Hawaii Bike Tour

DAY 1: Meet in Kona.

The trip starts on Sunday morning when we meet at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Kohala Coast just north of Kona (public shuttle is available from/to the Kona airport). We shuttle to Waimea in the heart of Hawaii’s cowboy country and cycle down the old highway — now a scenic byway — through the lush, rolling countryside to a viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Waipio Valley, where thousand-foot cliffs blanketed in tropical green hurl themselves from a sapphire sea. We then head to a tropical park for a short hike to storied Akaka Falls. In the afternoon, we cycle farm roads through former sugar cane fields reborn as banana and papaya plantations, then follow sideroads along the rugged coast to Hilo and the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. You’ll enjoy the oceanfront views overlooking Hilo Bay.

DAY 2: Ride a network of coastal roads through stands of banyan and eucalyptus.

On Monday we ride on a wonderful network of quiet roads through a portion of this island the locals love, but of which tourists are generally unaware. We visit recent lava flows, soak in natural thermal pools, and cycle through forest, farmland, and right beside a spectacular rocky coastline. We spend the next two nights at the Kilauea Lodge, a charming country inn with exceptional dining located next to Volcanoes National Park. Zagat rates the Kilauea Lodge “one of the most popular restaurants on the Big Island.”

DAY 3: Hike Kilauea Crater and explore the Thurston Lava Tube.

Tuesday is a layover day. In the morning we hike into the dramatic Kilauea Crater, whose breadth and depth seem to swallow us as we explore its steaming crevasses. In the afternoon you may choose to go on another hike, cycle the 11 miles around Kilauea’s rim — visiting a museum and volcano observatory along the way — or relax at the lodge. Nature permitting, we’ll drive through the park after dinner to the ocean, where you’ll witness a red river of lava emerging from deep inside the earth and flowing into the steaming surf.

DAY 4: Pedal to black-sand Waiohinu, famous for green sea turtles.

Wednesday’s cycling includes a 25-mile downhill from Kilauea Crater to lunch on a black sand beach where sea turtles frequently rest. We’ll explore the remote South Point area, whose rocky cliffs are the most southerly place in the United States. If you’re up for a challenge, you may wish to ride all the way to our oceanfront lodging at the Keauhou Beach Resort just south of Kona. Our resort is adjacent to the best snorkeling beach on the Big Island; you may opt for a late afternoon or early morning swim.

DAY 5: Ride to the City of Refuge.

On Thursday we cycle south through the famous Kona coffee plantations, stopping at one for a free tasting and tour that we arrange. We continue past mango, banana, and avocado trees, then down to the ocean and the City of Refuge, a national historic park. Long ago, Hawaiians who had displeased their king fled here for their lives. We have lunch on its white sand beach and stroll through the ancient ruins. In the afternoon we cycle past a famous painted church and head to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, an upscale hotel on the Kohala Coast and our home for two nights. This full service, destination resort was completely renovated last year; it has its own white sand beach from which you can snorkel or join a scuba dive boat. Two tennis courts, a huge swimming pool with water slide, and a full service spa (with massage) are also on-site. Two championship golf courses, shopping, and restaurants are next door.

DAY 6: Cruise on a 58-foot luxury catamaran to snorkel a hidden bay.

DAY 7: Hike to Pololu Valley.

On Saturday we shuttle to Hawi on the north end of the island and cycle to Pololu Valley, were we hike into this remote and roadless valley filled with lush vegetation, high waterfalls, exotic flowers, swaying palm trees, and a black sand beach. Then we cycle south beside the coast. We finish the white sands of Hapuna, the best swimming beach on this island, where many guests try some body surfing. We conclude with a van ride back to the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and the Kona airport.