Holo Holo Blog

You’ve just been out on the water with us and are looking for something memorable to do on land. Might we suggest you venture on down to Hanapēpē Town, nicknamed Kauaʻi’s “Biggest Little Town”? Whether you’re into art, culture, food, or want to walk around the town that inspired Lilo & Stitch, Hanapēpē has something special waiting for you.

🌺 A Glimpse into Hanapēpē’s History

Early Hawaiians flourished in Hanapēpē Valley, cultivating kalo, bananas, sugar cane, and sweet potatoes. They developed saltwater ponds at Salt Pond Beach Park and traded salt with sailors. This legacy continues today as generational families work their salt patch from the start of summer to when the rains come.

In the late 1800s, many Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants moved to Kauaʻi in search of work on sugar plantations. Hanapēpē, however, drew entrepreneurs and independent families, most of whom either retired from the sugar plantations or dreamed of better working conditions.

They cultivated rice and taro, established small businesses, and built a community centered on trade, craft, necessity, and entertainment. Hanapēpē was also home to labor union organizers in the early 1900s, individuals who fought for improved safety, wages, and retirement benefits on the sugar and pineapple plantations.

By the 1920s and 1930s, Hanapēpē had all the hallmarks of a vibrant small town, boasting barbershops, bars, tailors, jewelers, theaters, and more. You can still see remnants of that era in the plantation-style buildings lining Hanapēpē Road today, many of which now house modern-day art galleries, restaurants, and craft shops.

🌉 The Swinging Bridge: A Step into the Past

One of the most photographed (and fun) landmarks in town is the Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge. Built in the early 1900s for residents to cross the river, this pedestrian suspension bridge connects the main town to the residential side.

It’s a little bouncy, creaky, and totally unforgettable. Kids love it. Ok, so do adults. It was restored after Hurricane ʻIniki in 1992 and remains one of the most iconic attractions in town, especially at sunset.

🎨 Art Lives Here: Current Shops & Art Night

Hanapēpē is now best known for its art galleries, boutiques, and unique shops featuring local Hawaiian artists, photographers, sculptors, and craftspeople.

A must-do? Hanapēpē Art Night, every Friday from 5–8 P.M. The streets fill with music, food, and friendly faces. Galleries open their doors, and local artists are there to chat about their work. From handmade jewelry to ocean-inspired paintings, it’s the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and connect with Kauaʻi’s creative, entrepreneurial spirit.

Here are just a few local shop favorites:

• Midnight Bear Breads: An artisan bakery serving fresh bread, croissants, sandwiches, panini’s, pizza, and coffee using the finest organic ingredients, old traditional techniques, and European equipment.
• Banana Patch Studio: On-site artists create & sell a variety of hand-painted ceramics, unique tiles, pottery & fine art.
• Fonda’s Daughter: A gorgeous vintage clothing & merchandise shop featuring unique Hawaiian treasures and a family legacy to boot.
• Japanese Grandma’s Café: An island gem specializing in locally sourced, healthy Japanese food, drinks, and delicious sushi.

🖌️ The Newest Mural: A Vision of Hanapēpē’s Future

In the heart of town, on the side of the Kauaʻi Habitat for Humanity ReStore building, is the 10th and final mural in the Ke Kanakolu series.

John “Prime” Hina led this project to celebrate the arts-education program created in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Ke Kula Kaiapuni Hawaiʻi, the Department of Education’s Hawaiian Language Immersion Program.

The murals are quickly becoming a symbol of Hanapēpē’s future, with the newest addition featuring:

• A father, child, and flowing lei of momi and kahelelani shells, depicting the unique relationship between Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
• Water from the rains in Kalāheo and Wailua, mixed with salt from the Salt Ponds in Hanapēpē, create vivid blue and orange colors.
• A multitude of handprints from community keiki and kupuna, emphasizing the importance of DNA in community and place.

The murals are a vibrant expression of Hanapēpē’s evolving identity. This town honors its roots while embracing a new generation of artists, change-makers, and storytellers.

🎬 Lilo & Stitch: Disney Magic, Island Style

You might not know this at first glance, but Hanapēpē is the real-life inspiration behind the town in Disney’s animated Lilo & Stitch movie. The film’s creators visited Kauaʻi and were captivated by Hanapēpē’s laid-back vibe, narrow streets, and colorful, old-school storefronts.

Much of the movie’s fictional setting, “Kokaua Town,” was based directly on Hanapēpē’s look and feel. If you’ve seen the movie, strolling through town feels a bit like walking into one of the movie scenes—minus the aliens. 😜 Stop by and snag a photo with your ʻohana at one of several Lilo & Stitch murals where no one is left behind.

🎭 The Theater: Once the Heart of Town, Again

Back in the day, the Hanapēpē Theater, which opened in 1936, was the gathering spot for movies, performances, and significant news. Though it’s no longer screening films, the building is undergoing major renovations, so stay tuned! Word on the street is that it is being renovated into a multi-use building. Yet another beautiful transformation in a town that won’t quit.

🌴 Why Hanapēpē Belongs on Your Kauaʻi Itinerary

Hanapēpē isn’t just a quirky town with good pastries. It’s a place where history, living culture, and creativity collide. It’s a place where old and new live side by side and where art isn’t just in galleries—it’s in the walls, the buildings, the conversations, and even the Friday night air.

So go, take the drive to Hanapēpē. Walk across the bridge. Chat with a local artist. Grab a loaf of sourdough. Visit Art Night if you can. You’ll leave with a story, a smile, a deeper understanding of local culture over time, and maybe even a painting under your arm.