Ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path, Kauai
Adventure Destination

Ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path, Kauai

Explore the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path along Kauai's eastern shore. This easy scenic route is perfect for biking, walking, and running. Enjoy ocean views, wildlife sightings, and local landmarks while riding this family-friendly path. Open year-round with quiet beach sections.

Biking7.5/10Easy
Photo Gallery

Category

Biking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Easy

About This Adventure Destination

Ke Ala Hele Makalae, meaning "The Path That Goes by the Coast" in Hawaiian, is a multi-use trail offering some of the most scenic coastal views on Kauai. Stretching along the island’s eastern shore, this paved pathway is ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists looking for a leisurely or active experience. The route offers access to stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and convenient rest stops, making it a must-do for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of Kauai at their own pace.

Editorial Assessment

Ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path offers beautiful ocean views and a scenic pathway perfect for biking and walking, showcasing the natural beauty of Kauai. While it provides a wonderful outdoor adventure, it does not feature the unique geological formations required for a higher ranking.

Ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path, Kauai

Adventure Guide to Ride the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Coastal Path, Kauai

1

Kealia Beach to Donkey Beach

  • Details:

    Location: Start at Kealia Beach, a popular surf spot with facilities, and head north to Donkey Beach.

  • Details:

    Highlights: This section provides expansive ocean views, especially during whale-watching season (December–April).

  • Details:

    Features: Rest areas, interpretive signs, and shaded spots along the way. Kapaa Town to Lydgate Park

  • Details:

    Location: Begin in Kapaa, a historic town with shops and restaurants, and head south to Lydgate Park.

  • Details:

    Highlights: Easy access to eateries in Kapaa, breathtaking sunrise views, and family-friendly beaches.

  • Details:

    Features: Picnic areas, restrooms, and playgrounds at Lydgate Park. Marine Wildlife Viewing at Wailua Bay

  • Details:

    Location: Wailua Bay along the trail.

  • Details:

    Highlights: Frequent sightings of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and occasional spinner dolphins.

  • Details:

    Features: Informational signs on local marine life and benches for viewing.

2

Local Insights

  • Details:

    Ke Ala Hele Makalae follows ancient Hawaiian pathways that once connected seaside villages.

  • Details:

    Hawaiian petroglyphs and historical markers provide glimpses into Kauai’s past.

  • Details:

    Locals recommend visiting early in the morning for cooler temperatures and quieter paths.

3

Visitor Tips

  • Details:

    Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for optimal weather and minimal crowds.

  • Details:

    What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, and a bike (available for rent in Kapaa).

  • Details:

    Directions: From Lihue Airport, take Highway 56 north to Kapaa (about 15 minutes). Parking is available at Kealia Beach or Lydgate Park.

Reviews

C
Cassandra Bradforda week ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

J
Ja month ago

Very beautiful and peaceful!

S
Stevee Hight2 months ago

We rented bikes from Hele for two hours. We went to the end of the trail and back within 1.5 hrs with minimal stopping. We did get the chance to see a seal! It was down in the rocks in a more mellow area relaxing. We also took a slight detour to ride in the tree tunnel and back. We went mid day, the ocean breeze made it bearable. 10-10 should take a few hours out of your day to ride this path and the. Explore the cute town of Kapa’a. First Saturday of every month they do an art/food fair starting at about 5/5:30pm.

O
Oleg Bogdesco2 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

S
Steve Grappo3 months ago

Our 1 speeds got the job done, it's mostly level, the wind is the real opposing force. Further exploration is possible at the north end of the ride, walking or biking.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Opaeka'a Falls: A Serene Hawaiian Cascade8.04.60 mi
'Opaeka'a Falls

Opaeka'a Falls: A Serene Hawaiian Cascade

Explore Opaeka'a Falls in Wailua, Hawaii, a stunning 151-foot waterfall that's easily accessible with panoramic views. Perfect for families, it offers scenic views, cultural history, and nearby kayaking opportunities. Best visited year-round with crowds peaking in summer.

View Details →
Waterfall Wonders: Wailua Falls, Hawaii9.26.04 mi
Wailua Falls

Waterfall Wonders: Wailua Falls, Hawaii

Visit Wailua Falls near Lihue, Hawaii, famous for its twin 80-foot drops amidst lush scenery. Accessible by car, it's a top spot for photography and cultural stories. Ideal year-round, but best enjoyed early to avoid summer crowds.

View Details →
The Majestic Manawaiopuna Falls: Kauai's Hidden Gem8.815.8 mi
Manawaiopuna Falls

The Majestic Manawaiopuna Falls: Kauai's Hidden Gem

Visit the remote Manawaiopuna Falls, known for its dramatic 400-foot cascade and cultural stories. Accessed primarily by helicopter from Lihue, it offers a unique vantage point for photographers seeking stunning views.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

A Local’s Kauaʻi: Six Hours with Pohakukauea in Kapaʻa0.80 mi
Kapaa, Hawaii

A Local’s Kauaʻi: Six Hours with Pohakukauea in Kapaʻa

Join lifelong Kauaʻi resident Pohakukauea Kekaualua for a six-hour guided exploration of Kapaa’s landscapes, cultural stories and hidden treasures—learning traditional wisdom and modern island etiquette along the way.

0.80 miView Trips & Details →
Motorized Stand‑Up Paddleboards: An 8‑Hour, ScubaJet‑Assisted Day on the Water in Kapa‘a1.17 mi
Kapaa, Hawaii

Motorized Stand‑Up Paddleboards: An 8‑Hour, ScubaJet‑Assisted Day on the Water in Kapa‘a

A full‑day, 8‑hour rental of an inflatable standup paddleboard with a ScubaJet motor from Go Kauai Tours — this guide explains the gear, options to run the board inflated or deflated, and how to plan the day.

1.17 miView Trips & Details →
Paddle Up the Wailua, Wade Through Rainforest Mud, and Reach a 120‑Foot Curtain of Water1.17 mi
Kapaa, Hawaii

Paddle Up the Wailua, Wade Through Rainforest Mud, and Reach a 120‑Foot Curtain of Water

A 4.5‑hour Alii Kayaks eco‑adventure: a 2‑mile paddle on the Wailua River followed by a rainforest hike to 120‑foot Uluwehi (Secret) Falls — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

1.17 miView Trips & Details →
Paddling the Sacred Wailua: A Guided Kayak River Tour from Kapaa1.17 mi
Kapaa, Hawaii

Paddling the Sacred Wailua: A Guided Kayak River Tour from Kapaa

A guided kayak journey on the Wailua River led by a knowledgeable local guide, pairing shoreline scenery with Hawaiian history for visitors to Kapaa.

1.17 miView Trips & Details →
Into the Blue: Private Fishing Charters Off Kapa'a1.23 mi
Kapaa, Hawaii

Into the Blue: Private Fishing Charters Off Kapa'a

Private, 4–8 hour charters run by Aloha Kauai Sportfishing that combine multiple angling techniques with sweeping coastal views and abundant marine life.

1.23 miView Trips & Details →
Up-Close with Kids and Cows: A Hands-On Sustainable Farm Visit in Kapaʻa1.26 mi
Kapaʻa, Hawaii

Up-Close with Kids and Cows: A Hands-On Sustainable Farm Visit in Kapaʻa

A one-hour, private farm visit in Kapaʻa where guests meet baby animals, try goat milking, and learn how regenerative land stewardship supports food and community.

1.26 miView Trips & Details →