‘Surfwatch’ Beach Boardwalk – inclusive beach-access walkway is free for all to enjoy:)

The ‘Surfwatch’ boardwalk that runs from Second Street (now ‘Sandy Beach Trail’) to the beach – over a tidal-marsh inlet – is a lovely nature walkway. The Marriott, in keeping with the open/public, historically significant nature of this area; chose to keep it open to the general public. Originally, the Burke family had family walkway at this location for their family home.  At that time, the Burkes generously allowed me and my dog (and the few others around at the time) to use their walkway to get out to the beach.

The Marriott built the current boardwalk in the same location, and allows everyone to enjoy the incredible nature views (the tidal marsh is a pristine wetland ecosystem for all sorts of wildlife). They made it large enough to take bikes to the beach, and there is a tiki-hut bar and swimming pool overlooking the beach. With so many exclusive and gated communities/resorts on the island, it’s wonderful that Surfwatch chose to keep this special spot – on native-islander lands – open for all to enjoy.