Headed out to Kona for a few weeks in January! Only been there during the World Champs.
Anyone have any awesome rides out there? Please don’t say Queen K. 
What about trail running?
Never ridden in Kona only been to the island once but I have been told cycling is good south by Hilo, or if you want a real challenge climb Muana Kea. Maybe MarkyV will chime in he knows that island like the back of his hand.
Sounds like Angela Duncan (Naeth), who is Paul’s wife, is getting ready to get serious about Kona. Watch out Rinny and the other girls … she has a screaming bike split but can back it up on the run too.
If you are staying in Kona most loops will include some Queen K riding. Riding from Kona to Captain Cook and looping back above Kona thru Holualoa is fun. Adding in a climb up Kaloko Road above Kona is worth trying at least once!
The new Saddle Road western link from the Belt Hwy is a long continuous climb then you can ride to both the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa access roads. Without a cross bike or MTB climbing MK beyond the visitors center won’t happen. If you plan these rides be sure to gear low and bring a windshell and even arm/leg warmers and gloves depending on cold tolerance. Descending or windy conditions make it cold. You can ride to 9 or 11k depending on route selection. Also bring options for carrying plenty of hydration as there’s nowhere to get refills.
Riding to Hawi and beyond is a great route. Taking the hwy over Kohala to or from Waimea adds in climbing and great views. Old Mamalahoa Hwy east of Waimea to Waipio is a sweet ride.
If you shuttle to Volcano or Pahoa there are some good rides. The Pahoa triangle ride and Red Road is worth doing. Just keep in mind that driving there takes much longer than map distances compared to NV. Fastest trip to east coast from Kona is the Saddle Road. It is for the most part a freeway.
Trail running in Kona prolly isn’t much of an option. There are some trails off of Kaloko above town. There are coastal trails north along the Kohala Coast but the lava rock is more suitable for hiking than running. There is a state park off the belt highway north of Kona that has a road and trail system up a cinder cone that you could run. There are trails and farm roads in Waimea area and various points along the Saddle Road. The White Road trail to the Hamuka ditch is an epic trail but it crosses private property and I think it is closed now. A trip into Waipio Valley and across and up the other side could be done as a run/power hike. You could run the hike routes in Volcano Park.
If you are staying in Kona most loops will include some Queen K riding. Riding from Kona to Captain Cook and looping back above Kona thru Holualoa is fun. Adding in a climb up Kaloko Road above Kona is worth trying at least once!
The new Saddle Road western link from the Belt Hwy is a long continuous climb then you can ride to both the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa access roads. Without a cross bike or MTB climbing MK beyond the visitors center won’t happen. If you plan these rides be sure to gear low and bring a windshell and even arm/leg warmers and gloves depending on cold tolerance. Descending or windy conditions make it cold. You can ride to 9 or 11k depending on route selection. Also bring options for carrying plenty of hydration as there’s nowhere to get refills.
Riding to Hawi and beyond is a great route. Taking the hwy over Kohala to or from Waimea adds in climbing and great views. Old Mamalahoa Hwy east of Waimea to Waipio is a sweet ride.
If you shuttle to Volcano or Pahoa there are some good rides. The Pahoa triangle ride and Red Road is worth doing. Just keep in mind that driving there takes much longer than map distances compared to NV. Fastest trip to east coast from Kona is the Saddle Road. It is for the most part a freeway.
Trail running in Kona prolly isn’t much of an option. There are some trails off of Kaloko above town. There are coastal trails north along the Kohala Coast but the lava rock is more suitable for hiking than running. There is a state park off the belt highway north of Kona that has a road and trail system up a cinder cone that you could run. There are trails and farm roads in Waimea area and various points along the Saddle Road. The White Road trail to the Hamuka ditch is an epic trail but it crosses private property and I think it is closed now. A trip into Waipio Valley and across and up the other side could be done as a run/power hike. You could run the hike routes in Volcano Park.
Awesome - Thank you!