KVB - August 2024

Announcements:

Rails to Trails Conservancy: Hawaiʻi's Ke Ala Hele Makālae Recognized as One of Nation's Top Trains with Hall of Fame Honor
Excerpts: County of Kaua‘i News Release 8/8/2024

PC: Kicka Witte PC: Kauaʻi Path

WASHINGTON—Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization, announced that Ke Ala Hele Makālae on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i is the newest member of the organization’s Hall of Fame—an exemplary group of multiuse trails celebrated for the social, economic and quality-of-life value they bring to the communities they serve.

“Hawai‘i’s trails are in a class of their own, providing access to some of the country’s most picturesque and revered nature, while simultaneously creating the framework for walkable, bikeable communities valued by the people who live there and inspiring for the millions who visit every year,” said Ryan Chao, RTC’s president. “Ke Ala Hele Makālae captures the breadth of opportunity that trails deliver to the nation—through the joy it brings to everyone who experiences it and its transformative impact as part of the region’s active transportation strategy.”

Ke Ala Hele Makālae trail, whose name translates to “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” stretches 8 miles from Lydgate Beach Park to Kuna Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i. This stunning trail was nominated for its scenic value, community connections and accessibility—creating new opportunities for people of all abilities to access nature and to walk or bike in the community where they live, supporting the region’s public health, mobility and quality of life goals.

Ke Ala Hele Makālae is frequently hailed as a prime example of the collaboration between government, private and community partnerships. The trail offers island residents a safe, paved and scenic space for exercise, transportation and opportunities to gather insight into local culture, ecology and history through wayfinding and interpretive signage. The trail’s ADA-compliant design makes it accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those in wheelchairs and strollers.

Hawai‘i’s Ke Ala Hele Makālae joins an iconic list of Hall of Fame trails recognized for their outstanding scenic value, use, amenities, historical significance and community benefit.

For more information about RTC’s Hall of Fame, visit www.RailsToTrails.org/HallOfFame

Travel Trade Shows and Events:
KVB attended the GTM (Global Travel Marketplace) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 18-21 and met with 50 top selling travel advisors.

Travel Trade on Kauaʻi:

LTW Travel FAM at the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort

On August 21, the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau (KVB) oriented five travel specialists led by LTW Travel with an island presentation of activities, culture, and Mālama Kaua‘i projects. The group kayaked the Wailua River and hiked to Uluwehi Falls and completed site inspections of a few resorts. KVB hosted breakfast for the group at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort. Mahalo nui to our members for their continued support; the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort and the Kōloa Landing Resort & Spa for hosting the group!

Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

Technical Assistance & Capacity Building Program

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) held a Kaua‘i Capacity Building Workshop on August 21 at the Kaua‘i Community College. The workshop included a panel discussion featuring experts and stakeholders of the Kaua‘i visitor industry and a resource fair to help businesses gain capacity building and networking opportunities in the visitor industry.

Ilihia Gionson, HTA moderated the discussions with the panel of speakers; Jen Luck-Common Ground, Joel Guy-Hanalei Initiative, Sue Kanoho-Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, Fred Atkins-Kilohana Partners, and Chuck Boy Chock-Kaua‘i Museum.