Hawaii: Circling The Big Island

DAY 1: We meet in Kona for an orientation at 11:00am. Then we’ll head to the bike shop to pick up and fit our rental bikes. We’ll enjoy our first dinner together in the evening. In the Hawaiian language, “kona” means leeward or dry side of the island. You may know it best for being the superb microclimate for growing some of the best coffee in the world. It should be sunny, warm and dry all day.

DAY 2: Today’s ride begins from the Kona Coast as we ascend into the hills of brightly colored bougainvillea, papaya and monkeypod trees. Then it’s back down near the ocean and the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (“place of refuge”) National Historic Park, for a picnic lunch and optional snorkeling. If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is an easy place to learn. You can float and watch beautiful multi-colored fish swimming below you along the vibrant coral. Then it’s back on our bikes for a gradual ascent to the town of Captain Cook and our authentically Hawaiian Manago Hotel high above the ocean. 37 miles.

DAY 3: We begin the day with rolling hills along the spectacular coast of Ka’u and the southernmost point of the U.S. The van awaits us at the black sand beach of Punalu’u. Black sand is rare and caused from volcanic lava flowing into the ocean. Look for the sea turtles that love to swim and sunbathe on this beach. The van will take us up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or you may choose to attempt the gradual 4,000’ climb to the top for a real challenge. 53 or 83 miles.

DAY 4: Today we explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with a fascinating hike through the surrounding lush rainforest and then across the barren moonscape of the crater. The lava flow of 2018 has ceased but not before it destroyed 700 homes, displaced 2000 people and dramatically changed the island’s landscape. The Kilauea volcano expanded Hawaii by 875 acres.

Later in the day, we’ll drive down the Chain of Craters Road for another look at the volcano from centuries ago. We’ll take a short hike to see the petroglyphs at Pu’u Loa. The sacred etchings in the hardened lava, geologically dated to the year 1200, document the life and spirituality of the native Hawaiian people. 0 miles. 

DAY 5: We’ll say good-bye to Kilauea Caldera and the Hale’ Maumau Crater and begin a glorious descent down to Hilo on the coast. Take the time to stop at the volcano museum to learn more of this fascinating geological wonder. Then we’ll begin a glorious descent down to Hilo on the coast. You can break up the quick ride with stops along the way at a macadamia nut factory, an orchid garden, and to see the work of a wood carver craftsman. We are now on the windward or wet side of the island. If it isn’t sprinkling this evening, it likely will be tomorrow. 43 miles.

DAY 6: Today’s beautiful ride is along the wild, lush rainforest coast with lava-rock beaches, brilliantly colored flowers and fragrant guava trees. Cycling inland, we will follow Mamalohoa Highway through forests and pastures dotted with cattle and horses. Much of the land is part of the Parker Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the country and home to the paniolo, the Hawaiian cowboy. 25 - 58 miles.

DAY 7: As we pedal our way along the ridge of the Kohala Mountains, we will enjoy magnificent views of the island and sea before beginning the descent back to the warm, dry Kohala Coast. Along the route we'll stop in the quaint town of Hawi for a coffee or some shopping. We’ll overnight at a beachside resort, where the beautiful white sand beaches seem made for body surfing. We’ll return our rental bikes and celebrate our circular tour of the island at tonight's dinner. 46 miles.

DAY 8: We will shuttle you back to the Kona Keahole Airport by 11:00am, or you can spend the day at the resort on your own. Aloha!