Hawaii Big Island Bike Tour
The Big Island tour was wonderful, the scenery, the food, the picnics on the beach. It was so good I'm taking my family next year.
An excellent way to have an active discovery of Hawaii with knowledgeable, fun guides.
We could not recommend this trip more. It was a perfect vacation for people who like to do, see, eat, and be active.
Great way to see the Big Island!
Thank you, Bicycle Adventures, for memories that will last a lifetime!
“Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” – Paul Theroux
Experience Hawaii’s warmth, color and history on two wheels. Bicycle banyan-lined roadways past lush coffee plantations and immense lava fields pummeled by the surf. Witness the volcanic majesty of Kilauea. Snorkel with manta rays. Enjoy the best stargazing in the world from high up on Mauna Kea. Be awed by the island’s astonishing biological diversity. Visit many of its historic and sacred places. Dine at its most famous restaurant. Hawaii is Paradise, perfected on a bicycle!
SEPT. 2022 UPDATE: Lava is moving in the Kilauea crater again, and the Park is open for viewing.
This tour is operated under special use permit/s with the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (“City of Refuge”). Bicycle Adventures is an equal opportunity provider.
Itinerary
Day 01
Ride to the City of Refuge and Kona’s coffee country.
Meals
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Royal Kona Resort
Distance
20 miles
Elevation
+1,673 ft / -1,663 ft (options for more)
Ability Level
All Levels
Meet us at the Royal Kona (public shuttle is available from/to the Kona airport) in the heart of downtown Kona. Bicycle south through Kona’s coffee plantations. Continue past mango, banana and avocado trees down to the ocean. Lunch at the white sands of the City of Refuge, Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. Long-ago Hawaiians who had displeased their king fled to this sacred place; many of its ancient ruins remain. This afternoon, stop for a tour and tasting at Greenwell Coffee Farm. Then head to the Royal Kona Oceanfront Resort to get ready for an early dinner, followed by a night snorkel with manta rays!
Day 02
Visit South Point and bike to Punalu’u black sand beach for an encounter with green sea turtles.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Chalet Kilauea
Distance
27 miles (or more)
Elevation
+1,280 ft / -2,997 ft (options for more)
Ability Level
Intermediate
Shuttle to South Point in the morning to explore the scenic bluffs of the southern-most point in the United States. Pedal from near South Point to Punalu’u Black Sand Beach for a picnic lunch. The route takes us along the scenic southern flank of Mauna Loa to the macadamia and coffee farm-rich village of Pahala. Watch for the Hawaiian goose, the Nene, strutting here and there. Spy some honu (green sea turtles) bobbing in the waters or sunning on the rocky beach. Shuttle (or pedal) to Volcano for tonight’s stay at Chalet Kilauea Rainforest Hotel.
NOTE: The highway up to Volcano is open and safe for visitors, as are businesses and amenities in the town of Volcano.
Day 03
Spectacular Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Ability Level
All Levels
Distance
15-30 miles (or more)
Elevation
+2,199 ft / -2,198 ft (or more, or less)
Enjoy Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park today! The Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world and encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Craters, lava tubes, lava fields, and more – there is so much to explore! Park geology has been quite active lately, so we will see what options are available to us and choose the best (cycling and/or hiking). In the afternoon, shuttle (or keep pedaling) to the Hilo Hawaiian. Enjoy oceanfront views overlooking beautiful Hilo Bay for the next two nights.
Day 04
Explore historic Hilo, make an offering to Pele, and cruise up Mauna Kea for stargazing
Meals
– Breakfast
Lodging
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
Ability Level
All Levels
Spend the morning exploring the historic town of Hilo by bike or on foot. Sample as much as you like of the farmer’s market, the Arboretum, Tsunami museum, shopping, and majestic Rainbow Falls. After lunch on your own, shuttle up to Mauna Kea to take in the sights and then join a local tour company to learn about the large telescopes and many observatories on Mauna Kea. Then enjoy sunset and dinner before stargazing.
Day 05
Explore storied Akaka Falls and dramatic Waipio Valley. Ride the Kohala Coast to Waimea and dine at Merriman's!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Kamuela Inn
Distance
22-55 miles
Elevation
+ 2500-5500 ft
– 1250-2900 ft
Ability Level
All Levels
Bicycle gentle side roads through banana and papaya plantations along the rugged tropical coastline. Cruise under hanging vines along with the botanic gardens and local surf spots. Feeling like a challenge? Cycle up to Akaka Falls – or hop in the van to the view the home of the waterfall-climbing goby fish. Shuttle to the iconic viewpoint overlooking the thousand-food cliffs of the Waipio Valley. Walls swathed in tropical green stand tall, protecting this ancient valley on three sides; the fourth is the sapphire sea. Feel like a bit more cycling? Continue on through the “cowboy country” ranchlands of Waimea to the Kamuela Inn. Be sure to work up an appetite. Tonight we celebrate a wonderful adventure with dinner at the best restaurant in Hawai’i. Now world famous, Merriman’s has been serving delicious, locally sourced and sustainable, island cuisine for over 30 years!
Day 06
Ride the stunning Kohala Coast from a hidden gem of a park to Hapuna Beach.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Ability Level
All Levels
Distance
33 miles
Elevation
+2,164 ft / -2,151 ft
After breakfast, shuttle to hidden Keokea Beach Park on the Kohala Coast to begin cycling. It’s so inviting, you may want to relax here all day! Ride along the famous Queen K Highway – the most scenic part of the Ironman Kona course. At Hapuna Beach we will celebrate with lunch – and a final dip in the ocean, if you like! – before heading back to Kona for return flights home.
