What to see and do in Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii

Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii's historic buildings have been used as a location for many films

Hanapepe means crushed bay in Hawaiian. It was named this because of the many landslides in the valley. It is located on the south shore and was once one of the island of Kauai's largest communities. From World War I to the early 1950s, Hanapepe was filled with soldiers and sailors who were stationed there for training. The town has retained it's historic buildings and has been used as a location for the films, The Thornbirds and Flight of the Intruder. It also served as the model for the hometown of the Disney's Lilo and Stitch.

The area was inhabited for centuries before Captain Cook arrived in 1778. Many foods such as banana, sugar cane, and sweet potato were grown in the valley along with taro, from which poi is made. The early Hawaiians dried saltwater in ponds to get salt to trade with sailors.

We visited Hanapepe on 12/22/2023. While there, we toured the town and walked over the Hanapepe swinging bridge.

Looking for a place to stay? Click here for options.

Viator offers numerous tours on the island of Kauai. Click here for details.

Pictures from Hanapepe

The town of Hanapepe.

The Hanapepe swinging bridge.

View of the Hanapepe river from the swinging bridge.

Hanapepe swinging bridge sign.

Lilo and Stitch mural.

Lilo and Stitch house.

Hanapepe Valley Overlook.