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Hanapepe Swinging Bridge

An historic, one-lane, pedestrian suspension bridge on Kauai.

Hanapepe, Hawaii

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Bridge over the Hanapepe River   jessemiers / Atlas Obscura User
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Located on the southern side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is a fantastic local walkway in use every day. What makes this hidden gem so unique is that it is a swinging bridge that traverses the Hanapepe River and connects the small town of Hanapepe to the surrounding areas.

Originally built in 1911 and then rebuilt in 1992 after it was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki, the bridge is just wide enough for one passenger at a time moving in one direction, with 15 persons maximum on the bridge at one time. It is strictly forbidden for people to make the bridge swing any more than what Mother Nature’s winds are doing at any particular time. There is also no diving permitted off the bridge into the Hanapepe River.

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Know Before You Go

If you are driving from the main city of Lihue on Kauai, on the Kaumualii Highway on your way to the Waimea Canyon State Park to see the fantastic waterfalls and views, you will turn right into the town of Hanapepe once you reach the town of Eleele on this main road.

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Published

October 24, 2025

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