Waimea Swinging Bridge

Walking the Waimea Swinging Bridge

The Waimea Swinging Bridge is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Waimea River in the center of Waimea town on Kaua'i's west side. The original bridge dates back to the early 1900s, built to connect residents to farms on the far side of the river. It's been rebuilt several times -- most recently after Hurricane Iniki destroyed it in 1992.

The bridge sways and bounces as you cross. That's by design. The cables and wooden planks flex with your weight, which is part of the experience. It's perfectly safe, just a little unnerving the first time you feel it move under your feet.

What to Expect

This is a quick stop -- five minutes, maybe ten if you linger for photos. The bridge is free to walk and open during daylight hours. From the center of the span, you get a nice view up and down the Waimea River, with the red-dirt canyon walls visible in the distance.

It's walkable from Waimea's main road. Park anywhere in town, grab a shave ice at Jo-Jo's, and stroll over. The bridge sits just off Menehune Road, less than a mile from Highway 50.

Pairing with Other Stops

Waimea is the gateway to Waimea Canyon, so most visitors pass through here on the way up or down from the canyon lookouts. The bridge pairs well with a stop at the Captain Cook monument on the waterfront or a plate lunch in town. It's a small piece of old Kaua'i history that takes almost no time to see.