Hanapepe Town Kauai | Go Hawaii

Hanapēpē Town

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Hanapēpē Town

What: Small town, art capital of Kauaʻi
Where: Southwest Kauaʻi, between Kōloa and Waimea 
 
Located on the south shore west of Kōloa, Hanapēpē Town once flourished as one of Kauaʻi's largest communities. From World War I to the early 1950s, West Side Hanapēpē was also one of Kauaʻi's busiest towns, alive with G.I.s and sailors who were stationed there for training.

Today, “Kauaʻi’s biggest little town” hasn’t changed much over the last century at first look. Its historic buildings are so authentic that the town was used as a location for films like “The Thornbirds” and “Flight of the Intruder,” and even served as the model for the Disney film “Lilo and Stitch.” But now those plantation-style buildings are home to charming shops, local eateries and more art galleries than any other spot on Kauaʻi.

Hanapēpē Town hosts a farmer’s market on Thursdays starting at 3 p.m. And it celebrates its artists every Friday from 5-9 p.m., as painters, sculptors and craftsmen open the doors of their galleries and studios to celebrate the arts. Visit the galleries, take a walk on the “Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge” — which is always an adventure to cross — then shop and dine in one of Kauaʻi’s most famous small towns.