The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge in Hanapepe, Hawaii (Kauai) is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back walk that crosses the Hanapepe River via the historic swinging bridge.
This is not a hike, but rather a nice walk to experience an interesting suspension bridge that sways while crossing. Due to the way we walk, resonance is created within the bridge, causing it to sway left, right, up and down. Since the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge allows for resonance in both the Y-axis and X-axis, the bridge begins to sway as you walk. The way this motion is created is by the physics in the way we walk - when your foot steps down, you actually create forces that push outward to your side, not just down. The repeated forces from walking, cause the bridge to swing and sway. The bridge is mostly wooden with large planks that line the floor, which include large cracks. As you make your way across the river, the bridge swings so much that it feels like you might cause it to break off into the Hanapepe River. On the other side of the river is another trail that follows the Hanapepe River in both directions which walkers can use to make a loop with downtown Hanapepe if they wish.
Parking
Visitors will find parking at the two parking lots at the coordinates provided or along Hanapepe Road.
Lilo & Stitch Mural
Don't miss the Lilo & Stitch mural just down the road (west) of the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. Hanapepe was the inspiration for the movie.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
This is not a hike, but rather a nice walk to experience an interesting suspension bridge that sways while crossing. Due to the way we walk, resonance is created within the bridge, causing it to sway left, right, up and down. Since the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge allows for resonance in both the Y-axis and X-axis, the bridge begins to sway as you walk. The way this motion is created is by the physics in the way we walk - when your foot steps down, you actually create forces that push outward to your side, not just down. The repeated forces from walking, cause the bridge to swing and sway. The bridge is mostly wooden with large planks that line the floor, which include large cracks. As you make your way across the river, the bridge swings so much that it feels like you might cause it to break off into the Hanapepe River. On the other side of the river is another trail that follows the Hanapepe River in both directions which walkers can use to make a loop with downtown Hanapepe if they wish.
Parking
Visitors will find parking at the two parking lots at the coordinates provided or along Hanapepe Road.
Lilo & Stitch Mural
Don't miss the Lilo & Stitch mural just down the road (west) of the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. Hanapepe was the inspiration for the movie.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
