Drive 15 miles west from our Kauai vacation rentals at Poipu Beach to Hanapape for Art Night every Friday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. It has been an island tradition for over 20 years. Also not to be missed is the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge which is a fun activity for all ages.
Watch our Kauai video above and see the charm that awaits you. This quaint community offers a glimpse into an era long gone with weathered storefronts that are now housing art galleries, antiques, gift shops, clothing stores, restaurants, books and a coffee bar.
Kauai Movie Trivia: Hanapepe was also the inspiration for the hometown in Disney’s Lilo and Stich and featured in the TV miniseries, The Thorn Birds.
There are more than fifteen galleries and stores that stay open late on Fridays including restaurants and food trucks. Many local artists set up kiosks to show their work and local performers play Hawaiian music in the streets.
Hanapepe Store Sampler.
Aloha Spice Company – Seasonings and rubs made on Kauai in small batches.
The Bright Side Gallery – Carefree fine art. Owned by Kate Enoka, a previous manager at Nihi Kai Villas.
Talk Story Bookstore – Western most bookstore in the USA. New, secondhand and out-of-print books.
Banana Patch Studio – Hawaiian ceramic tiles and art. Look for discounts in back room.
Taro Ko Factory – Taro, Potato and li hing mui Sweet Potato chips.
Keiki Kovers – Children’s clothing made on Kauai. One of a kind!
For a complete listing of stores and galleries, visit Hanapepe online.
Places to Eat in Hanapepe.
Food trucks and street vendors on Friday night offer everything from Thai to vegetarian Persian cuisine prepared by Harmonious Roots. You can also dine at the following restaurants.
KP (Kauai Pasta) Westside. Opening in January 2018 in Eleele Shopping Center, where The Grinds restaurant used to be, this will be the third location of the popular Kauai eatery.
Bobbie’s Hawaiian Restaurant. On Art Night there is usually a singer out front performing a selection of Hawaii songs, the outdoor grill is fired up and outside dining is available.
Hanapepe Cafe. Currently closed but Chef Helen sells her homemade soup outside. Opening in the same location soon will be Pasta Paraiso.
Japanese Grandma’s Cafe. Fresh Japanese cuisine and sushi bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Thursday through Monday.
Little Fish Coffee – Sandwiches, wraps, smoothies and coffee. Sometimes closed on Friday nights.
Midnight Bear Bakery. Fresh baked artisan breads, croissants and pastries. Stop by Friday night for hot pizza. Open daily except Sunday and Tuesday.
Popo’s Cookies. Homemade cookies from 14 original recipes. Located behind Little Fish Coffee.
Directions to Hanapepe: Located approximately 10 miles from downtown Koloa. Take Koloa road to Highway 50 and turn left heading towards Waimea Canyon. Follow the sign to “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town” on your right.