Kauai Path, Inc. is an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2008. Our mission is to make attractive walking and bicycling travel ways commonplace in our neighborhoods. Our vision is Kauai residents working together to preserve, protect, and extend access island-wide through the design, implementation, and stewardship of non-motorized multi-use paths.
Kauai Path grew out of a citizens advisory council that was convened in the 1990s by then Councilmember, Bryan Baptiste. Baptiste's goal was to secure public access along Kauai's east coast for the benefit of future generations. He believed the best way to accomplish that was to take control of a 20-mile corridor and build an enduring active transportation travel way.
As of 2024, that ambitious vision is almost half-way complete, and our successes in building the first half have engendered several more comparable projects that are now complete or in various stages of progress around Kaua'i.
ABOUT KAUAI PATH
Advocate
Kauai Path advocates for active transportation through various interest groups and councils including State Highways Safety Council, Surfrider Foundation Kaua’i Chapter, Get Fit Kaua’i’s Built Environment Task Force, and Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park.
Educate
Kauai Path educates residents about local initiatives from the State of Hawai‘i and the County of Kaua’i to provide safe walking, bicycling, and public transportation facilities, sharing current information on the evolving projects’ status.
Engage
Kauai Path engages the community in practicing active transportation safely through events like the monthly Bikes on Rice Slow Roll and Keiki Bike and Skate Safety Day hosted by Hawaii Pacific Health's Wilcox Medical Center.
Inspire
People are motivated to be active when there's a safe, secure and scenic place nearby to walk and bicycle. Kauai Path is committed to creating facilities in beautiful settings that incite a sense of ownership and pride among the community.
OUR WORK
KAUA'I KAKOU COUNTY GENERAL PLAN
The Kauaʻi General Plan serves as the county’s guiding policy framework concerning growth, land use, and development issues. The plan seeks to enhance and improve Kauai’s physical and natural environment and overall quality of life. The General Plan underwent a comprehensive update in 2018, and it identifies health, wellness, and the built environment as quality of life determinants shaping our island home, as evidenced in this excerpt from page 35:
"Health is influenced by the built environment, including the quality and affordability of housing; ability to walk or bicycle to key destinations; access to education, health care, and public services; availability of healthy foods; and access to the recreational areas that support active lifestyles."
Building safe walking and bicycling infrastructure that connects us with transit facilities is key in this endeavor.