Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [458]
Hanapepe Riverside Inn (261-1693; 4466 Puolo Rd; 1br $97) Clean, simple and chock-full of the basics, this decent little upstairs unit has a full kitchen, king-size bed, washer-dryer access and Hanapepe River views. The only problem is booking, as you have to go through a service. Maximum two people and three-night minimum stay.
Eating
Taro Ko Chips Factory (335-5586; 3940 Hanapepe Rd; small bag $2.50; 8am-5pm) This is the place to stop if you want a unique alternative to getting your French fries fix. Thinly sliced kalo that’s seasoned, slathered with oil and tortured in a deep wok makes for some crispy, somewhat sweet but mostly salty crunching.
Hawaiian Hut Delights (335-3781; 3805 Hanapepe Rd; noon-5pm Mon-Fri) If you’re just passing through and want some portable sustenance, try this place for an old-school local snack like li hing mui (salty dried plums; also a flavor of crack seed) or a quickie rainbow shave ice (from $2) on-the-go.
Lappert’s Ice Cream (335-6121; www.lapperts.com; 1-3555 Kaumuali′i Hwy; ice cream $4; 10am-6pm) There’s not much that beats natural ice cream, so don’t miss the Kauai pie with Kona coffee ice cream, chocolate fudge, macadamia nuts, coconut flakes and vanilla cake crunch.
Tahina’s Tasty Treats (335-0260; 4505 Puolo Rd; lunches $7.75; 11am-5pm Mon-Fri) Ahi, mahimahi or opah (moonfish) make for a yummy approach to the English tradition of fish and chips, while other options such as fried oysters or shrimp make for a more unusual experience. It also has boba (tapioca) drinks, creamy milkshakes and typical shave-ice flavours.
Da Imu Hut Café (335-0200; 1-3959 Kaumuali′i Hwy; 10am-2pm, 5-8pm Mon-Fri & 10am-1pm Sat) Specializing in local food, this is the perfect place to pick up lunch for a drive up to the canyon or a beach picnic.
Bobbie’s Island Restaurant (335-5152; 3620 Hanapepe Rd; plate lunch $5.95; 10am-2:30pm Mon-Fri & 5-8:30pm Mon, Thu, Fri) With fish and chips, local-style plate lunches and a killer roast pork gravy, this is a predominantly locals’ spot and boasts such comforting, high-calorie eats as loco moco (rice, fried egg and hamburger with gravy) and pork katsu (great for a rainy day or posthike meal).
Kaua′i Pupu Factory (335-0084; 1-3566 Kaumuali′i Hwy; plate lunch $6.25, ahi poke per lb $9; 9am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, to 3pm Sat) A down-home-style local. If you’ve got a big group, get enough for everyone, pack a cooler and head to the beach.
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HANAPEPE ART WALK
Any given Friday in old Hanapepe town offers a candid peek into its art-world milieu, as galleries keep later hours, offering a chance to stroll, peruse and dine. The pace picks up around 5pm – when the former main drag is transformed by its already-heady mix of musicians, art installations and visitors. Meander through the galleries on the Friday Night Art Walk (6-9pm Fri); the galleries house everything from the works of Sunday artists, island-inspired originals, Hawaiiana vintage and kitsch to photography, watercolours and a sampling of Asian and island art. Though art aficionados may snub some of the collections as less than cutting edge, remember: Hanapepe is small town – and proud of it. Some galleries:
Arius Hopman Gallery (335-0227; www.hopmanart.com; 3840C Hanapepe Rd; 10:30am-3:30pm Mon-Thu, to 9pm Fri) An eye for recognizing, composing and presenting nature’s beauty means Hopman’s photography certainly beats any postcard shot taken on the island.
Art of Marbling/Robert Bader Wood Sculpture (482-1472; 3890 Hanapepe Rd; 10am-5pm Sat-Thu, to 9pm Fri) Becky J Wold’s work on silk and her husband’s work in wood make for unique collecting, whether it’s a small paper or Cook Island Pine work.
Banana Patch Studio (335-5944; 800-914-5944; www.bananapatchstudio.com; 3865 Hanapepe Rd; 10am-4:30pm Sat-Thu, to 9pm Fri) Koi pond watercolours, vibrant island art,