The Hawaiian Islands are not only home to magnificent beaches, but world-class hiking as well. Some of the best hikes in Hawaii can be found on Kauai, in fact, as with the following adventure. Between the scenery and with near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands! There is also nowhere better to experience the Hawaiian coast than on this abandoned railroad trail on Kauai. Ready for an adventure? Let’s go!

Nestled on the eastern shore of Kauai near Kapa’a, the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Beach Trail might be relatively unknown, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a phenomenal destination for a day spent outdoors.

It seems hard to believe, but the Aloha State was once home to many railroads stretching across the islands. These narrow-gauge railroads were constructed primarily to serve the numerous sugar plantations that once dotted the landscape, and today, you will find a 7-mile walking and bike path that was once a section of the Ahukini Terminal & Railroad Company.

Established during the early 20th century, the AT&RC only saw a few decades of service before it was abandoned like many of Hawaii’s railroads. The rails weren’t removed until the 1950s, and today in its place, you will find a phenomenal, under-the-radar trail.

The railroad’s initial route ran from Ahukini Landing along Hanamaulu Bay north to Anahola Landing, connecting Kealia and Kapa’a along the way, where landings allowed for the transport of raw sugar to small boats, which would ferry the sugar to larger vessels waiting offshore.

In its heyday, the railroad stretched 14 miles, but the Ke Ala Hele Makalae only features seven miles of pathway in the place of the former railroad tracks.

Whether you lace up your hiking boots or rent a bicycle, Ke Ala Hele Makalae promises sweeping panoramic vistas, a little bit of history, and plenty of exercise.

From rugged, lava rock coastline...

...to jaw-dropping beaches, the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Beach Path shows off the very best of the Hawaiian coastline.

Don’t forget your camera and plenty of water!

Ke Ala Hele Makalae translates from Hawaiian to "the path that goes by the coast," and there's really no better way to describe this flat, cliffside trail with expansive ocean views.

It really is one of the best hikes in Hawaii! Swoon.

Have you ever experienced the beauty of Kauai from this stunning coastal path? Do you agree that it is one of the best hikes in Hawaii? Share your experiences in the comments below, and your photos with us in our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, but still want a little railroad history to complement your hike, head to Oahu, where you will find the incredible, heart-pounding Koko Head Stairs, an old railroad trail that leads hikers up the side of a mountain to one of the island’s best views.