PATH ~ Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii Believe in a bike friendly Hawaii Island

HAWAII ISLAND BICYCLING GUIDE

1. Hilo (sea level) to Laupahoehoe (280) 25 miles.
Prevailing tradewinds put the wind at your back and help you climb most of the hills along this route. Mile marker mileage starts where Highways 11 and 19 intersect at Ken's House of Pancakes. Hilo has many tourist features that you will not want to miss so consult a travel guide book before leaving Hilo. If it is Saturday or Wednesday morning don't miss the Hilo Farmer's Market. Take Highway 19 (Hawaii Belt Road) north. The first obstacle is the Wailuku River Bridge still in Hilo where a sign tells you that you must walk your bike across. After that the shoulders are in good condition and wide with the exception of a few turnout lanes. You will be climbing gradually for the first few miles with just a little over 1 % grade. Caution should be taken at the many bridges that are along this very scenic stretch of Highway. Each bridge is a little different. Some of the bridges have pedestrian sidewalks on both sides, some on just the right side and some have none at all. The bridges that do have pedestrian walkways have them in various widths and in different states of repair. Some bridges have enough room to ride beside the right lane marker and some force you to ride in the traffic lane. Check behind you for traffic before entering each bridge. The first of three gulches that you will encounter on your ride to Honoka'a is at mile marker 21 and is Maulua Gulch. You will pick up speed going down into each gulch and have a moderate turn at the bottom and a hard slow climb out with the prevailing tradewinds blowing head-on. Laupahoehoe is a small town just past the 25 mile marker with services and an interesting Train Museum. Points of interest and diversions: After the 4 mile marker is a cemetery on your left and Alae in white letters on a rock wall on your right. Turn right here on Nahala and then left at the dead end to go past Honoli'i Beach Park. This route takes you under the highway and across a beautiful bridge and through a small housing area and back out on the highway again. After the 7 mile marker on the right is the Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive which will reconnect you with the Highway after 4 miles. After mile marker 13 is Akaka Falls (a long hard climb). After mile 14 is Kolekole Park to the left and down to a nice stream, park and campground. Going the opposite direction? Watch for the shoulders disappearing at the many bridges and check traffic behind you before crossing. You'll be moving downhill in most areas but will have the prevailing tradewinds countering your speed.

2. Laupahoehoe (elevation 280) to Honoka'a (1100) 18 miles.
Laupahoehoe Gulch is at mile marker 26 and Kawali'i Gulch is at marker 28. Shoulders are good for the majority of your ride but caution should be taken in the gulches and at several narrow bridges. You will be climbing hard for about 3 miles starting at Kawali'i Gulch at a 3.5 % grade. For most of the rest of this ride is less than 1 % grade. During this steep ride the prevailing tradewinds should be assisting you. Honoka'a is an interesting place to visit. Consult a good travel guide for places of interest. If you do not divert to the town itself there is a Drive-In between the 43 and 44 mile marker with services. Diversions: After Laupahoehoe Gulch is Laupahoehoe Point and County Park with camping and a memorial to those who did not survive the tsunami of 1946. It is a fast curvy ride to the point and a hard climb back up again but worth the time and effort if you won't be returning. The Kalopa State Park turn off is just after marker 40. It is a 3 mile climb where you will be pushing your bike more often than riding so unless you have lots of time and energy you should think twice before attempting it. It is a pretty park with cabins and campground that require reservations. Going the opposite direction? Watch for choke points on each of the bridges. Although most of your ride will be downhill toward Hilo you will be going head-on into the prevailing tradewinds.

3. Honoka'a (elevation 1100) to Waimea (2700) 15 miles.
Take Highway 19 to the right and start a 4 % grade to the 2000 ft level at mile marker 46 through a large corridor of tall trees which opens to ranchland after a few miles. There is the possibility of encountering fog along this route. The crest is at mile marker 52. There is a slight descent into town after mile marker 53. The shoulders are good the whole distance into Waimea and the tradewinds are at your back to give you a boost up the grade. Traffic increases the closer you are to the town. Waimea has all types of services and many attractions. Consult a good travel guide. An optional route to Waimea from Honoka'a is the old Mamalahoa Highway which you can find by following the signs out of Honoka'a toward Ahualoa. It is very much less traveled but has no shoulders and the pavement is breaking up in spots. The grades are much steeper but the 12.3 miles takes you through forest and ranchland that provide beautiful scenery. Going the opposite direction? You will encounter headwinds but will be going downhill all the way from mile marker 52.

4. Waimea (elevation 2700) to Hawi (600 ft) via the Kohala Mountain Road (21.5 miles).
Continue through Waimea and follow the signs to Hawi via Highway 250. There are no services along this route. There is the possibility of fog occurring here. Just as you enter highway 250 you will start climbing and continue climbing at 4 % grade or better for 6 miles. Once you reach the crest at approximately 3400 ft the rest of your journey to Hawi will be a fast downhill 4-5 % grade. Slow down a bit for safety and to enjoy the beautiful ranchland views along the route. Check your brakes frequently. This ride will be without shoulders but there will be very little traffic. There are many curves and there are choke points at the many small bridges. Going the opposite direction? You are in for a beautiful but grueling climb from Hawi to the crest. Watch for traffic coming behind you. Compared to your speed traffic will be moving much faster. Stay far to the right of the roadway. After the crest and on your downhill portion to Waimea there might be strong headwinds. Be cautious. They are strong enough to force you off the road if you are not careful.

5. Waimea (2700) to Kawaihae (sea level) via Kawaihae Road (Highway 19) 8 miles.
This is a fast 6 % downhill ride. There are occasional crosswinds. Shoulders are good for the majority of the ride. Check your brakes frequently. Going the opposite direction? You are in for a hard uphill hot ride. Bring lots of water.

6. Hawi (elevation 600) to Kawaihae (sea level) 19.3 miles.
A pleasant slight downhill ride with the prevailing tradewinds at your back. Shoulders are good. Just outside Hawi along this route is the Ironman bike ride turnaround point. If you look hard at the pavement you might be able to make out the markings. From that point it would be a 50 mile ride to Kailua-Kona. Watch out for Keawe branches on the shoulders because their up to 3" thorns will flatten your tires in a hurry. There is good whale watching from many points along this route and there are two County Parks at Kapa'a Beach and Mahukona. At Kawaihae is Fu'ukohala Heiau National Historic Site, Mailekini Heiau, and Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park. Going the opposite direction? You'll have a slight uphill grade and will have head-on tradewinds. Start your ride early before the tradewinds are at their peak.

7. Kawaihae to Resort Hotels (sea level) 9.2 miles.
This route has easy up and down riding with wide shoulders and is part of the ironman bike route. In the midday it gets hot and the scenery is lava fields. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. There are several world class beaches along this route and are worth the diversion. Hapuna Beach State Recreation area after a 2 mile ride is beautiful.

8. Resort Hotels to Kailua-Kona (sea level) 23.8 miles.
This route has easy up and down riding with wide shoulders and is part of the ironman bike route. It is hot in the midday and scenery is lava fields. In the late afternoon you may encounter a headwind. There are several beach parks along this route which are worth the diversion. After 16 miles you encounter the airport intersection where there always seems to be some traffic. Traffic increases as you approach Kailua-Kona. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. Honokohau Boat Harbor is just 3 miles from Kailua-Kona and has services.

9. Kailua Bay (sea level) to Kamehameha III Road (500) 5 miles.

There are three alternative routes from Kailua Bay to Kamehameha III Road, Routes 10, 11, and 12. Select from the map at left for details of each route.

10. Palani Rd. and Highway 11 option.
Climb Palani Road to Highway 11 intersection a half mile in crowded traffic and narrow or non-existent shoulders. Turn right on Highway 11 and ride beside fast moving traffic on a good shoulder. This is a 2-3 % grade climb along a major thoroughfare that has several turnouts and heavy traffic during regular commuter hours. Opposite direction? Downhill with good shoulders and heavy traffic.

11. Kuakini Highway and Highway 11 option.<>
Climb Palani Road about 100 yards to Kuakini Highway and turn right. It intersects with Highway 11 after about 2.3 miles. This is a 2-3 % grade with narrow shoulders. This route takes you away from some of the fast moving traffic on Highway 11 but provides little scenery. It has heavy traffic during regular commuter hours. Going the opposite direction? You'll be going downhill all the way with some traffic and narrow shoulders.

12. Alii Drive and Kamehameha III Road option (6 miles).
Take Alii Drive along the ocean to Kamehameha III Road. This is very scenic and sometimes choked with slow moving tourist/resident traffic. Nice shoulder, bike and pedestrian lanes, good beaches for swimming along the route. At the Kamehameha III Road intersection you start a hard climb to Highway 11. This climb is from 6-7% grade with O.K. shoulders. Commuter traffic during peak hours. Riding the opposite direction? Extremely fast downhill run for the first 1.4 miles. Check your brakes before you attempt this.

13. Kamehameha III Road (elevation 500) to Captain Cook (1400) 7.2 miles.
Highway 11 has narrow shoulders and heavy traffic along this section. You'll be climbing slowly because of the 7% grade for the first 1.3 miles and traffic moves fast beside you. The grade eases to 2-3% for the next 5.9 miles. You'll be passing through towns of Honalo, Kealakekua and Captain Cook. All have some services and have points of interest that you can find in a good travel guide. Going the opposite direction? You'll be moving downhill fast with traffic close to you in some areas. Just before Kamehameha III Road you'll be moving extremely fast with some narrow shoulders. Check your brakes.

14. Captain Cook (elevation 1400) to Ocean View (1760) 31 miles.
Starts with a series of short ups and downs to a grade of 5% and then continues to climb at a very gradual rate, less than 1%, with twists and turns and (caution) narrow to no shoulders for about 20 miles. It then straightens at mile marker 89 and has wider shoulders for another 11 miles to Ocean View where there are services at small shopping areas to the left and the right between mile markers 78 and 77. This is a scenic but winding road. There are few services and only one place to fill your water bottle opposite Ho'okena Beach turn off between mile marker 102 and 101 along this nearly 30 miles of road. Be cautious during peak commuter traffic hours. Some traffic moves too quickly for this section of road. Going the other way? From Ocean View to mile marker 89 is good shoulders and mostly straight to slightly curved roads. After that it gets curvy and the shoulders narrow to non-existent in areas.

15. Ocean View (elevation 1760) to South Point Road Intersection (1952) 8 miles.
This is a very slight climb, less than 1% grade, usually accompanied by a headwind. Stark lava scenery to nearly jungle in spots along this stretch. Shoulders are wide for the most part and there are not many curves. The hill crests just prior to South Point Road between mile marker 71 and 70. There are no services at South Point Road mile marker 70. If you decide to take the excursion to South Point (no shoulders) remember that it drops to nearly sea level in 11 miles and therefore presents a long climb back to Highway 11 (nearly 4% overall grade) but you can take Kama'oa Road (no shoulders) while climbing back from South Point which will cut 2.5 miles off the distance and 500 feet off the elevation gain but present more ups and downs and a narrower road. South Point (Ka Lae) is the southernmost point in the United States of America. No services at South Point. Round-trip 22 miles. Hawaiian Ocean View Estates at Ocean View is the largest subdivision in the world.

16. South Point Road Intersection (elevation 1952) to Na'alehu (674) 7.7 miles.
This is a wild and fun curvy downhill 7.7 mile (grades from 4 to 6% in places) ride but presents some narrow shoulders and some traffic in the small towns of Wai'ohinu (at elevation 1056) and in Na'alehu. Check your brakes frequently. Each town has services and presents several worthy points of interest that can be found through most printed travel guides. Going the opposite direction? It is a climb that at times seems never ending because you imagine South Point Road being just around the next bend. Take a rest at the top which is just past South Point Road at mile marker 70. You deserve it!!

17. Na'alehu (elevation 750) to Whittington Beach (sea level) 3.2 miles.
A downhill (4.5-6%) grade is fast and curvy, shoulders are narrow to nonexistent. Check your brakes frequently. Pull over to the scenic turnout (not marked) between mile markers 63 and 62 on your way down which gives you a breathtaking view of Whittington Beach Park and remnants of the old pier where cattle and sugar were shipped off island. Just before you reach the bottom of the hill between mile marker 61 and 60 is a very narrow bridge which presents a choke point where you are forced to move into traffic. If you are going the opposite direction, you'll be moving slow due to the grade. Keep as far to the right as possible. Occasionally there is debris from rockslides on the very narrow shoulders.

18. Whittington Beach (sea level) to Pahala (800).
9.2 mile uphill 3-4.5% grade. You will be moving slow on the uphill portions. Watch for choke points at narrow bridges but shoulders are good except for those points. Bridges present choke points at least one per mile from mile marker 58 to mile marker 49. Pahala has some services and is an example of old sugar towns. An excursion can be made to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach right turn at the Resort intersection. It is downhill to the sand then go left along the beach then back up a steep climb back to Highway 11. Swimming, camping (permit required) and refreshments are there. Going the opposite direction? You'll be moving downhill fast watch for those choke point bridges starting at mile marker 49 and check on traffic as you enter them.

19. Pahala (800) to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park (4000 plus).
20.7 miles uphill (3.5% grade) Good shoulders except at bridges to mile marker 49. Not much traffic. Uphill all the way to Namakani Paio Campground riding through the Ka'u desert area between mile markers 31 and 32 about two miles prior to the crest at 4024 feet. The Park entrance is just a 3 mile ride and has a right turn lane from the campground. Cyclists pay a park use fee of $5. Check in at the Volcano House for rooms or cabins at the campground. Tent sites are free. Going the other way? Downhill and fast nearly all the way. Good shoulders but watch for choke points at narrow bridges starting at mile marker 49. You'll be moving quick and must move into traffic if there is any.

20. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Entrance (4000) to Kea'au (360).
This is a 21 mile ride downhill at a 3-4% grade. The shoulders are in good condition and wide. Traffic is sporadic but caution should be given in the areas of Mountain View, Kurtistown and while approaching Kea'au especially when school traffic is at its peak. A diversion to Volcano Village next left after mile marker 28, 1.7 miles from the park entrance is recommended. Services of all kinds are there including cafe's, restaurants, stores, post office, etc.. If it is a Sunday morning don't miss the Volcano Farmer's Market at the Cooper Center. Follow the signs which lead you to Old Volcano Road and reconnects to Highway 11 after little more than a mile. Just after mile marker 20 is the Hirano store on your left and Glenwood Park with water and bathrooms on your right. There are services in Mountain View after the 15 mile marker at 1500ft elevation. After the 10 mile marker is Kurtistown Park on your left then just down the road a store on your right. After the 8 and 500 ft elevation marker look for the right turnout lane which, again, connects with the Old Volcano Road and takes you into Kea'au where there are many services at or near the traffic light controlled intersection. If you decide to just continue on to Hilo on Highway 11 exercise extreme caution at the traffic light controlled intersections connecting Highway 130 where there are turnout lanes and fast moving motor vehicle traffic. Going the opposite direction? You are in for a long steady 3-4% grade climb but shoulders are good and services are available near the 10, 15, 20 and 27 mile markers.

21. Kea'au (elev. 360) to Hilo (sea level).
It is a little less than 8 miles into Hilo along Highway 11 where shoulders are wide but traffic is fast moving and sporadic. You can reach Highway 11 by either turning left at the traffic light In Kea'au or by going straight and using the merge lane. Exercise extreme caution at the traffic light controlled intersections connecting Highway 130 where there are turnout lanes and fast moving motor vehicle traffic. Obey the traffic signals. Traffic is heaviest at regular commuter hours. You will be moving downhill at about a 1 % grade. As you enter Hilo you will encounter more and more traffic signals and there are well defined bike lane markings at all but a few. A particularly tricky turnout lane is located at the approach to the Hilo International Airport and is dangerous to cyclists because it slopes severely toward the curb where riders would normally ride. Once you are through that intersection and its accompanying acceleration lane the shoulder is wide to the intersection of Highway 11, 19, 137 and Banyan Drive. If you turn right on 137 (Kalaniana'ole Avenue) it is a dead end but leads to several beautiful swimming and beach areas.

21A. Miscellaneous routes in Hilo (sea level)
If you turn left you will continue with traffic on Highway 19 or Kamehameha Avenue and into Hilo proper. Watch where the shoulder disappears and forces you into traffic just prior to the Wailoa Bridge. A recommendation is to go straight down Banyan Drive past Reed's Bay and the large hotels and through Lili'uokalani Park to avoid fast moving traffic and for much better scenery. It connects with Highway 11 again at the Wailoa Bridge. Hilo is a beautiful town with many things to experience as any good travel guide will point out. If it is a Saturday or Wednesday morning, don't miss the Farmer's Market in Hilo Proper. Going the opposite direction? It is a nice gradual climb to Kea'au with wide shoulders and one choke point just past the 4 mile marker where traffic from the right, Kilauea Ave., merges with traffic on Highway 11. It is recommended that you dismount and walk your bike at the small "V" island especially during afternoon commuter traffic hours. 22. Kea'au (360 ft) to Pahoa (500 ft) 11.4 miles.
Wide shoulders for 5.5 miles with just one choke point at a bridge near the 3 mile marker. At Orchidland Drive there is a small convenience store. At Paradise Drive the shoulders get narrower and non-existent in places for more than 3 miles. Exercise caution because traffic is unpredictable and always fast. Traffic is heavy at peak commuter hours. Pahoa is a turn of the last century town and is a great town to visit. It is a step back in time to the '60s. So get set for some time travel and enjoy the best Mexican Food in the whole state. Pahoa has more than a dozen good places to eat. Going the opposite direction? Watch the narrow shoulders for about 3 miles to Paradise Drive. >From there you have a wide commuter lane to ride after 8 AM. Some drivers use this right lane illegally as a passing lane after 8 AM so stay to the right and watch your back side.

23. The Puna Triangle
"Some of the most pleasant riding on the Island." This triangular route can be tailored to your energy and ability. It can be as short as 27 miles or as long as 37 miles with road bikes or 45 miles with mtn. bikes and still start and end in Pahoa. Food, water, drinks must be carried on this route. There is swimming along the way if desired. There is one Drive-In on the shorter leg and one store on the longer leg of the Puna Triangle. Although much of this route is "sea level" the road dips and climbs in many places from just above sea level to 50 feet. Select from the map at left for descriptions of routes 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 in the Puna Triangle.

BACK TO TOP 24. Pahoa (500 ft) to Kaimu (Kalapana) (sea level) 10 miles.
Shoulders are wide and smooth. Traffic is light. There is a climb to 1071 ft. in the first 2.5 miles which is a 4 % grade and then it is a downhill coast to sea level. Just before you reach the intersection to Kaimu stop and see the Star of the Sea painted Church (Father Damien Hawaiian Cultural Center) on your left. At the intersection follow Highway 130 to see where the lava overran the highway in the early 90s. Backtrack to the intersection and turn right to go to Kaimu where shoulders disappear. Turn right again at the stop sign and you travel along what used to be the most beautiful black sand beach in the world. At the end of the road is a Drive-In.

25. Kaimu to Pohoiki (Red Road) 11 miles (all sea level).
No food services along this route. This is some of the most spectacular scenic roadway on the island. Shoulders are non-existent so stay to the extreme right and although traffic is light motorists may be looking at scenery and not watching for you. Kehena has a black sand beach which is located down a steep trail and although illegal is a swimsuit optional area. Opihikao has an intersection which if taken to the left will bring you to Highway 130 again but only after a grueling climb. Not recommended to anyone but "exteme riders." MacKenzie State Park is a camping and recreation area with only the most primitive of services and no drinking water. It is a pretty ironwood forest and oceanfront area with part of the old King's Highway still visible. Take the Pohoiki intersection to the right and check out the boat ramp and fishing area. If you decide it is time to head back to Pahoa you can take the same intersection to the left along a very narrow mango tree lined road which connects Highway 132 nearly at the entrance to Lava Tree Park (mentioned later). Again, primitive services at Pohoiki.

26. Pohoiki to Kapoho (sea level) 3.9 miles.
No food services along this route. Ahalanui County Park just a mile past Pohoiki has the best geothermally heated hot pond ever to be experienced and is a great area for a picnic. There are water and showers at Ahalanui. There is a short stretch of rough road from Ahalanui to Kapoho and then it widens and presents good riding. There is a 4-way intersection at Kapoho. A right turn takes you 1.7 miles to the Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse along a very bumpy cinder road. A left turn takes you on Highway 132 back to Pahoa on a good road with wide shoulders past Lava Tree Park where there is a bathroom and picnic area. Continuing on Highway 137 straight takes you on some rough roads with beautiful scenery to Kahakai Blvd. in the Hawaiian Beaches Subdivision.

27. Kapoho to Kahakai Blvd (sea level) (4.4 miles).
No services along this route. The road starts out smooth with no shoulders and then deteriorates once it leaves the lava fields and enters the old forest. It is composed of cinder and has many potholes. (There are County Plans for improvement). There are many beautiful scenic jungle and ocean spots along this section so take your time avoiding the potholes and enjoy the scenery. After about 4 miles on the ocean side of the road are two roads leading to a very large sand hill that is quite spectacular to see. The ocean meets the road at Honolulu Landing and soon after the road is paved again just before it meets Kahakai Blvd. in the Hawaiian Beaches Subdivision. To continue to follow the coastline on the "Old Wagon Road" is possible with mountain bikes. Very bumpy and slow but passable. If you do continue on this road it will take you to Hawaiian Paradise Park and crosses the asphalt paved roads of Maku'u Drive, Paradise Drive and Kaloli Drive any one of which will take you back to Highway 130. At Highway 130 a left takes you to Pahoa and a right to Kea'au.

28. Kahakai Blvd. (sea level) to Highway 130 (Pahoa By-Pass) (500) 5.5 miles.
Kahakai Blvd. can get busy but for the most part has light traffic that moves faster than the posted speed limit. There is little to no shoulder except for a pedestrian lane for about 1.5 miles. There is one store about 3 miles up. One hill presents a 5% grade for nearly a mile distance. After that is a gradual climb to the Highway. At the Highway take a short right and the next left to go into Pahoa or take a right to go to Kea'au along Highway 130..

Community Bike Ride & Rodeo
Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with the PATH Community Bike Ride and Keiki Bike Rodeo at the Waimea Community Center. Ride begins at 7:45am, Rodeo at 9am.

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