Plans
The Maui Bicycling League, County of Maui, and the State Na Ala Hele Program, in partnership with the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program hosted a design workshop February 18-19, 2016 to discuss and develop ideas for a West Maui Greenway extending from Ukumehame to Lipoa Point using existing abandoned agricultural roads wherever possible and connecting to existing trails in the area.
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Phase I
The first phase of the West Maui Greenway was originally planned to be constructed from Olowalu to Lahaina. Due to challenges, the section has since changed to begin at the Kaanapali Sugar Cane Train Station, running parallel to the sugar cane tracks, and end at Lahaina. This first phase will serve as a pilot project to build support for the remainder of the 25-mile route.
The trail is envisioned to utilize existing facilities and infrastructure by connecting to several public parks and existing trails. Key access, parking and trail amenities are located at Lahainaluna Road, Shaw Street, Hokiokio Road, Launiupoko Beach Park and the existing Transfer Station. Existing public restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables are located at existing parks. Green infrastructure, including native plant restoration, bioswales and rain gardens are proposed to protect the coral reefs and coastline from polluted run-off, and can serve as an opportunity for environmental awareness and stewardship.
An important part of Phase I is to capture and share the story of the beauty and history of West Maui while providing a comfortable, safe and inspiring recreational venue. Opportunities for interpretation, themes, and signage are vast: the West Maui mountains, coastline, and ecosystems offer a wealth of cultural knowledge, history, and contain numerous sacred sites. The greenway has the potential to help perpetuate cultural knowledge and mo‘olelo from the area, without impacting the sites themselves. It allows for a place for people to continue their practices and celebrate the teachings that perpetuate the living Hawaiian culture.
The trail is envisioned to utilize existing facilities and infrastructure by connecting to several public parks and existing trails. Key access, parking and trail amenities are located at Lahainaluna Road, Shaw Street, Hokiokio Road, Launiupoko Beach Park and the existing Transfer Station. Existing public restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables are located at existing parks. Green infrastructure, including native plant restoration, bioswales and rain gardens are proposed to protect the coral reefs and coastline from polluted run-off, and can serve as an opportunity for environmental awareness and stewardship.
An important part of Phase I is to capture and share the story of the beauty and history of West Maui while providing a comfortable, safe and inspiring recreational venue. Opportunities for interpretation, themes, and signage are vast: the West Maui mountains, coastline, and ecosystems offer a wealth of cultural knowledge, history, and contain numerous sacred sites. The greenway has the potential to help perpetuate cultural knowledge and mo‘olelo from the area, without impacting the sites themselves. It allows for a place for people to continue their practices and celebrate the teachings that perpetuate the living Hawaiian culture.