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

The Marriott ‘Surfwatch’ boardwalk that runs from ‘Sandy Beach Trail’ to the beach – over a tidal-marsh inlet – is a lovely nature boardwalk. The Marriott, in keeping with the open/public, historically significant nature of this area; chose to keep it open to the general public (at least for the time being – as one never knows if/when this private beach-access could be restricted to Surfwatch guests only). 

The company had originally offered to make an alternate (private) entrance for Bradley Circle, which would have allowed the road to have been closed-off to the public. However, not every property owner was in agreement with the proposal. Because of this, today this timeshare/hotel is divided by a public road (Sandy Beach Trail – formerly ‘Second Street’). This is the reason that Bradley Circle remains a publicly accessible neighborhood today (non-gated community on a County road). 

Historically, the Burkes had their family home and a private beach-access walkway at this same location.  At that time (the 1990’s until @2001); the Burkes generously allowed me and my dog (and the few other locals around at the time) to enjoy that private walkway to get out to the beach.

The Marriott built the current Surfwatch beach-access boardwalk in approximately the same location. It still provides the most incredible views of the tidal ocean marsh (a pristine wetland ecosystem for all sorts of wildlife). It was made it large enough to take bikes to the beach, and there is even a ‘tiki-hut’ restaurant/bar and swimming pool overlooking the ocean.

To date, this company has yet to restrict who is able to enjoy this beach-access. With so many exclusive and gated communities/resorts on the island, it’s wonderful that Surfwatch has so far chosen to keep this special spot – on native-islander lands – open for all to enjoy.