Honu and Bubbles Guide Walkers Along the Healthy Half Mile in Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i

By Bev Brody, Get Fit Kaua‘i

The Healthy Half Mile in Līhu‘e has a fresh new sparkle — and it comes in the shape of honu. Along the half-mile loop beginning and ending at Kalena Park, community members will now find beautifully etched and painted honu, each accompanied by playful bubbles that guide walkers along the route.

These honu were created by the skilled team at KickAss Concrete, whose craftsmanship brought the markers to life. They created visual guides that are both beautiful and built to last in the island environment.

The honu appear at key points along the loop — Kalena Street, Ho‘ala Street, the Līhu‘e Court Townhomes multi-purpose path, and Rice Street — helping walkers feel confident and oriented as they move through the heart of Līhu‘e. This enhancement responds directly to the Healthy Half Mile pre-survey, in which many respondents noted that the route was unclear and that better wayfinding would improve the walking experience.

Completed in June 2026, the pre-survey documented community perceptions of safety, visibility, comfort, and environmental conditions across all five areas of the route. The data highlighted strengths such as cleanliness and general safety, while also identifying opportunities for improvement, including seating, lighting, sidewalk obstructions, and clearer route visibility. At Kalena Park, respondents frequently mentioned the need for seating and picnic tables, as well as shade and drinking water fountains, which are now in development.

Next up is a new informational sign at Kalena Park explaining how the Honu Healthy Half Mile works — where the route begins, how to follow the honu and bubbles, and what walkers can expect along each segment — giving residents and visitors a clear, easy-to-understand overview.

Once all improvements are complete, a post-survey will measure changes in community experience. It will revisit the same themes — safety, visibility, comfort, cleanliness, and overall vibe — to understand how the honu markers, bubble trails, and other upgrades have influenced the walking environment.

The Healthy Half Mile continues to celebrate movement, connection, and everyday wellness. The honu are now part of that story, offering encouragement and clarity along the route, one bubble at a time.

Funding for this project was provided through a REACH Grant from the Hawai‘i State Department of Health and the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, with collaboration from Kaua‘i Path Inc., Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance, and Get Fit Kaua‘i.