What Kind walkway to front porch?

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/outdoor/walkways/walkway-installation/?slideId=c71066b8-a7fa-4c18-bdb6-993329504f48

I personally like pea gravel - the crunch alone gets me. But if you live in a snowy area and it's a main walkway, it wouldn't be practical since you can't shovel.

Field stone all the way around the octagonal shape to about 3 feet then field stone walks shooting out from that wherever you want them.

Will you be staining your new stairs to match your porch? If so, a lighter walkway with lighting would be lovely...light pavers/bricks. Here in Canada we can't just dump gravel and shovel, as Amanda mentioned, so something dug down more, stabalized. Bricks, perhaps in a herringbone pattern? Good luck! (Canada)

What is the surface of the stairs and landing. You'd want something complementary to that. Pavers would be easiest, and come in a variety of sizes and styles, but you would want to dig down a little, and prep the area, rather than just laying them on top of the ground. They would last longer that way, too.

I would put a brick pathway, but make it at least four feet wide. You could curve it so that it enters on the largest area. It could also be tapered from the porch and narrowed to a smaller width. This would give it some curb appeal. If you decide to shape it, use your garden hose to make your pattern.

The octagonal stairs have so much character, play them up! A curved stone path made from either brick or fieldstone would highlight them nicely! Can’t wait to see what you choose to do

Ontario here...mmm, cedar, very nice! I hope you find the walkway style you'll be happy with! :)