Highlights of the Historic Hanapepe Walking Tour

If buildings could talk, you'd hear a thing or two! Over 43 locations meet the State or National Historic Register Criteria. Many people start their walk at the swinging bridge, but you can begin at any point along Hanapepe Road.

Hanapepe River -

You will notice the Hanapepe River is a major influence on the town. Floods occurred regularly and did tremendous damage in the early years. In the 1960's, the army corps of Engineers built a much needed levee, and no floods have occurred since.

Hanapepe's three bridges are useful visual “locators” for this tour:

• Suspension bridge on east end of town – Walk over this bridge for a great view of the river. Residents on the far side would prefer if you returned to Hanapepe Road to continue your tour, rather than wander through their back yards.

• 1911 concrete bridge on Hanapepe Road – Before the levee was built in 1964, residents fished off this bridge and children played by building “kanton” canoe which they races. If that part of the river was ever dredged, one would find many old small sized canoe. Look for the *Opiuma tree on the west end of the bridge. The white seeds are sweet.

• 1938 bridge on Kaumual`i Highway – When this highway was built, traffic was allowed to bypass the business center of downtown Hanapepe. This did not please the business owners.

#3567 Hanapepe Road – Talk Story Bookstore & Cafe

The Shimonishi family, who had a feed store and developed a thriving orchid farm in back, owns this property and the adjoining property to the west. To the delight of Hanapepe children fifty years ago, Mr. Shimonishi created the largest outdoor roller skating rink that involved three lots and the paths can still be seen today. Over the years, the property has been used as auto sales and service, orchid & feed store, a roller skating rink, antique shop, upholstery shop, hotel and art gallery. Though designed to be a service station, the building was never used for that purpose and the overhang now provides welcome shade in front of a community gathering place. This is a good place to get your map and begin the Historic Hanapepe Walking Tour if starting from the West side.

Finding the colorful, printed Historic Hanapepe Walking Tour Map -

The full color Historic Hanapepe Walking Tour Map has most of the historic buildings depicted and is the best way to see the town. Most commercial stores in Hanapepe have the map available. Call (808)335-5944 to confirm any location or write to Hanapepe Economioc Alliance, PO Box 934, Hanapepe, HI 96716. Suggested retail cost for each map is $2. However, you many visitor guide books include a discount coupon for this map. At the Lihue International aiport, look for a display of rack cards and exchange one for a free map when you come to the town.

If you are driving on the highway over the 1938 bridge and head west, the last right marks the West gateway onto Hanapepe Road. Driving further west out of Hanapepe you pass the old AmFac building on your left, and the very next left takes you to the Hanapepe Salt Pond Park, a beach area to have a picnic and swim. You will also drive by the Veteran’s cemetery and may see the helicopter’s taking off for sightseeing.