Photo credit: Patrick Kelly Worldwide Photography
Kaua‘i is home to a growing community of cyclists, with several exciting County of Kaua’i development plans underway. Whether you’re a recreational rider in search of community and bike routes to explore, or a seasoned cyclist looking for a challenge, we encourage you to continue reading to make the most of your cycling adventures on Kaua‘i.
There are various County roads and segments of the State highway that include bike lanes. Riders should use their discretion before opting to use them to ensure their safety and comfortability. Take a drive, bus ride, or walk, and explore potential routes before you go.
For those looking for a scenic and relaxing bike ride, Ke Ala Hele Makālae (Kaua’i’s multi-use path on the East side) cannot be missed. This 8-mile paved path is a beautiful oceanside journey abundant with cultural sites and signs along the entire trail. It is named one of the top 10 recreational trails in the nation by USA Today and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024 by the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization, Rails to Trails Conservancy.
The development of the Ke Ala Hele Makālae path is the result of a multi-agency collaborative effort between federal and state agencies, County of Kaua‘i, and local nonprofit Kaua‘i Path, which has brought about infrastructure improvements far beyond only recreational use. Kaua‘i Path Executive Director Tommy Noyes commented, “Not only has the coastal path project provided active transportation improvements, [but] it has also been used as a funding mechanism to bring federal funds to bear on improving drainage, utility systems, and roadway surfaces in residential communities in central Kapa‘a.”
Kaua‘i Path hosts free group bike rides with an optional brunch on the weekends. Upcoming events and RSVP links can be found on their website. These intermediate level rides are organized by bicycling leaders who are motivated to share their love of cycling with organically planned routes in various neighborhoods and areas all around the island. The bike rides range from 10 to 20 miles with an average elevation gain up to around 800ft. Popular rides have been Hanalei-Hā‘ena and the Wailua Homesteads neighborhood.
Alternatively, Bikes on Rice is publicized as a “fun, social, slow roll ride on Līhu‘e’s quiet streets”. This 6-mile bike ride takes place every second Saturday, excluding December, starting at Kalena Park. According to Noyes, “Bikes on Rice is targeted at the rider who is interested but timid, so we provide a supportive group [that] can demonstrate prudent bicycling practices, helmet use, signaling, adhering to traffic regulations, [and] how you minimize your risk.” Afterwards, riders can grab some food and check out the vendors at the downtown Līhu‘e Night Market as a fun way to conclude the ride and your night!
MTBKauai is another active community organization that plans and organizes group rides and events on Kaua‘i, with a focus on furthering the sport of mountain biking.
Regarding bike races held locally, Pedal to the Meadow is a USA Cycling-sanctioned bicycle hill climb road race organized by Bicycle Racing Kaua‘i. The race starts on the West side in Kekaha, goes up past Waimea Canyon, through native upland forest, and finally finishes at Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Koke`e State Park, where a post-race picnic and awards ceremony is held afterwards. Kaua‘i Gran Fondo is a one-day bike ride traversing the island from Kē‘ē Beach on the North Shore, through the East and South side, and ends at Kalalau Lookout on the West side. It is advertised as a self-supported group ride.
All these rides significantly help to normalize multimodal movement around the island.
Furthermore, the County of Kaua’i has a multitude of exciting projects underway to develop and support multimodal infrastructure including the Coconut Marketplace Mobility Hub Plan led by the Office of Economic Development, the Multi-Use Path and Trails Master Plan led by the Planning Department, the Po‘ipū Road Safety and Mobility Project led by the Public Works Department, and the Waimea 400 Affordable Housing Project led by the Housing Agency.
Continue reading below for project information regarding increased biking infrastructure:
- The Trails Master Plan is set to launch in 2025 and will build upon the success of Ke Ala Hele Makalāe to identify a future network of multiuse paths and trails to enhance accessibility – particularly in underserved areas – and transportation options.
- The Po‘ipū Road Safety and Mobility Project will install bicycle lanes for nearly the entire length of Po‘ipū Road, from Kōloa Road to Keleka Road. In addition, the project will include new sidewalks on at least one side of the entire length of Po‘ipū Road.
Between Lāwa‘i Road and Kīpuka Street, the bike lanes will have a painted buffer, and the sidewalks will be on both sides of the road with a width of 8 feet. Bicyclists will have the option of using the bicycle lanes or the sidewalks; for example, child bicyclists will typically use sidewalks instead of bicycle lanes.
The new bicycle lanes and sidewalks will serve residents within Kōloa, and between Kōloa and resorts in Poipu, including students riding to Kōloa Elementary School from their homes and those who reside at the Koa‘e Makana affordable housing community.
For visitors, the new bicycle lanes will allow improved access between resorts in Po‘ipū and restaurants and other businesses in Po‘ipū and Kōloa. Construction of this project is anticipated to start by September 2025.
- Phase 1 of the Waimea to Kekaha Shared Use Path is undergoing planning and environmental review. This path is proposed to be placed within the County’s Waimea 400 parcel, along the north side of Kaumuali‘i Highway, between Carl Furutani Street and Kekaha Road. This project will provide a route for bicycling and walking, fully separated from motor vehicle traffic except at intersections and driveway crossings.
The project will tie into the Kekaha Road and ‘Akialoa Road Improvements project, which will construct a continuous sidewalk on Kekaha Road and ‘Akialoa Road from Kaumuali‘i Highway at the east end of Kekaha, past Kekaha Elementary School to Kaumuali‘i Highway at the west end of Kekaha.
Together, these two projects will provide connectivity for bicycling and walking between Waimea Town and Kekaha Town, and through Kekaha Town.
- In addition, there is a community initiative in partnership with Kaua‘i Path to create a biker pump track near the Bryan J. Baptiste sports complex in Kapa‘a.
Whether you are making plans for a fun weekend bike ride, bike race, or hoping to adjust your transportation habits to bike to work and around town, there are no shortage of ways to enjoy your next biking adventure on Kaua‘i. Be sure to always do research first to ensure your safety and comfort before heading out for a bike ride.
-Clarissa Hsi, Climate Communications VISTA, Office of Economic Development, County of Kauai
