathering place for both locals and visitors. Open Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m, Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Closed Saturdays

Enjoy a shave ice or a hot dog at Longie's Shave Ice & Treats. Open Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday noon to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Or dine at Bobbie's for local-style plate lunch. Bobbie's is known for its Korean fried chicken and teri beef. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.

These are just a few. Walk around and find what looks good to you. There are also shops to pick up ingredients and food gifts, such as Aloha Spice Co., Kauai Shrimp — used by chefs throughout Hawai'i — and Midnight Bear Breads — an artisan bakery adored by locals.