LIHU‘E — The nation’s largest trail advocacy organization announced that Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail is the newest member of the Rails to Trails Conservancy Organization Hall of Fame.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail, whose name translates to “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” is being recognized by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nations largest trails organization.
RTC is iluminating the exemplary trail celebrated for its social, economic and quality-of-life value it brings to the island of Kaua‘i. The trail was among three nominees voted by the public between July 26, 2024, and Aug. 4, 2024, securing nearly 45 percent of the vote.
Ke Ala Hele Makalae joins an iconic list of Hall of Fame trails recognized for their outstanding scenic value, use, amenities, historical significance and community benefits, such as Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Trail, California’s Bizz Johnson Trail, Idaho’s Route of the Hiawatha and Indiana’s Monon Trail, to name a few.
“Hawai‘i’s trails are in a class of their own, said Ryan Chao, RTC’s president “Providing access to some of the country’s most picturesque and revered nature, while simultaneously creating the framework for walkable, bikeable communities valued by the people who live there and inspiring for the millions who visit every year.
“Ke Ala Hele Makalae 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.”
The famous 8-mile trail connects from Ahihi Point to Wailua Beach Park into Lydgate Beach Park and Kapa‘a with plans to expand the trail another 17 miles between Nawiliwili and Anahola.
“On behalf of the County of Kaua‘i, we are honored that Ke Ala Hele Makālae has been inducted into the Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.
“Mahalo to our team with the Department of Parks and Recreation, former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka’s vision for the trail, our partners with Kaua‘i Path, our eastside community, Rails to Trails Conservancy, and everyone who voted to make this possible. We thank you so much! The trail continues to be a pathway that improves public health and is an accessible corridor for physical activity, social interaction, and exemplifies the beauty of Kaua‘i.”
For more information on RTC’s Hall of Fame list, visit RailsToTrails.org/HallOfFame.
