Kaua‘i’s ‘biggest little town’ readies for return of Friday night festivities

HANAPEPE — It’s a picture-perfect Friday night in Hanapepe.

The sun is setting, a cool breeze is blowing, and Andy Johnston is playing a guitar and singing in a quiet courtyard just outside Popo’s Cookies.

A small crowd of about 10 sits and listens, focused on the music flowing forth from the charismatic Johnston, who entertains with song, story and smile.

He has been doing this on Friday night for years, and says it is one of his main sources of joy.

“I love it,” he says after men, women and children drift away. “Even though it’s not Art Night, I’m having a blast.”

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of Friday Art Night more than two years ago, the streets of this Westside town have been too quiet.

Last Friday, when the town would normally be humming, a handful walked the sidewalks of Hanapepe Road. A few headed to cross the Historic Hanapepe Swinging Bridge. Some wandered into Blue Umi, a gallery. Down at Talk Story Bookstore, owner Ed Justus rang up sales for a few customers.

The tourists, who did the majority of the buying at the shops on the main street, have not returned in the numbers of previous years. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

One business owner said for a long stretch, sales were 15% of normal before COVID. Another said the shops have all suffered.

But better days could be ahead.

Hanapepe Art Night is returning 5 to 8 p.m. July 8. It’s going to be a party.

As far as Johnston is concerned, it’s about time.

“Art Night should absolutely come back as soon as possible,” he said. “There’s absolutely no reason not to.”

He said there are more people inside Costco at any given time than at Hanapepe Art Night. “So why aren’t we having Art Night? It’s fresh air, it’s outdoors. I don’t get it,” Johnston said.

Art Night has been a weekly booster shot for the economy for more than two decades, dating back to 1997.

“I look so forward to every Friday night when I get to play down here,” Johnston said.

Here’s how organizers describe it: “Friday nights are the best times to wander through Hanapepe Town. All of the galleries are open and the shops and restaurants are bustling. Artists, musicians and vendors of all types lining the main street makes for a wonderful night out.

“Whether on a date or cruising with the family and friends, there’s a little something for everyone in Kaua‘i’s “biggest little town.” Come get a taste of the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Hanapepe unique.”

Art Night will include vendors, who are being allowed to set up shop again.

The county Office of Economic Development holds the authority to issue revocable permits for vending in the county’s right of way for Hanapepe Art Night vendors. The permit allowing them to hold their next event was issued about two weeks ago.

There is a call for makers, vendors and food trucks, with a deadline of June 27. Visit hanapepe.org.

Lyn Lewis is another resident pleased with the return of Art Night.

“The community needs people to come down and enjoy what we have to offer,” she said.

Bringing music, shops, food and vendors all together “will generate more awareness about the community,” Lewis said.

The past two and a half years have been challenging for many in Hanapepe, who were weary of how long it would go on.

“I felt like we needed a little bit of a rejuvenation,” Lewis said. “I think the community is coming back and everybody wants to move forward.”

A man who declined to give his name was sitting in a chair outside Aloha Spirits liquor store on Friday night. He said things have been slow during the pandemic.

“Look how quiet it is. The only place doing good is over there,” he said, pointing across the street toward Japanese Grandma’s Cafe.

The return of tourists on Art Night will benefit the businesses, which is good. And for that, he is glad.

There is one small problem.

“Sometimes, you get the tourists, they think they own the road. That’s the only complaint I get,” he said, smiling. “Like anything else, to me, there’s good and bad. Hopefully, the good is more than the bad.”