I'm going to be in Kona for a week in Dec. for a corporate function and would love to rent a bike for a day and ride up to Hawi. There are several places in Kona that rent bikes, so I was wondering if folks here have any experiences (good or bad) with them. I won't have a car while I'm there, so ideally (this may be asking a lot) I'd love it if they could drop off and pick up the bike from my hotel (Hualalai - just north of the airport). Anyone know of any places that do this, or do I need to Uber it into town to get a bike?
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Re: Renting a bike in Kona [jkatsoudas]
[ In reply to ]
I rented from Bikeworks up in Waikaloa (Queens Shops) in July. I didn't ask about a drop off, but the rental process was easy, price was great, and the bike was in good shape as well. I just rented a road bike (Allez sprint), but they had TT options available.
Re: Renting a bike in Kona [jkatsoudas]
[ In reply to ]
Easiest and best is Kona Bikeworks. They're 5-10 min drive south from the airport so no need to worry about picking/dropping. You can make your reservation online now (3 months lead time)
808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo
808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo
Re: Renting a bike in Kona [jkatsoudas]
[ In reply to ]
Road or tri bike? Definitely Kona Bikeworks. It is right off Queen K near intersection with Palani. The driveway is hard to find. It is off Luhia street and is shared with Enterprise rent-a-car and big island divers. Bikeworks don't have their own sign down on Luhia. We circled for 20 minutes looking for them the first time we were on the island.
If you want a beach cruiser you can get those anywhere along Ali'I or any of the resorts.
If you want a beach cruiser you can get those anywhere along Ali'I or any of the resorts.
Re: Renting a bike in Kona [jkatsoudas]
[ In reply to ]
I planned on biking everywhere so I bought a bike on craigslist and then sold it on craigslist when i left. Not the best idea but i got lucky and broke even. What I did learn is it is fun to go on a ride once on the course, but then i just ran and swam for exercise and rented a scooter. biking everywhere in the heat gets old quick.
Re: Renting a bike in Kona [jkatsoudas]
[ In reply to ]
Bikeworks is a solid recommmendation for a road or Tri bike to ride to Hawi. Since you are staying north of the airport, I'd recommend booking from their Waikoloa shop because the drive past the airport into Kona is currently a shitshow most times of the day due to construction and the already heavy traffic. I'd suggest calling both your hotel and the shop to see about dropoff/pickup options. Cabs regularly run between waikoloa and the airport, so maybe something can be worked out to help you.
Re: Renting a bike in Kona
[ In reply to ]
Thanks everyone! Bike Works in Waikoloa sounds like a great option. I can cab/Uber it up there from my hotel and then ride to Hawi from there. I haven't decided on tri vs. road bike yet. It depends on whether I an talk a buddy into joining me or not.
Re: Renting a bike in Kona [jkatsoudas]
[ In reply to ]
I rented a bike last week in Kona from Velofix, and had a great experience. Nick drops it off and picks it up, and was extremely easy to work with! I sent him measurements in advance and brought my pedals. It was just for riding while out there working for the race, not to race on. He also provided helmet.
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Cynthia
Blog: http://yousignedupforwhat.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/yousignedup FB: http://www.facebook.com/yousignedupforwhat IG: http://instagram.com/yousignedupforwhat
Thanks Cynthia. That looks like a great option too.