Malama Hapa Trail

In 1989, when land east of Hapa Trail was reclassified and zoned for development, a condition of the reclassification was to improve and maintain the Hapa Trail's alignment from Po'ipu Road to Koloa Town as a bike and pedestrian pathway for public use in perpetuity.

Portion of Hapa Trail -T Blake Photo

For over 30 years, the Koloa Community has struggled to keep Hapa Trail for what it was intended to be in 1980’s and have the landowners and developers live up to their commitments of restoration and maintenance that they agreed to when reclassifying the land.

Hapa Trail has a unique cultural identity, history and strong environmental and sustainable practices that stand as an example for residents and visitors to improve their quality of life. The local community singled out Hapa Trail as the Koloa-Po'ipu Area Circulation Plan's flagship project.

Rockpile for restoration of Hapa Trail walls -T Blake Photo

On August 8, 2007, the Koloa-Po'ipu Area Circulation Plan was gifted to the County of Kaua'i by the Koloa Community Association. The plan was created through input of local residents, developers, the County of Kaua'i and other stakeholders. The Circulation Plan connects communities and increases transportation and mobility options.

Kauhale site in the field system -Cultural Surveys Photo

In spite of the residential and commercial developments that have occurred on either side of Hapa since 1975, Hapa Trail remained an overgrown pathway. Cactus, koa haole, guinea grass, invasive shrubs and weeds obstructed the Trail. The major landowner and developers have ignored improvements and maintenance of Hapa Trail, and kept it on the back burner through a myriad of calculated moves.