Kauaʻi Photographer – Kit Furderer
Last Updated October 2, 2026
The Kapaʻa Bike Path, officially Ke Ala Hele Makālae (often written Ke Ala Hele Makalae), is a free, multi-use coastal path on Kauaʻi’s east side. It runs about 7.6 miles one way from Lydgate Beach Park north through Kapaʻa Town to Kuna Bay (Donkey Beach), and it’s mostly flat, paved, and open to bikers, walkers, runners, and skaters of all ages. So go ahead, grab your walking shoes or bike (Kapaʻa Town has plenty of places to rent affordable bikes for the day), and head on down to “The Path that Goes by the Coast” for an unforgettable, family-friendly outdoor adventure.
Kapaʻa Bike Path at a Glance
| Official name | Ke Ala Hele Makālae, “The Path that Goes by the Coast” |
| Length | About 7.6 miles one way per Kauai Path (some sources round to 8); roughly 15 miles round trip |
| Endpoints | Lydgate Beach Park (south) to Ahihi Point, just past Kuna Bay/Donkey Beach (north) |
| Surface | Paved and mostly flat, with one short unpaved stretch in Waipouli |
| Who can use it | Bikes, walkers, runners, skaters; ADA-compliant; leashed dogs [confirm before publish] |
| Cost | Free |
| Amenities | Covered pavilions with picnic tables, restrooms, beaches, playgrounds, interpretive signs |
| Recognition | Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame, 2024 inductee |
Top Reasons to Check out the Kapaʻa Bike Path:
- Did somebody say “ocean views?” The views along the path are incredible and include mesmerizing ocean views (with dolphin, humpback whale, monk seal, and turtle sightings in the right place, at the right time), enclosed rocky inlets, sweeping views of Kapaʻa Town, gorgeous rolling mountains, windswept trees, and more.
- However you choose to cruise the path (bike, run, walk, skate), it’s a great way to exercise while enjoying the natural outdoors and fresh ocean breeze; it feels less like work and more like play.
- Need an easy way to catch up with a friend, let the kids burn off some energy, or squeeze a workout into a busy vacation day? A stroll or ride down the path checks all those boxes at once, with a big dose of “outdoor therapy” on the side.
- It’s affordable, family-friendly, and welcoming to all ages.
- There are plenty of perfect places along the path to stop and enjoy a picnic (there are covered pavilions with picnic tables along the path), swim, walk the beach, or sit in silent reflection. The path offers something for everyone, including public restrooms along the way.
- Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Many informative and educational signs are spread along the path, covering topics ranging from local cultural history to plants and animals, providing local context for your coastal cruise.
- Along the path is a palpable feeling and air of aloha, a welcoming, shared camaraderie, and an opportunity to connect with
How Long Is the Kapaʻa Bike Path?
Ke Ala Hele Makālae is about 7.6 miles from end to end, according to Kauai Path, the nonprofit that stewards it; Rails to Trails Conservancy rounds it to 8. Most people don’t ride the whole thing. The stretch north of Kapaʻa Town to Kealia Beach and Kuna Bay has the most dramatic ocean views, while the Lydgate Beach Park section is ideal for families with small kids. Ride it out and back, and plan for extra time at the beaches and lookouts along the way.
Kapaʻa Bike Path Map and Access Points
You can hop on the Kapaʻa coastal path at several points. Popular starting spots include Lydgate Beach Park at the south end, the Kapaʻa Public Swimming Pool area near Old Kapaʻa Town, Lihi Park near the boat ramp in central Kapaʻa, and Kealia Beach to the north. For a full map of the path and its phases, see Kauai Path’s East Side map or the TrailLink trail page.
Good to Know: The Waipouli Gap
The path isn’t fully paved yet. A short segment in Waipouli, between the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort and the Kauai Coast Resort, is still a soft-surface path. It’s rideable on a beach cruiser, but slow down, and plan around it if you’re pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair.
Renting a Bike in Kapaʻa
Kapaʻa Town has several bike rental shops within a short ride of the path, renting beach cruisers, tandems, kids’ bikes, e-bikes, and trailers for little ones. Reserve ahead during busy seasons, and ask for a helmet and lock. Then park the rental car, pick a direction, and cruise.
Tips for Enjoying the Path
Kauai Path, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve, protect, and extend non-motorized multi-use paths across the island, shares helpful path etiquette guidelines worth a quick read before you go.
Also, as a friendly reminder, please pack your trash, plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for your adventure along the coast so you are set up for a stress-free day. Oh, and remember, be open to the adventure and ready for FUN!
A Rails to Trails Hall of Fame Trail
In 2024, Rails to Trails Conservancy inducted Ke Ala Hele Makālae into its Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes trails for qualities such as scenery, heavy use, amenities, historical significance, accessibility, and strong community connections. Part of the path follows the route of a former railroad once used to haul sugarcane. Look for the Hall of Fame signs as you ride. Cheehoo!
What’s Next for Ke Ala Hele Makālae
Also, stay tuned as the County of Kauaʻi expands the Ke Ala Hele Makālae. Eventually, the path will be a whopping 17 miles long, stretching the coastal path from Anahola to Nāwiliwili.
According to Kauai Path, environmental work is essentially complete for an eight-mile southern extension connecting Lydgate Beach Park to Hanamāʻulu and Līhuʻe, while planning for the northern connection to Anahola is on hold.There’s no projected completion date yet, but the future of the path is bright. See you on the path, where there are plenty of good vibes and aloha to go around.
Kapaʻa Bike Path FAQ
How long is the Kapaʻa Bike Path?
About 7.6 miles one way, from Lydgate Beach Park to Ahihi Point just past Kuna Bay (Donkey Beach), or roughly 15 miles round trip.
Is the Kapaʻa Bike Path paved?
Almost entirely. One short stretch in Waipouli, between the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort and the Kauai Coast Resort, is still a soft-surface path.
Where can I rent a bike for the Kapaʻa Bike Path?
Several rental shops in and around Old Kapaʻa Town sit right on or near the path, offering beach cruisers, e-bikes, tandems, and kids’ bikes.
Is the Kapaʻa Bike Path good for kids?
Yes. It’s mostly flat, car-free, and dotted with beaches, pavilions, playgrounds, and restrooms, and the Lydgate Beach Park section is especially family-friendly.
Spent the morning on the path? Round out your Kauaʻi trip on the water with a Nāpali Coast snorkel tour or a Kauaʻi sunset dinner cruise, or compare all our tours to find your fit.