There is no better way to get up close and personal with Hawaii’s amazingly diverse landscape than by biking through it. With dozens of trails of varying difficulty criss-crossing each island, you won’t be limited by age or ability.
You can rent a bike or even take a tour. Tours are a great way to ensure that you’re experiencing the most that each trail has to offer. Where else in the world can you start your ride on the top of a volcano and end up by the sparkling ocean at the bottom? Get your ride on!
Insider Tips
Remember to always wear a helmet, gloves, appropriate bike shoes, and sunglasses. Take a map, water, snacks, a bike repair kit and don’t forget the sunscreen!
The weather in Hawaii can change every mile that you ride, going from sunny and beautiful to a tropical downpour without warning, so be sure to dress in layers, including rain gear.
Use hand signals, especially when riding with someone behind you and wave on cars that hesitate to pass to alleviate traffic on narrow winding roads.
Oahu’s Ohana Trail is a machine-built trail which is fairly smooth throughout, so it’s accessible to riders of all ages and ability levels. There are a few tough climbs for those bikers who want to challenge themselves. Also good for riders of all ability levels is the Pupukea Trail, located near Waimea Bay, one of the best maintained trails in Hawaii.
Kauai
Kauai
Kauai’s Ke Ala Hele Makalae is Hawaiian for “The Path that Goes by the Coast.” This is a leisurely bike ride along parts of Kauai’s east shore with flat roads and no hills to speak of, making it easy for riders of all levels.
Hawaii Island
Hawaii Island
Everyone agrees that the most spectacular place to ride on the Big Island is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where there are trails for every skill set and age. Note: you can’t rent bikes in the park, so you either have to bring up your bike with your car or join a tour.
Maui
Maui
If you’ve never biked down the side of a volcano, it’s time to steer your wheels to Maui’s Haleakala National Park. This downhill trail will take you through a variety of ecosystems, from a volcanic lunar landscape to flower farms and pineapple fields. For an alternate challenge, the Kahakapao Loop has both east and west trails of varying difficulty. The east side climbs 825 feet during 2 miles of switchback single track, so it’s best for intermediate or advanced riders.
Jennifer M.
“I made a promise to myself to bike down from Haleakala at least once a year and I’ve kept the promise for almost a decade. It keeps me young.”
Jennifer M.