Kauai Path Kaua'i Coastal Path

What is Kauai Path?

Kauai Path is a non-profit organization that advocates for better walking and bicycling facities for all of Kauai.

What does 'Ke Ala Hele Makalae' mean?

Ke Ala Hele Makalae is Hawaiian for 'The Path that Goes by the Coast'. This is the name of the shared-use path envisioned to follow the coast from Nawiliwili to Anahola.

Are there etiquette guidelines for path users?

Yes—click here for the etiquette guidelines.

What is Kauai Path's vision?

Kauai residents working together to preserve, protect, and extend access island-wide through the design, implementation, and stewardship of multi-use non-motorized paths.

What is Kauai Path's mission?

To protect access for the public in perpetuity by creating multi-use paths and amenities for communities around Kauai, providing transportation and recreational alternatives, and aiding the health and reflecting the heritage of the community.

Who can I contact for further information?

Please use our Contact Form to reach Kauai Path Board of Directors member Thomas A. Noyes.

Which parts of Ke Ala Hele Makalae are wheelchair accessible?

As of Q1, 2011 there are two completed portions of Ke Ala Hele Makalae  — (1) Lydgate Park and (2) the 4.1 mile stretch along the coast from Kapaa to Kealia.

All of (1) is ADA compliant, with many parking areas designated for handicapped access.

The only portion of (2) that has not met ADA standards for access is the connection between the Kealia Kai trail head/comfort station at 22° 06' 58.40" N, 159° 18' 03.03" W and the Kuna Bay Beach—that section of pathway exceeds the slope limitation and is steeper than one would probably want to negotiate with a wheel chair. You can access the overlook of Kuna Bay and all of the (2) coastal path from many access points along the coast.

What are the key Phases of East Kauai's coastal pathway?

What is the present status of the County of Kauai's Ke Ala Hele Makalae project?

• Phase I (2.5 miles of multi-use path) is complete in Lydgate Park.
• Phase II extends along the coast from Lihi Park in central Kapaa 4.5 miles north to Ahihi Point in Kealia. This Phase was completed and opened for public enjoyment on June 26, 2009.
• Phase III (from Lydgate Park to Lihi Boat Ramp, plus a spur to the Kapaa Elementary School area): consultant Kimura Associates International has completed the Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been approved by the Federal Highways Administration. Construction began in 2009 and the path to be completed in the 2011-12 timeframe.
• Phase IV (from Ahukini Landing State Park to Lydgate Park) consultant R.M. Towill is expected to complete the Environmental Assessment in late 2011/early 2012.
• Phase V (from Ahihi Point in Kealia to the Anahola Beach Park) is envisioned to be built on land owned by the Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands. The first of three Community Input meetings was held on December 12, 2006, conducted by SSFM, the consultant preparing that Phase's Environmental Assessment. At least two more Community Input meetings will be held, dates tbd.
• Phase VI (from Ahukini Point to Nawiliwili) is in the Environmental Assessment process. Consulting firm R.M. Towill is preparing the EA, and as of January 2008, two community informational meetings had been conducted. A third community informational meeting is yet to be scheduled.

Which motorized vehicles are allowed on the pathway?

Only maintenance and emergency vehicles are allowed on the paths, with the exception of mobility carts for genuinely disabled persons. Motor-scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, powered bicycles, Segways, and quads are excluded.

Can I take my dog on the pathway?

Yes, except for the small portion of pathway in Lydgate Park between the Morgan Swimming Ponds south to the interstection of pathway connecting to the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Sports Park area. Current County ordinances prohibit bringing animals into County parks in general. In May, 2010 the Kauai County Council passed amended animal control ordinances, and the key points are:

• Dogs may be on path except for the small portion of pathway in Lydgate Park between the Morgan Swimming Ponds south to the interstection of pathway connecting to the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Sports Park area..
• Handler must be in control of dog at all times.
• No minimum age requirement for dog handler.
• Two dogs per handler max.
• Must have poop bag in evidence.
• Dog owner must remove & dispose of dog’s feces.
• Dog must be licensed.
• Maximum leash length 6 ft., non-retractable.
• Must remove dog from the area if it gets aggressive.
• Fenced off-leash dog park to be created in Wailua Homesteads Park.

Who do I report to in case of an emergency on the pathway?

Ke Ala Hele Makalae is part of the County parks system. For all non-emergency situations, call police dispatch at 241-1711. Police Dispatch can notify appropriate personnel to address the issue of concern. All emergencies, call 911. Emergencies should not be called in to the Department of Parks & Recreation. For maintenance issues, contact the Department of Parks & Recreation at 241-4460.

Where will horses be allowed on the pathway?

Not at this time. Equestrians were considered to be allowed only from the North end of Kealia Beach to Ahihi Point, within Phase II. An rock fall hazard was identified along the path, and the narrow section was deemed as too dangerous to accommodate the equestrian element. During the preparation of the Phase V (Ahihi Point in Kilauea to Anahola Beach Park) EA, an equestrian element will be considered for Phase V.

What is this group's relationship with County and State governments?

Kauai Path is not affiliated with the County or State governments. Kauai Path is presently working in fiscal partnership with Garden Island Resource Conservation & Development, Inc., a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.In 1999 then Council Member Bryan Baptiste convened a group to serve as a Citizens’ Advisory Committee in order to provide a forum for community input to the planning of an East Kauai coastal pathway. That group selected the name “Ke Ala Hele Makalae” for the pathway from Nawiliwili to Anahola, and between 1999 and 2007 met as the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Committee. In 2007 members of the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Committee nominated individuals to serve on the board of Kauai Path, an organization with a scope of endeavor encompassing all of Kauai. As of December 2007, Kauai Path’s board of directors has been elected, and the group has registered as a Hawaii corporation, an initial step in becoming an independent registered non-profit organization.

Who do I ask about pathway complaints?

Complaints should be addressed to the County of Kauai Department of Parks & Recreation at 241-4456.