Bike, Walk or Run on the Scenic Coastal Kauai Path

You’ll feel exhilarated when you spend time on the coastal Kauai Path. Enjoy spectacular ocean views while watching seasonal humpback whales and experiencing some of the best tropical Kauai bike riding you won’t soon forget. Even without a bike you can walk along the shore for miles and appreciate its beauty.

Start the path in Kapaa town, located halfway between our Kauai Resorts on the north and south shores. You’ll find this to be the perfect activity for all ages and abilities. It’s also become one of the popular things to do on Kauai.

The Kauai Path is seldom hilly and stretches along for miles hugging a coastline not always visible by car. You’ll see, feel and embrace the ocean as you walk or ride along the shore. Pack a swimsuit to enjoy the Kauai beaches you’ll pass and bring a picnic lunch. There are many pavilions along the way with tables to enjoy casual oceanfront Kauai dining.

We started the Kauai Path at Coconut Coasters where bikes can be rented starting at $8.50 an hour. Within minutes we were heading north out of town towards Kapaa Point which is a prime place for viewing the coastline. Look for dolphins and turtles there year round. It offers a fantastic vantage point from its elevated location.

Next was a swim at popular Kealia Beach featured in the movie, The Descendants. There are bike racks to use and locks come with your rental. This beach is popular with swimmers, surfers and boogie boarders. You’ll find restroom facilities and a lifeguard.

We were soon off for the next stretch which is the most dramatic. You lose sight of the highway and enjoy the rugged coastline heading to Donkey Beach. This also makes a nice lunch stop since the surf is too strong here for swimming. Once back on our bikes we were just a short distance to the end of the path where there is a hike to Secluded Cove. This picturesque spot is teeming with fish among its black lava rock boulders and coral formations.

On the ride back we headed to the far end of the path in Kapaa at Baby Beach. There is work currently being done to link the path from here to Lydgate Park. The completed path will stretch all the way south to Lihue and as far north as Anahola. Every time you come back to our Kauai vacation rentals you may find new places to walk or bike.

Tips: Wear sunscreen and good tennis shoes with cushion if you’re walking. Carry water with you. Stay to the right on the path. Bring a camera and move off the path for photos. Cyclists yield to pedestrians.

Historical Information: Also called Ke Ala Hele Makalae in Hawaiian for, “the path that goes by the coast,” it was paid for using federal highway enhancement funds matched by a gift of 67 acres of shoreline including 7 acres of beach at Kealia. More information on the history and future of the path can be found at kauaipath.org.

Map: You can see each phase of the Kauai Path on the Map courtesy of kauaipath.org. For this article we biked on Phase 2 from Lihi Park to Ahihi Point, 8 miles round-trip.

Bike Rentals: Coconut Coasters offers a large assortment of bikes for kids and adults. Safety helmets and locks included. They even have bikes for two. Prices start at $8.50 for an hour, $18.00 for two hours and $20 for all day. You’ll find them behind the Coconut Cup Juice Bar at 4-1586 Kuhio Hwy in Kapaa. Phone is 808-822-7368.

Have questions about the Kauai Path? Leave a comment and we’ll respond. We also invite you to share your tips and experiences if you’ve been on the Kauai Path.

(Photo Provided by Coconut Coasters).