The new, gorgeously scenic public coastal pathway on Kauai’s East Side is a treasure waiting to be discovered. The path will eventually stretch from Ahukini Point (just north of the Lihue Airport) to Anahola Bay Beach Park (north of Kapaa). Although the local community is eagerly embracing this eco-friendly transportation alternative, Kauai’s visitors have yet to fully take advantage of the new East Side attraction.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae (“The Path that Goes by the Coast”) is the official name of the linear park pedestrian and bicycle (multi-use) trail system envisioned to connect Lihue and Anahola. So far, one portion of Ke Ala Hele Makalae is in use in Lydgate Park and a second and more popular section officially opened on February 15, 2007. This newest addition connects south and north Kapaa and provides paved access for biking or walking to some of the most popular sightseeing, shopping, and dining hot spots along the Coconut Coast. Another much-anticipated section (currently under construction) is located between Kealia Beach and Donkey Beach (just north of Kapaa) and opened in the fall of 2008.
“The Path that Goes by the Coast” is definitely a major understatement. The path allows visitors to easily walk (or wheel) alongside some of the most breathtakingly beautiful ocean and beach vistas on earth. The cement pathway is wide, smooth, and very easy to traverse, even for wheelchairs.
Kauai Path, a local community organization comprised of Kauai residents, is working together to preserve, protect, and extend island-wide access through the design, implementation, and stewardship of non-vehicular paths. Their mission is to protect access for the public in perpetuity by creating multi-use paths and amenities for communities around Kauai, providing transportation and recreational alternatives, while aiding the health and reflecting the heritage of the community.
For photographs and more information about this exquisite new public resource on Kauai, visit the Kauai Path organization’s Web site at: Kauai Path.
For her contribution to this article, we would like to thank Kauai-based Melissa Costales of Coconut Coasters Beach Bike Rentals — a great provider of rental bikes for the Kauai Path experience.
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