April 2024.
Hanapepe, Hawaii.

Nestled on the southern coast of Kauai, Hanapepe is affectionately known as “Hawaii’s Biggest Little Town.” The small town has a parking problem due to its art galleries, shops, and rich history, which draw visitors through its streets. At the center of the main street through this historic town stands the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge—a quirky, swaying structure that’s become an iconic must-see for visitors and locals alike. With its playful wobble, it perfectly embodies the character of Hanapepe. If it were not for the sign, you might miss the access route to the bridge.

The bridge spans the Hanapepe River, which is heavily diked to protect Hanapepe from the wrath of Lono, the Hawaiian god associated with rain, fertility, agriculture, and peace. Many natural phenomena are considered physical forms of Lono, including dark clouds, heavy rain, thunder, lightning, rainbows, whirlwinds, and waterspouts. During one of our visits to the bridge, we saw some of the effects of Lono’s wrath.

The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge was originally built around 1911. Its primary purpose was to connect the central part of Hanapepe town with the agricultural fields and residential areas across the Hanapepe River in the Hanapepe Valley.

The Hanapepe Swinging Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge with a simple design. It features wooden planks as the walkway, supported by thick steel cables that provide stability while allowing the bridge to sway gently. The bridge is relatively narrow, with protective railings and mesh on either side to ensure safety. Its rustic appearance reflects its early 20th-century origins, and the swaying motion adds an adventurous touch for those crossing it.

Lono must have been seriously angry in 1992. Hurricane Iniki, one of the most powerful storms to hit Hawaii, caused significant damage to the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. The storm’s intense winds and heavy rains severely impacted the structure, leading to its closure. Restoration efforts began soon after, and by 1996, the bridge was fully repaired and reinforced with steel cables and new wooden planks. These updates ensured its safety while preserving its historic charm.

This downriver view shows the dike structures that protect Hanapepe from Lono’s wrath. On the days of our visits, Lono was happy, and the days were perfect for walking the bridge, which can sway even more in strong winds.

As we exited the bridge on the other side, a family group talked about their hike along the trail that tops the dike. This upriver view clearly shows the trail they decided to explore for a second time.

In this view, you can clearly see the large suspension cables draped between the two support pylons. These days, pylons are usually made of concrete or steel. These wooden pylons are well-suited for this small suspension bridge and have withstood the test of time, thanks to periodic repairs and reinforcements that have ensured the bridge’s longevity.

On a recent visit to the bridge, we noticed a fallen tree, which is undoubtedly some of Lono’s handiwork. Between visits, the south end of Kauai experienced an intense rainstorm. In a fit of rage, Lono must have ripped the dead tree from its roots and tossed it in the raging river. I suspect the rainstorm raised the river level enough to float the tree until it hit the suspension bridge. When the water subsided, the tree bottomed out on the river before it could clear the bridge.

The bridge is free to visit, but visitors are admonished not to purposely cause it to swing. Another attraction in the town is Hanapepe Art Night, a weekly event that transforms the streets of Hanapepe into a hub of creativity and culture. Held every Friday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM, this event has been a tradition since 1997. During Art Night, local galleries, shops, and restaurants stay open late, while artists, musicians, and vendors line the main street, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

About the photos: Images were captured with my Nikon Z7 II or my Samsung S23U. They were processed in Adobe Lightroom Classic and Luminar Neo. AI technology was used in some photos to remove distractions. If you’d like to examine the photos of the Swinging Bridge in 2K HD, they are in a gallery on my Flickr site here.

John Steiner