The West Side
Known for the Iron Man World Championship race that runs up and down the coastline, the West Side has the best shoulders out of all the roads on the Island.
There are a few camp grounds along this coast, check out our Touring Info page!
(Photo Looking south from Kohala Mountain courtesy of Dylan F.)
Kohala Mountain Loop
A great loop is from Waikoloa to Hawi, over Kohala Mountain Road to Waimea (Kamuela) Town, then down Kawaihae Road Back to the Coast.
Sporting 4,534ft of elevation gain over 70.1 miles, pack your climbing legs!
We do not recomend climbing Kawaihae Road as it is a busy road. Descending is safer as you will be going at speed, and have a better shoulder.
The Big Climb – Mauna Loa
Be prepared for cold! The daytime summit temperature is normally in the mid 40’s Fahrenheit.
On at least a monthly basis we get asked about climbing Mauna Kea. Yes, it is an achievement to climb the tallest mountain in the world from the seafloor to summit (33,496ft total, 13,796 from sea level up). However, you do have to be prepared to ride some gravel while dealing with really steep narrow roads with almost no shoulder and high traffic.
Our staff really prefers Mauna Loa instead. Only 57.5 miles, you can climb from sea level to 11,552ft. To the base of the access road is 6,949ft in elevation, then you do the remaining 4,583ft in climbing over 17 miles
If you don’t feel like doing the ride in a single day, you can stop off at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area and spend the night.
The North Side
Hāmākua Coastline
If you do not feel like heading back west down to the coast, you can continue your ride east. I do recommend stopping in Waimea for food!
Heading out of Waimea, I recommend taking the Old Mamalahoa Highway you can get off the main road and work nice short rolling hills, then hit the top of Ahualoa forest and descend to Honokaa Town.
If you don’t want to stay in Honokaa, just outside of Honokaa is Kalopa State Park that has a camp area and cabins that can be rented!
From Waikoloa you total 5,771ft of climbing over 70.8 miles.
Have a comment, suggestion, or review about the routes? Please let us know!
If you have another request, please email us at bikereservations@bikereservations!
4 Comments
Aloha,
We live on Oahu but will be visiting the Big Island the first week of August. Large group of us, up to 8 adults, 4 kids, plus 3 toddlers. Wondering if you rent bikes with a child seat on the back? Also we would like to ride a trail without vehicles, if that’s possible?
Mahalo for any advice!
Aloha Scott!
I sent you an email about your request here!
As I stated, unfortunately there are no car-less roads currently. You could ride the Old Mamalahoa Hwy., outside of Honokaa, as that has less traffic.
Accommodating the child seats would be difficult, as I do not have any of those for rental. Most of our Hybrid and Cruiser bikes do support the mounting points if you wish to bring your own out.
As for the older kids, as long as they can fit an adult size frame, we would be able to rent to them. Generally that is 14yo or older.
Mahalo,
James
Aloha,
I was looking at the Big Climb Mauna Loa route. Is it 57.5 miles one way or out & back? If it’s only one way, does anyone ride it as an out and back?
Mahalo,
Jeff
Aloha Jeff,
It is roughly 53 miles one way to where the road originally ended on Mauna Loa. However due to the last eruption the road is partially blocked and you can only make it to around 9000ft of elevation roughly 45 miles from the shop.
Yes it can be ridden as an out and back, I recommend packing a jacket for the descent because you will just be coasting and can get pretty chilled.
Mahalo,
James H. ~ BW Mauka