The glory days of Hanapepe may be over but it is
still the "biggest little town" on the
South Shore. The town started by Chinese rice farmers
in the late 1800's. It was the only town that was
not associated with a plantation. It gained a reputation
as wild spot with numerous bars and brawls.
In the 1970's and 1980's it began
to decline, especially when the Kukui Grove Shopping
Center was opened in 1982. The town was used in the
filming of the movie The Thorn Birds. However,
in 1992, Hurricane Iniki took a great toll on the
city and it has never fully recovered.
Useful Information:
Quaint shops and art galleries in town
Swinging foot bridge over the Hanapepe River was
rebuilt after the 1992 hurricane
