The best cycling routes in Hawaiʻi County

The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area via Keauhou loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, blending stunning coastal vistas with historical charm. You'll ride along paved surfaces, passing characteristic black lava rock formations and enjoying continuous ocean views, especially around Keauhou Bay. The route's highlight is cycling on the abandoned paved runway of the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, now an access path lined with community gardens.

This moderate 15.2-mile (24.5 km) route, with 827 feet (252 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. Parking is ample and free at the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, which also provides restrooms and showers. For the best views, plan your ride for the late afternoon to witness a spectacular sunset over the Pacific.

This loop is a local favorite, offering a relaxed atmosphere away from more crowded tourist hubs. It combines natural beauty with a touch of history, as the former airport runway now serves as a scenic path. The presence of community gardens along the route adds to its unique charm, making it a memorable ride for those exploring Kona Hawaii cycling routes.

The Waiakumalae Point loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending panoramic ocean views with a journey through ancient Hawaiian history. This easy 6.2-mile (10.0 km) route, with only 152 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, takes you past the fascinating remnants of an old fishing village, complete with reconstructed lava stone houses. You'll enjoy smooth, mostly paved paths, making it a perfect ride for all skill levels, and it can be completed in about 37 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Waikōloa Village area provides readily available public parking for cyclists. There are no permits or entrance fees required to enjoy this route. Be aware that the area can be windy at times, so bringing sunglasses is a good idea to protect your eyes while you ride.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the loop is notable for its historical significance, allowing you to explore ancient Hawaiian sites. It also connects with other official trails, such as sections of the Petroglyph Trail, offering opportunities for extended exploration if you wish to venture further. The route is an excellent option for those seeking an accessible and culturally rich cycling experience.

Cycling to the Mauna Kea summit from Puʻu Huluhulu is an exceptionally demanding journey, traversing 29.9 miles (48.1 km) with a staggering 7155 feet (2181 metres) of elevation gain. The route begins in the lush kīpuka of Puʻu Huluhulu, transitioning through diverse climate zones to a stark, lunar-like volcanic landscape above the clouds. Expect a mix of paved and challenging unpaved sections, with steep grades that can reach 18-20% in the final kilometers, making it a difficult ride that takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration due to the extreme altitude and varied terrain. Acclimatization at the Visitor Information Station (VIS) at 9,200 feet is highly recommended to cope with the 42% less oxygen at the summit. A support vehicle is strongly advised for most riders, and you'll need a gravel or mountain bike for the unpaved sections. Be prepared for rapid weather changes and significantly colder temperatures as you ascend.

This route is globally recognized as one of the hardest cycling climbs, not just for its physical demands but also for its unique ecological and cultural significance. You'll experience five distinct climate zones, from tropical forests to an alpine desert, and witness the world's most advanced astronomical observatories. Mauna Kea is also a sacred site for Native Hawaiians, adding a profound spiritual dimension to this epic adventure.

Embark on the Kahalu‘u to Captain Cook loop, a difficult touring bicycle route that challenges you with 15.6 miles (25.2 km) and a significant 1563 feet (477 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 47 minutes. As you pedal, you'll pass an overlook of Kahalu‘u Bay, offering picturesque views of its native preserve land. The route then takes you into the lush, green landscapes of the Kona Coffee Belt, where you can spot various coffee farms. This ride combines stunning coastal vistas with rich agricultural scenery, making for a memorable cycling experience.

Before you set out on this difficult touring bicycle loop, be aware that it demands very good fitness due to its considerable elevation gain. While the route is mostly paved, you should be prepared for steep sections where you might even need to push your bike. Parking is conveniently available at Kahalu‘u Beach Park, which serves as an ideal starting point for your adventure. Plan your visit during cooler parts of the day to make the most of this challenging ride.

This particular loop offers a unique opportunity to explore both the coastal beauty and the agricultural heartland of Hawai‘i. You will cycle through the famous Kona Coffee Belt, an area renowned for its distinctive coffee production. The trail allows you to witness the diverse landscapes of the region, transitioning from ocean views to verdant coffee plantations. It stands out as one of the most beautiful rides in the area, showcasing the island's natural and cultivated charm.

Embark on an unparalleled touring cycling adventure to the Mauna Loa Observatory from Puʻu Huluhulu, traversing a landscape that transforms from forested "kipukas" to vast,

Embark on a difficult touring cycling adventure along the Old Mamalahoa Hwy to Kapuna Road loop, a 25.6-mile (41.1 km) journey on Hawaii's Big Island. This route challenges you with 1496 feet (456 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will pass through lush rainforests and open green lands, encountering historic century-old bridges and remnants of old sugar mills.

This hard bike ride requires very good fitness due to its significant climbing and rolling hills. The trail consists mainly of paved surfaces, making it ideal for road bikes. You can usually find parking in the Waimea area, which is a good place to begin this scenic loop.

The route offers diverse and picturesque views, including scenic vistas of Onomea Bay and sweeping ocean views along the Hamakua Coast. This journey provides a unique glimpse into the island's past, blending natural beauty with historical landmarks from its sugar cane era.

The Rainbow Falls via Kaumana Caves loop offers a unique touring cycling experience through Hilo's lush Hawaiian landscapes, combining the visual splendor of an 80-foot waterfall with the raw geological wonder of ancient lava tubes. This moderate 7.8-mile (12.5 km) route, with 713 feet (217 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in about 53 minutes, providing a refreshing ride through verdant scenery.

Parking is generally available near the start of the route in Hilo. Cyclists should be mindful of narrow or non-existent road shoulders on certain sections, like Waianuenue Avenue and Akolea Road. If you plan to explore the unlit Kaumana Caves, remember to bring a flashlight for the uneven lava rock floor.

What truly sets this route apart is the opportunity to witness the picturesque Rainbow Falls, often adorned with rainbows in the morning mist, and then delve into the fascinating Kaumana Caves, which offer a tangible glimpse into the Big Island's powerful volcanic history. It's a distinctive adventure for those looking to combine natural beauty with geological exploration on two wheels.

The Pohiki via Kehena touring cycling route offers a captivating journey through the Big Island's Puna district, showcasing a landscape dramatically shaped by recent volcanic activity. You'll pedal past lush coconut groves, tropical rainforests, and stunning oceanside views, with the newly formed Pohoiki Black Sand Beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park serving as a prominent highlight. The route, a moderate 15.5-mile (24.9 km) ride with 607 feet (185 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking unique scenery.

While mostly paved, following what's known as the "Red Road" (Highway 137), be aware that some segments include compacted gravel and other unpaved sections that can be challenging. There are no specific warnings about permits or seasonal closures, but it's always wise to check local conditions before starting your ride. Given the moderate difficulty and elevation, this route is best enjoyed by cyclists with a good level of fitness.

This area is particularly notable for its dynamic geology, a direct result of the 2018 Kilauea eruption, which created new landforms and black sand beaches. Beyond the volcanic scenery, you'll find Kehena Beach, known for its unique, free-spirited community vibe. The route also connects with sections of the Kalani Honua trail, offering further exploration opportunities in this vibrant part of Hawaii.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle journey up Mauna Kea, starting from Hilo. This route covers 46.9 miles (75.5 km) and challenges you with a significant 5612 feet (1711 metres) of elevation gain. You will cycle through five distinct climate zones, transitioning from lush rainforests to native dry forests, and eventually to a dramatic, almost lunar landscape. The ascent takes approximately 5 hours and 27 minutes, often placing you above the clouds. As you climb higher, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views, especially as you approach the astronomical observatories.

Planning for this difficult ascent requires careful consideration. Due to the massive altitude gain and reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations, bringing a support vehicle is strongly recommended for your safety. Be prepared for a roughly 7-kilometer section of gravel and sand after the Visitor Information Station; this part of the route is particularly challenging if you are on a road bike. Weather conditions can change drastically, so pack layers for warmth and wind protection, as temperatures can drop from warm at the start to freezing at higher elevations.

This epic journey is renowned as one of the world's most challenging bike climbs, offering a unique opportunity to experience Hawaii's diverse ecosystems. You will witness the landscape transform dramatically, from the vibrant greenery of Hilo to the stark, otherworldly terrain near the summit. The route's distinct climate zones and the presence of world-class astronomical observatories make it a truly remarkable and memorable cycling adventure.