Ke Ala Hele Makālae, an 8-mile coastal trail on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, has been inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for exemplary multiuse trails that bring significant social, economic, and quality-of-life benefits to their communities.
Renowned for its scenic beauty and accessibility, Ke Ala Hele Makālae—meaning “The Path that Goes by the Coast”—extends from Lydgate Beach Park to Kuna Bay, connecting several coastal communities, including Ahihi Point and Kapa’a, the most populous town on Kaua’i. The trail is celebrated for its role in promoting public health and active transportation, with plans to expand it to 17 miles, further enhancing its impact.
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Ryan Chao, president of RTC, praised the trail, stating, “Ke Ala Hele Makālae captures the breadth of opportunity that trails deliver to the nation—through the joy it brings to everyone who experiences it and its transformative impact as part of the region’s active transportation strategy.”
Kaua’i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the trail’s success and highlighting its significance as an accessible space for physical activity and social interaction.
Ke Ala Hele Makālae’s induction into the Hall of Fame follows a public vote, where it secured nearly 45% of the vote, surpassing nominees from Arkansas and Arizona. It joins a prestigious list of trails recognized for their scenic value, community benefits, and historical significance.
For more information, visit RailsToTrails.org/HallOfFame.
Source: Hawai’i’s Ke Ala Hele Makālae Earns National Recognition with Trail Hall of Fame Honor
