Hanapepe Beach Park
Hanapepe, HI
Hanapepe Beach Park sits at the mouth of the Hanapepe River, a working stretch of sand a short walk from the art town's galleries and Friday night market. The current near the river mouth runs unpredictable, so this is more a beach for a walk after browsing town than a swimming destination.
A convenient stop paired with Hanapepe town, but the unpredictable river mouth current and murky water keep it well below the west side's better swimming beaches.
How we score beachesCombine a visit with Friday's Hanapepe Art Night. Parking near the beach is easier before the market crowd arrives downtown.
A small lot off Hanapepe Road serves the park, usually with space outside of Friday evening market hours.
A flat gravel path connects the lot to the sand, manageable for most strollers, though soft closer to the water.
Summer's calmer river flow and lighter surf make for the safer season to be near the water. Winter's rain raises the river and adds runoff that clouds the water near its mouth.
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