Ke Ala Hele Makalae or "The Path that Goes by the Coast" describes the scenic multi-use path that runs along the East side of Kauai and will eventually follow the coast from Nawiliwili to Anahola. The newly opened bike path offers breathtaking views starting in south Kapa'a and winding North past downtown up to Kealia Beach. As of early 2012, there were 7 completed miles of path:
- One segment connects Lydgate State Park to Wailua Beach Park
- The rest links Kapa'a to Ahihi Point (Kealia Beach)
The Kauai Bike Path is a family friendly Kauai activity that is free and open to the public. Visit restaurants, shops, and many amazing beaches on this self-guided path along Kauai's Coconut Coast. This beautiful Kauai path is used by walkers, runners, and cyclists. Dogs are welcome on the path as long as they are kept on a leash and cleaned up after. See a complete list of the Kapa'a Bike Path Rules & Guidelines below.
Rules For Bringing a Dog on the Kauai Bike Path
Dogs are welcome on the pathway, except for the small portion of pathway in Lydgate Park between the Morgan Swimming Ponds south to the intersection 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 interconnection 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 and 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
Motorized Vehicles on the Kauai Bike Path
Only maintenance and emergency vehicles are allowed on the paths, with the only exception being mobility carts for genuinely disabled persons. No other motorized vehicles allowed on the path
Kauai Bike Path Parking and Access
- For the southern segment parking is available at Lydgate State Park off Nalu Road by the beach and off Kuhio Highway at Wailua Beach Park.
- For the northern segment parking is available by the boat launch across from the Kapaa Burger King (turn east off Kuhio Hwy. onto Kaloloku Rd.), at the end of Niu Street at the beach
- Parking is available in a few more places along Kuhio Hwy. north of Kapa'a Beach Park.
Kauai Bike Path Rules and Guidelines
- Be Courteous - All path users should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode of travel, speed, or skill level.
- Keep Path Clear - Use no more than one-half of the path when in a group.
- Be Predictable - Travel in a consistent manner. Look behind you before changing position on the path.
- Keep Right - Stay to the right of the path except when passing. Move back or to the right once safely past.
- Respect Private Property - Stay on designated paths or roadways. Avoid shortcutting switchbacks.
- Signal When Passing - Give a clear warning by voice, bell, or horn before passing.
- Yield to Slower Traffic - Cyclists yield to pedestrians-Wheels Yield to Heels.
- Respect the Path and 'Aina (Land) - Keep litter in trash receptacles; observe and protect wildlife from a distance.
Kauai Bike Path Estimated Time for Completion (Round Trip)
The below times for completing the Kapa'a Bike Path are based on an average and may vary- Bicycling: 1 hour
- Running: 1.5 hours
- Walking: 2 hours
Kauai Bike Path Bicycle and Stroller Rentals
There are many companies to choose from when deciding where to rent bicycles and strollers to use for the Kauai Bike Path. Most bike rental companies provide helmets and locks with rentals, and offer a wide variety of rental options and attachments for kids. Most businesses rent bikes by the hour, day, or week.Kapaa Bike Rental Businesses
Coconut Coasters - Coconut Coasters Beach Bike Rentals in Kapaa offers a full selection of TREK brand classic cruisers, 3 speed cruiseliners, Tandems for two, and trailer bikes for kids. Helmets and bike locks are included in rental prices. Picnic lunches are available upon request. Stroller rentals also available.
- Address: 4-1586 Kuhio Highway, Kapa'a, Kauai, Hi. 96746
- Phone: (808) 822-7368 (808-822-RENT)
- Hours:
- Website
- Yelp Review
- Address: 4-1592 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa'a, HI. 96746
- Phone: (808) 212-8615
- Hours: Sun.-Fri. 8am-6pm
- Website
- Address: 4-1286 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa'a, HI 96746
- Phone: (808) 822-4628
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat.-Sun. 10am-4pm
- Yelp Review
- Address: 934 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa'a, Hi. 96746
- Phone: (808) 821-2115
- Hours: M-F 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4pm, Closed Sundays
- Website
- Address: Roxy Square, 4-1345 Kuhio Hwy., Kapa'a HI. 96746
- Phone: (808) 821-1519
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Everyday
- Website
- Yelp Review
As of early 2012, there were 7 of 9 completed miles of path:
Present Status of the County of Kauai's "Ke Ala Hele Makalae" Bike Path Project The County of Kauai's Ke Ala Hele Makalae project is a six phase undertaking:
- 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.
(Map Credit: KauaiPath.org)
In short, there is not yet a contiguous ~9 mile long multi-use path all the way from Lydgate Park to Kuna Bay. The resolute walker, runner, or cyclist should be able to traverse the incomplete portion of that alignment.
The two complete sections are in constant use, are very attractive, and the interpretive signage now being installed along the Kapaa - Kuna Bay corridor should be completely in place by late September to early October 2013.
Additionally, there should be a new section of path completed that will climb the hill between the coast and the residential neighborhood along Kawaihau Road at the North end of Kapaa town. That section now has finished concrete on the ground at the base and at the crest of the rise, but the elevated above-grade center section is planned for construction in the summer of 2013.
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