Kauai Path

Kauai Path FAQ

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 multi-use path envisioned to follow the coast from Nawiliwili to Anahola.

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 non-vehicular 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 Secretary Thomas A. Noyes.

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

The County of Kauai's Ke Ala Hele Makalae project is a six Phase undertaking.

Phase I is 2.5 miles, complete in Lydgate Park.

Phase II is 4.5 miles from the Lihi Boat Ramp in central Kapaa to Ahihi Point in Kealia.

Phase III will connect Phases I & II, from Lydgate Park to Lihi Boat Ramp.

Phase IV will go from Ahukini Landing State Park to Lydgate Park.

Phase V is planned to go from Ahihi Point in Kealia to the Anahola Beach Park.

Phase VI is planned to go from Ahukini Point to Nawiliwili.

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 (from Lihi Boat Ramp in central Kapaa 4.5 miles to Ahihi Point in Kealia) A portion of this Phase (from Lihi Boat Ramp to the North end of Kealia Beach) was opened on February 15, 2008. The rest of this Phase is expected to be opened in the fall of 2008 (as of 7/18/08).

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 is expected to beging in 2009 and the path to be completed in 2010.

Phase IV (from Ahukini Landing State Park to Lydgate Park) consultant Merle Grimes LLC is expected to complete the Environmental Assessment in late 2008/early 2009.

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 at the beginning of the Environmental Assessment process. A consultant (R.M. Towill) has been selected to prepare the EA, and as of January 2008, two community informational meetings have 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?

No. Current County ordinances prohibit bringing animals into County parks.

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

Ke Ala Hele Makalae is part of the County parks system, so situations should be reported to the Kauai Police Department at 911 or to 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.