Hanapepe, Kauai County, Hawaii
Hawaii's intriguing charm is no myth or legend. What accounts for the mysterious aura of this tropical paradise is the fact that Hawaii houses marvelous and low-profile towns and cities just waiting to be discovered. Though these spots basically exude the same relaxing feel, there's something unique in each of these towns and cities. The features and qualities that set each place from another is very much up to the tourists to uncover.
Hanapepe, with its alluring tropical climate and esteemed destination spots, is a magnificent gift just waiting to be opened and cherished. Set on a balmy path, the small but terrible town of Hanapepe, sandwiched between Kaumakani and Eleele, is covered by the Kauai's southern shores. A census-designated place, just like other towns and cities in The Big Island, occupies a land area of flat 1 square mile or 2.5 square kilometers. But not all these are dry areas since 0.3 square kilometers or 10.31% of the land is composed of pond and other bodies of water.
Based on the 2000 demographics data, this picture-perfect countryside houses a unique blend of inhabitants. With a number of 2,256 residents (2005 data) and population density of 955.5 per square kilometer or 2,469.8 per square mile, Hanapepe is considered a comfy haven for native Hawaiians as well as expatriates and their families who migrated from different parts of the United States and the world. Native Americans are the most bountiful, as much as 48.58% of the entire population. Asians (Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, among others) and Hispanic and Pacific Islanders also make up a significant percentage of the entire population. This is just one proof that Hanapepe is indeed a truly cozy spot, which embraces people with different races, cultures, and traditions.
Hanapepe's History
Referred to as "Kauai's Biggest Little Town," Hanapepe used to belong among the most active and celebrated towns in Aloha state. This was formerly a sleepy town until Chinese farmers began cultivating the rich soil of Hanapepe valley in order to obtain food in the middle of 1800s. It didn't take long before native and foreign residents of nearby towns started to notice the place. More and more workers flocked Hanapepe, which resulted in the establishment of small scale stores. Little by little, the once oblivious town turned into a successful commercial spot in Kauai. Up until now, tourists troop to Hanapepe all year round (though more abundantly in summer months). The rustic charm of Hanapepe continuously attracts residents and tourists.
Furthermore, the history of this town can be interrelated to Kauai island, where this quaint town is located. Just like the neighboring towns of Kalaheo and Kapaa, Hanapepe used to mainly rely on coffee beans for sustenance. This town is closely located to coffee bean companies, especially The Kauai Coffee Company, Inc. In 1924, a tumultuous labor riot occurred in Hanapepe, which resulted in deaths. Apparently, Asian sugar workers wanted the United States government to grant them the freedom to import more foreign workers but the Congress didn't give in to their wishes. The Asian sugar workers, who interpreted this as an issue on racism, organized labor unions and strikes (supposedly with more than a hundred members). The biggest strike occurred in September 9, 1924, when sixteen protesting workers were shot to death.
Hanapepe's Attractions
How can one thoroughly discover the wonders of a place without exploring the must-see tourist spots. With its rustic and quintessential feel, Hanapepe is the premiere location of a number of Hollywood movies such as "Flight of the Intruder" and "The Thornbirds." Tourists would flutter with delight at the sight of historic but well-maintained buildings, rows upon rows of art studios or galleries, and natural destination spots such as parks and salt ponds. There's absolutely something to visit for every kind of tourist. Whether a tourist digs nature-oriented, historic, or modern destinations, he goes home not disappointed with Hanapepe.
First on the long list of tourist destination is the Salt Pond Beach Park wherein guests can take a dip or snorkle in the cool blue waters of the tidepools and a mini lagoon; they could also camp overnight, provided that a valid permit has been accomplished. Adventurous souls will definitely enjoy this exciting place. One can even watch the nearby residents derive natural salt from the pond.
For the artsy type, art galleries such as 8-Bells Gallery and Custom Framing, where the original masterpieces of local artists are showcased and sold, is worth a visit. Tourists should also stop by Arius Hopman Studio Gallery, along Hanapepe road, for a closer look at one of Kauai's celebrated fine artists. Friday nights in Hanapepe are extra-special since this place conducts an art exhibit called Art Night Open House in different art galleries in town. Touted as Kauai's "Art Colony," Hanapepe houses the most number of sassy and elegant crafts and arts boutiques in the Kauai island. A visit to the crafts, arts shop, and natural spots in Hanapepe definitely invites a sense of good culture and love for nature.
Hanapepe's Economy
The quaint town of Hanapepe is definitely no slouch in the agriculture and economy department. The Kauai Coffee Company, Inc., the biggest deep-irrigated coffee company in vast Hawaii and the world, is located only a few miles from Hanapepe and Koloa. The coffee industry, along with other industries related to farming, forestry, and fishing, employs 2.8% of the total working population. The burgeoning of tourism spots prompted residents to opt for alternative jobs unrelated to farm and agriculture. In fact, aside from a flourishing coffee industry, residents are currently employed in tourism-related enterprises such as hotels, restaurants, and art studios. There are also some who are self-employed and manage their own small-scale or medium-scale enterprises that cater to the tourists.
With a relatively healthy job growth of 3.76%, Hanapepe is said to have an employment boom in the future which will boost the rate to up to 15.49%. A whopping 26.9% of the total residents have managerial occupations while the rest of the residents are with occupations inclined to personal care and service (including nurses, doctors, caregivers, among others). Meanwhile, 20.7% of the total residents work in sales-inclined companies. Since commercial structures are on the rise, 14.6% of residents have jobs related to extraction and construction.
The favorable living conditions in Hanapepe, with an annual household income of $47,418 (almost $3,000 greater than the national rate), make it popular with people who wish to migrate. Apart from an impressive household income, the per capita income of this town is $18,320. With several attractive tourist destinations and stable economy, Hanapepe is definitely a place worthy to be visited.
Hanapepe Statistics:
Population: 2,153Households: 706
Median resident age: 34.9 years
Median household income: $44,112
Median house value: $184,700
Land area: 0.9 square miles
Elevation: 20 feet
Latitude: 21°54'N
Longitude: 159°35'W
Zip code: 96716
County: Kauai
