The best dune or beach pathways are ones designed to work with local wind patterns. In each unique locale, UH Sea Grant can work with local service groups to identify options for pathway locations that are most likely to succeed.
Once established, the pathway borders often benefit from some type of pathway fencing, and trailheads can be marked by proprietary signage available to UH Sea Grant, which makes trails more visible.
Over time, pathways that don’t function well may need to be realigned. Often a slight angle change can solve any sand blowout problem and keep the trail self-maintaining long term.
Pathways protect the beaches and dunes and are the best way to minimize dune erosion. They also keep damaging foot traffic off dune plants and, equally important, also off the non-vegetated sand dune areas. Nature uses non-vegetated, plant-free dune areas to store or disburse sand volume for storm damage control on the beach.
If designed to fit the particular location, a pathway will soon be accepted by beach users because its value is so easily understood. Most beach visitors recognize when a trail is marked and well used, it is a sign that others have also found the pathway to be safe and appropriate. When the public stays on the trail, they are supporting the natural environment.
Many beach trails are heavily used and have proven to be resilient assets at our well-loved beach parks.
Bob and Lis Richardson
Kihei
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