PlayStreets Kaua‘i and partner Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana are rolling out a special event this weekend to mark the groundbreaking for the Garden Island’s newest skatepark.
A kickoff party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Hanapēpē Town Park will celebrate the beginning of the long-awaited Hanapēpē Skatepark Project.
The event is free to attend and will include free food, live music, giveaways, skate safety tips and a fingerboard table.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
“Skateparks are more than just places to ride,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami in an announcement for the upcoming event. “They are spaces where our youth build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.”
Kawakami is more than a mayor backing a recreation project for his county. He is a well-known skateboarder who is advocating for Kaua‘i County’s skateparks.
“Growing up, skating was an outlet for me and my friends to express ourselves,” the mayor told Kaua‘i Now in January 2025.
He added then that the new park in Hanapēpē and another planned at Nāwiliwili Beach Park will allow island keiki to meet like-minded people and skate in a safe and fun environment.
The new Hanapēpē Skatepark represents an investment of about $1.56 million to enhance recreational opportunities for youth and families on Kaua‘i’s westside.
It will encompass 10,000 square feet and replace the site’s wooden “pop-up” halfpipes, which will be refurbished and relocated to Kōloa on the island’s South Shore.
Hanapēpē will transform the existing space into a dynamic, professionally designed concrete skatepark with a mix of features catering to all age groups and skill levels.
Multiple colors, textures and skateable artworks — such as waves, turtles, volcanoes and a “shaka” hand gesture — will enliven the cement environments.
It will also be built with durable materials and thoughtful safety features.
The new park is designed to provide a creative, active and welcoming gathering place that strengthens community connections and supports healthy lifestyles in Hanapēpē.
Construction is set to begin Monday, April 27, and anticipated to be completed by fall this year.
A portion of Hanapēpē Town Park will be closed during construction; however, the playground will remain open.
Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana aims to inspire enthusiasm and friendly competition while honoring the history of the Hanapēpē ramp and celebrating the bright future of skating in the area.
Kauai’s growing skateboard community is excited to keep building momentum as new skatepark projects move into planning and development around the island.
The collaborative kickoff event underscores the community’s strong commitment to accessible recreation and youth engagement by creating a lively, welcoming space for skateboarders of all ages.
“Supporting projects like the Hanapēpē Skatepark is important to me because it reflects our commitment to healthy, positive recreation opportunities for our keiki and families across Kaua‘i,” Kawakami said.
The Garden Isle is already home to some skateboard infrastructure, including a bustling skatepark at Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa‘a and a smaller site in Līhu‘e.
Oregon-based Dreamland Skateparks — owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Danyel and Mark Scott, who along with their employees are also passionate skateboarders — was subcontracted by PBR Hawai‘i & Associates to design and construct the Hanapēpē and Nāwiliwili parks.
Dreamland Skateparks has designed and built skateparks throughout the United States and around the world since the Scotts founded the firm nearly 30 years ago.
Contact Alan Clinton at 808-241-4978 or via email at aclinton@kauai.gov for additional information and any questions.
News reporter Nathan Christophel contributed to this story.
