Going to Kona in a couple weeks for a bit of R&R, sightseeing, etc etc. We’re planning on renting a couple road bikes while we’re there. Can anyone recommend any good rides? We’ll rent a car so they don’t necessarily need to start and end in Kailua-Kona.
I’ve heard the Queen K is a bit windy and boring (at least when there’s not a race on) but I’ve also heard there are some fantastic scenic rides.
The Queen K is a bit windy and boring even when there is a race on. After a while that barren lava field thing gets old. Route 250 between Hawi and Waimea is pretty cool and rises up to 4000 feet or so. I have also heard that Route 11 heading south from Kona is pretty cool. I don’t know anything about the east side of the island.
Riding in Volcanos National Park is pretty cool. I don’t know what the situation is there with road closures. In October a lot of the park was closed due to eruptions. If you want a challenge you can ride from the park to the shore. It is quite a drop to sea level. Spectacular view too.
Have fun.
There is a park a few miles before you turn off the Queen K where you can park
still get the flavor of the Queen K but not too much then ride to Hawi. Go straight
thru Hawi to the end of the road and there is a beautiful view and a trail which goes
down to the water and beach. The Queen K and the road to Hawi have a striped off
lane for bikes which the locals expect you to ride in.
Enjoy
Mike
It’s a nice ride to South Point, lots of rolling roads between 800 and 1500 ft. Not a lot when you get there, but a good burger, some cokes, and back to the barn. A lot of it is under a nice canopy too. If you have a few days, I would ride around the entire island. I did that once, and just hit the cheap motels, or the volcano cabins on the way. That is a really nice way to see the island…I’ve always wanted to get a cross bike, and ride to the top of the volcano, that would be a hoot. Go from 90 degrees, to snow in one ride…
You can park at Waikaloa Resort and ride up the Queen K and turn up towards Hawi. Or you can start at Hapuna Beach.
I second the riding all the way to the end of the road past Hawi. Better hills, more greenery, and a great view at the end.
From Kona you can also ride south, some decent hills there.
Or you can ride up the Queen K, take a right where everyone else takes a left, ride a ways, take another right and ride to Waikaloa Village, then back down to the Queen K.
I was in Kona in May last year for a family vacation, Hilton Waikaloa resort. Linda at Bike Works was very helpfull in setting me up for a rental, service was superb and I had a great time riding for a week. I am one of those boring guys and rode up and down Queen K between Waikaloa and Hawi. For me that was great and tough enough. Other routes had a bunch of climbing and I was not sure if I could handle it. The weather can also be significantly different up the mountains. Explore it all, you will love it. It is a breath taking beauty. It will be quality training too, wether you want it or not as the wind will make sure you do your work.
My wife just rented a bike at Cycle Station in Kona, up the hill near Home Depot. Oliver is the guy and the bike was really nice. I think it was a carbon Fuji with D/A rear and shifters. They give you a pump and a pack with two tubes. They may even have helmets if you need one. They will deliver it to your hotel or condo if needed. They were very good.
Thanks all… getting excited.
While there are many good spots on the Big Island to rent a touring bike, I’ve found that Bike Works, 74-5583 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (808-326-2453) is just what the triathlete ordered. They’re used to renting the kind of bike you want. They have several classes of bikes and I had a very nice Trek last time. If you’re curious (I am), a nice fella named Grant who may be one of the owners has a bamboo bike, a Calfee, that I hear they rent out Ironman week. And maybe to you if you’re interested. Just pop your helmet, shoes, and pedals in your luggage and you’re set. You’d want to call ahead of course, I’ve rented from Linda and Keith in the past, and they’ll show you map how not to get lost.
One more thing, the bakery in Na’alehu (south) is a terrific rest stop, and if you’re passing thru Waimea around meal time HuliSue’s barbeque is not to be missed. Wish I were going with you!