Ke Ala Hele Makalae: Kauaʻi's Scenic Coastal Bike Ride

The first time I learned of Ke Ala Hele Makalae — "The Path that Goes by the Coast" in Hawaiian — was from a film featuring an aerial shot of it. As the camera panned away, a little boy on a bike with his dad nearby turned into a speck as the shoreline, trees and a big blue ocean filled in the screen around them. I knew then that I would someday bike this path.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae is an 8.5-mile shared-use path along the East Side of Kauaʻi, also known as the Kapaʻa Bike Path. It begins just past Lydgate Beach Park, near the mouth of the Wailua River, and heads north through Kapaʻa to Paliku Beach, also known as Donkey Beach. Bike rental shops are located along the path near Old Kapaʻa Town, or you can reserve ahead of time using the links below.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae was developed in the 1990s as a coastal access trail for the public. It runs along a section of coastline once used by the Ahukini Terminal & Railroad Company, established in 1920 to transport sugarcane for the Līhuʻe Plantation and Makee Sugar Company. The railroad connected Keālia and Kapaʻa, both of which had harbors where small boats transported raw sugar to large ships offshore. The tracks were removed in 1959. Today the path provides locals and visitors with access to beaches, ocean views and historical sites along one of Kauaʻi's most beautiful stretches of coastline.

Riding alone felt wonderful. I could see how it would have been equally enjoyable with company, but discovering this place on my own made it extra special. I stopped to photograph whatever caught my eye, lingered in spots to watch people on the beach or admire homes along the way, and read every sign. Other than that, I just cruised at an easy pace and never once felt the need to sit down or rest.

Just north of Keālia Beach. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

Stops of Interest Along the Way

• Lydgate Beach Park: One of Kauaʻi's best beaches, particularly for families. The park features a protected swimming area and a large jungle gym playground for kids.

• Hikinaakala Heiau: A sacred Hawaiian temple site near the mouth of the Wailua River. The heiau was a place of refuge in ancient Hawaiʻi, where those fleeing danger could find safety.

• Kukui Heiau: Another significant heiau along the Wailua River corridor, part of a larger network of sacred sites in this historically important area.

• Wailua Bay: A sweeping bay at the mouth of the Wailua River with views back toward the mountains and out to open ocean.

• Lihi Park & Waiākea Boat Harbor: Located at the mouth of the Waiākea Canal. You'll cross the Waiākea Bridge here, a nice vantage point over the water.

• Coconut Marketplace: A shopping and dining complex along the path, a good spot to stop for a snack or browse local vendors.

• Baby Beach: A calm, shallow stretch of water popular with families and young swimmers.

• Kapaʻa Beach Park: Situated at the mouth of the Moʻikeha Canal. You'll cross the Moʻikeha Bridge here before continuing north.

• Kapaʻa Public Swimming Pool: Free parking is available here, and several bike rental shops are nearby — a convenient place to start your ride.

• Kaiakea Point: A scenic rocky point where the path hugs the coastline closely and the ocean views open up.

• Kapaʻa Lookout: A elevated vantage point with wide views up and down the coast. Worth a stop.

• Keālia Beach: A long, popular beach just past the Kapaʻa Stream. You'll cross the Kapaʻa Bridge to get here. The beach is beloved for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking, and vehicles are permitted on the sand.

• Pineapple Dump: A historic pier where pineapple scraps were once dumped into the ocean during the early-20th-century plantation era.

• Kuna Bay: A quiet, scenic bay in the northern stretch of the path, away from the busier beach parks to the south.

• Paliku Beach (Donkey Beach): The northern end of the path. This secluded beach has a wilder feel than the beaches closer to town. Although the path will take you into vegetation here, ending in a field, rather than beachfront.

I recommend renting a bike for two hours rather than four or a full day. It took me about an hour and a half to complete the trail in both directions, including multiple quick stops. Walking the path is also an option. I passed at least a dozen people on foot along the way.

Come prepared for sun. The path is exposed for most of its length and Kapaʻa is one of the sunnier spots on Kauaʻi's East Side. Wear a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. I worked up a good sweat riding in February, so plan accordingly if you're visiting during the hotter summer months.

Near the Pineapple Dump. Photo by Sarah Burchard.

A few more things to know:

• Restrooms are available at several points along the path

• Surface: Most of the path is paved, but the northern section transitions to a packed dirt trail. It's a little bumpier but still manageable on a standard rental bike

• Bike rentals along the path:

  • Holoholo Bike Rental

  • Hele On Kauaʻi

  • Or to reserve ahead for a quick pick-up, use the links below.