The Līhu‘e Loop: Restored, Renewed, and Ready for You: Motivating the Community to Stay Active, Healthy, and Involved in the Heart of Kaua‘i

Written by Bev Brody

The Līhu‘e Loop is once again fully up and running—thanks to the dedication of a small and committed team. Volunteers recently spent an afternoon walking the 1.3-mile route, checking each QR code and replacing those no longer functioning to ensure a smooth, reliable tour that the community can enjoy.

Created by Get Fit Kaua‘i, the Līhu‘e Loop is a self-guided audio walking tour that begins and ends at Kalena Park, winding through Rice, Hardy, and ‘Eiwa streets in Līhu‘e. The tour features 19 points of interest, each sharing a unique piece of Līhu‘e’s history and culture.

Tour-goers can use their mobile devices to access stories by scanning QR medallions at each stop. The audio files highlight Līhu‘e’s heritage, living culture, and aspirations for a vibrant future. Closed captioning is also available through the QR codes.

The stories were researched, written, and recorded by the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Advanced Media class, whose students uncovered little-known facts about landmarks such as the historic Kress Building, the Kaua‘i Museum, and the Līhu‘e Public Library. They also interviewed community experts to bring each landmark to life.

Meanwhile, Kaua‘i High School STEMworks students, under the guidance of teacher Lea Aiwohi, designed and fabricated the original QR code medallions for the Loop. Their work gave the project a strong start, and many medallions remain in place today, though some have been weathered by sun and rain or removed from their posts. To keep the Loop fully functional, Tommy Noyes, Executive Director of Kaua‘i Path and longtime Get Fit Kaua‘i member, created a new set of durable medallions that honor the foundation built by the students’ earlier efforts.

Special thanks to Tommy and the dedicated volunteers who walked the path, checked each stop, and restored QR codes—demonstrating a true commitment to the community. 

The Līhu‘e Loop is a community gem made possible through the collaboration of educators, students, and Get Fit Kaua‘i volunteers. Looking ahead, the project team plans to expand the concept island-wide, transitioning from QR codes to a GIS (geographic information system) platform for even easier access.

It’s Fun. It’s Free. It’s for the Whole Family.
Visit www.lihueloop.com to download the map and experience the walk. Lace up your shoes and come enjoy the Līhu‘e Loop—you’ll see Līhu‘e town in a whole new way!

About

 Get Fit Kaua‘i is a community-based initiative in partnership with the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, focused on promoting healthy lifestyles through education, policy, and advocacy. As part of HIPHI’s statewide Healthy Eating + Active Living (HEAL) program, Get Fit Kaua‘i leads efforts on Kaua‘i to improve physical activity and wellness through collaborative programs and local partnerships. For more information contact Bev Brody at bev@getfitkauai.com.