Biking the Big Island
The big island of Hawaii has so much to offer visitors – whatever your interests. When you are staying at our Volcano bed and breakfast and are into hiking, kayaking, surfing, sailing, or snorkeling, then Hawaii is the place for you – but what about biking? You might think that an island such as Hawaii is a bit too hilly and mountainous to have much appeal to all but the most hard-core of cyclists, but surprisingly there is a wealth of really accessible cycle and bike trails across the island that will excite and entertain cyclists of all levels of experience. People from all over the world trek to the island to bike, explore, and experience a vast variety of terrain and ecosystems.
Mountain biking on the big island
With a huge diversity of climate zones, and a combination of paved roads to mountain and forest trails, the big island is a dream destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. You can bike through the virgin forests of Mauna Loa, through the rainforest of Kulani, the striking lunar landscape of Mauna Kea, across the grasslands of North Kohala, or along the sandy beaches at Kona. One of the great things about Hawaii’s climate is that all of these different trails and tracks are pretty much accessible all year round. Major trails are signed and rated according to type, distance, experience level, time required, elevation, and terrain.
Rent a bike and get cycling
If you are a serious cyclist then you will probably be taking your own bike with you to Hawaii, but there are plenty of options for hiring a bike when you arrive on the big island. One of the best places to go cycling is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – not only are there a great network of trails for you to explore, but cycling is probably the best way to experience this unique part of the world.
All the bike trails within the national park are clearly signed and there is a map available from the park’s visitor center. If you’ve ever wanted to cycle around an active volcano then this is your chance!
Safety tips for biking on Hawaii
Most of the safety tips for cycling on Hawaii will be consistent for the advice and guidance that you would follow wherever you are cycling:
- Make sure that you’re carrying water
- Protect against sun damage by wearing sunglasses, sunblock, and lip-balm
- Keep at least five lengths between bikes on a trail
- Be sure to wear a helmet that fits properly
- Carry an emergency first aid kit
Some of the additional safety tips that relate specifically to Hawaii include:
- Being aware of the elevation at which you are riding. If you are not used to riding at different altitudes, make sure that you take it slowly at first and ensure that you are comfortable and breathing easily before pushing yourself too hard.
- Make sure that you are wearing a helmet and gloves, because if you fall on lava rock it really hurts. Hawaii is still being formed by active volcanoes, you are bound to come across some lava rock at some stage on your cycling so being prepared is smart.
There are lots of ways to experience the big island of Hawaii – try it on a bike, you won’t be disappointed! Relax in your room after a nice soak in the hot tub at our Volcano HI bed and breakfast.