The Kauai Department of Parks and Recreation has announced that the Kauai Path, also known as Ke Ala Hele Makālae and “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” has been nominated for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. This nomination, announced on July 10, underscores the trail’s remarkable contribution to community health, connectivity, and environmental preservation. Kauai Path meets the designation of a “rail trail” because it partially follows a former railroad line once used to haul the island’s sugarcane.
Having walked and biked this ocean-side path ourselves for years, Beat of Hawaii gives this a Jeff’s Pick for activities not to miss. It has become a great addition to Kauai and is currently over 7 miles long each way.
Mahalo nui loa to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy for nominating Ke Ala Hele Makālae to its Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame this year. We are incredibly proud of our team at the Department of Parks and Recreation, our partners at Kauai Path, and our Eastside community for their ongoing efforts in maintaining and promoting this wonderful path for our residents and visitors.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami
Hall of Fame Recognition
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame celebrates rail trails across the nation that make significant impacts on their communities and regions. Inducted trails are honored for their scenic value, public benefit, and historical significance. The voting period for Ke Ala Hele Makālae’s nomination runs from July 26 to August 4, and supporters are encouraged to vote as often as possible before the deadline.
For more information about Ke Ala Hele Makālae (Kauai Path) and to vote on its nomination, you can visit the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website.
Kauai Path: A vision that continues to be developed.
“Building on a shared vision dating back to the 1990s, Ke Ala Hele Makālae is a work-in-progress envisioned to link communities along Kauai’s east side from Niumalu to Anahola,” said Tommy Noyes, executive director of Kauai Path. “The accomplishments achieved to date in building this ambitious path system have inspired similar active-transportation infrastructure improvements across other sectors of Kauai.”
Spanning 7.6 miles, Ke Ala Hele Makālae offers a paved, scenic route perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and skating. The path stretches from Lydgate Beach Park to Kuna Bay and was designed to create a safe and picturesque route that ensures public access to the coast, connects coastal communities, and promotes healthy living.
Plans to expand the Kauai Path.
The project aims to extend the path to create a continuous route along Kauai’s east coast, connecting more communities and providing a safe, scenic route for residents and visitors. Specifically, Phase V aims to connect Ahihi Point in Kealia to Anahola Beach Park, and Phase VI will link Ahukini Point to Nawiliwili (Lihue).
Ways that Kauai path benefits Kauai visitors and the community.
The vision for Ke Ala Hele Makālae extends beyond physical connectivity. It aims to improve public health, support local tourism, stimulate businesses, and protect the coastal environment. This accessible corridor provides a space for physical activity and social interaction, benefiting both residents and visitors for generations to come.
The Kauai Path is renowned for its coastal cliffs, beaches below, and lush tropical vegetation, making it a unique and picturesque spot for walking, running, and biking. The path is well-suited to those of all ages and fitness levels with gentle slopes. It is well-maintained to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Community involvement.
Kauai Path, the organization behind the trail’s maintenance and promotion, encourages community involvement through volunteer opportunities and events. The path not only serves as a recreational asset but also fosters a sense of community among locals and visitors alike.
Getting involved in Kauai Path.
The community’s support is crucial for Ke Ala Hele Makālae’s induction into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. As the voting period approaches on July 26, updates will be provided to encourage participation. Let’s come together to celebrate and support this significant achievement for Kaua’i’s treasured coastal path. For more information and to get involved, visit Kauai Path.
Have you tried the Kauai Path?
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Yes, it is a very nice path which we walked even before it was opened. But after being hit from the back with bicyclists 3 times…last one was the worst being that I hit my head on the cement…we stopped walking on it. Did send letters to the County Council & at that time Mayor Carvalho…nothing was done. Hence for our safety, we stopped walking on the path which we did twice a day. Hope there has not been any other incidents since.
My very favorite activity on Kauai. Used to bike it every chance I could when visiting. Unfortunately, I no longer visit since being made aware of how much of a negative impact and inconvenience to locals visitors are. Am grateful for the many memories Kauai and her people blessed me with. My love for Kauai will always be with me
Is there a real expectation that
Phases v and vi will ever be completed, and if so when?
I have walked, biked and run on this Kauai path for many many years. I recently turned 80 and while I don’t run much anymore, I have said to myself and friends that this is the best running path in the world. ( I have run in many countries, cities and continents.) Get up before sunrise, run/walk as the sun comes up, perfect weather, waves crashing on the rocks, no car traffic, and not too crowded. We stay at the Worldmark Condo next to the path. Java Kai is the perfect stop along the way for coffee and pastries.