Hawaii's perpetual summer and stunning beauty are magnets for those who like to view the world from the seat of a bike. Take to easy going trails with the entire family or challenge scenic backcountry routes meant for more experienced riders. Pedal through the hidden Hawaii that bike riders discovered long ago.
Oahu -- Mountain Biking
Take a mountain bike tour through Oahu's Kaaawa Valley and enjoy panoramic ocean views as you navigate the back roads of this sacred Hawaiian valley. Framed by the Kooloau Mountains, this site has caught the eye of Hollywood many times over. As you cycle the six mile route visit movie locations used in the television series "Lost' and in movies like 50 First Dates, Godzilla and Jurassic Park. If you happen to be cycling between December and April, you might actually see whale spouts from the trails. Bike the same trails used for the Hawaiian Mountain Tour Pro/Am. The tour operator Bike Hawaii also offers mountain biking challenges for the more experienced rider.
Maui -- Biking Haleakala
It's 3 a.m. You are on vacation. Yet you are waiting in the sleepy town of Paia for your van ride up the slopes of Haleakala to await the sunrise. Snuggled in your warm jacket, you watch the first fingers of dawn appear, changing the colors of the crater rim and bowl. Then you hop on your mountain bike for a 28-mile trip down the twists and turns of the road that leads from the summit to the sea. Take an optional route at the nine-mile mark to ride through pastureland at the Haleakala Ranch. Make the Tedeschi Winery a rest stop and take a tour of the grounds and maybe sample some pineapple wine or fresh Hawaiian fruits. If 3 a.m. is just too much of a struggle, take the same tour, minus the sunrise, with a mid-morning start.
Kauai -- Family Biking
Even the youngest cyclers can get out and enjoy Kauai's Ke Ala Hele Makalae, or "path that follows the coast." Cruise along the Coconut Coast from Baby Beach all the way to Kealia Beach on a mostly level five mile long path. Take a break at a picnic area in Lydgate Park or spread a blanket out on the beach and maybe even put your toes in the water. Rent a bicycle built for two, adult and child sized bikes, even a tandem trainer that attaches to an adult bike. For very small children, rent a covered trailer that attaches to an adult bike.
Kauai -- Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon
Pedal your way from the 3,600 foot rim of Waimea Canyon all the way down to the sea on a cruising bike with wide handlebars and saddle seats. Guides "talk story" about the history and legends of Kauai during the orientation and point out historic sites on the way down. Take this 12-mile trek in the early morning and watch the light play with the red lava walls of the canyon. Afternoon tours are also available. Riders 12 and older are welcome. Bike rentals, bike racks and maps are available if you would rather explore Kauai on your own.
Hawaii -- Big Island Cycling Challenge
Pedal your way around the Big Island of Hawaii on a 300-mile, six-day, five-night bicycle tour. Known as the Big Island Cycling Challenge, this bike vacation is not for the faint of heart. Cyclists that normally ride 100 miles or more each week will find the hill climbs and their scenic descents challenging. Pedal along the Kona Coast, through barren lava flows and on roads circling the lower slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Bikes and helmets are available for rent. The tour includes airport shuttle, five nights hotel, breakfast and support services.
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