Travelers head to Kauai from across the map in droves each year to experience the island’s rich heritage, amazing weather, and stunning natural beauty for themselves. Kauai has long been loved for the easy access it provides to the great outdoors, and this year, the island adds to its accolades, as the Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail is added to the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s prestigious Hall of Fame! Many would agree that Hawaii plays host to a collection of nature trails that sit in a class all their own. With the induction into the Hall of Fame, Ke Ala Hele Makalae proves the point and takes it further, solidifying its place as a route that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail is a pathway that encourages visitors and locals alike to get out and savor the gorgeous island sights on foot or bike while finding inspiration in the great outdoors. Its impact has now earned a great and well-deserved reward that will remain a long-lasting testament to the joy time in nature can provide.

A Legacy of Recognizing Greatness on the Trails

The Hall of Fame status given to the Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail was awarded by Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is the country’s largest trails organization. The grassroots community that makes up the Rails to Trails Conservancy is currently at more than one million members who share a passion for time on the trails and the power these pathways provide when it comes to community health, inspiration, safety, and connectedness. The Rails to Trails Conservancy envisions a nation connected by more and more trails over time with an emphasis on creating recreational pathways that are not only effective for outdoor adventurers, but safe spaces that bring people together in the name of shared interests.

road to Kauai labor day fun

Rails to Trails Conservancy began recognizing exceptional trails across the country back in 2007, and Hall of Fame inductees are selected based on merits like trailside amenities and usage as well as scenery, excellence in management, community connections, and geographic distribution. When a trail is added to the Hall of Fame, special subsequent honors include a highlight piece in the Rails to Trails magazine, a Trail of the Month feature, and special signage that can be placed along the trail highlighting the achievement for those who visit. Some of the trails that have earned such honors in the past include Katy Trail State Park in Missouri, the Burke-Gilman Trail in Washington, the Bizz Johnston National Recreation Trail in California, and the East Bay Bicycle Path in Rhode Island, just to name a few. 

How Ke Ala Hele Makalae Fits the Hall of Fame Criteria

The Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail was selected by the Rails to Trails Conservancy team as a result of the pathway being an exceptional example of a collection of multi-use trails designed to improve the economic and social quality of life for the communities they serve. The award came about as the result of a national public vote and puts the Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail in a group of elite trails that have earned the award in the past. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail has always been beloved among explorers and now, it has earned a title to match. If you want to experience the Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail for yourself, it’s a trip that’s worth your while.

Ke Ala Hele Makalae translates to “The Path That Goes by the Coast,” and it stretches eight miles from Donkey Beach to Lydgate Beach Park on Kauai. Along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail, outdoor adventurers can make the most of easy access to local communities like Ahihi Point, Kapa’a, and Wailua Beach Park. The trail’s creation is the result of collaboration between private, community, and government partnerships, which makes its place in the Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame even more relevant. When you trek along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail, you’ll be on a path that’s designed with ADA compliance in mind every step of the way. That means those with strollers in hand or utilizing wheelchairs can easily navigate the pathway and enjoy time in nature alongside every other hiker and biker on Kauai. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail was among three nominees for the Hall of Fame inductee honor during the summer of 2024 alongside the Santa Cruz Loop in Arizona and the Razorback Greenway in Arkansas. Keala Hele Makalae earned the top accolade with nearly 45% of the total votes. 

Enjoy an Unforgettable Journey to Kauai

The next time your travel plans happen to bring you to beautiful Kauai, the team of property professionals at Premier Kauai is here to make sure you’re settled into a vacation rental that tops off your stay in exceptional luxury and style. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options available and to get started. We look forward to seeing you on the island soon!