Waikoloa Beach Resort is a wonderful spot to start your biking experience for all different levels of biking enthusiasts from hopping on a city commuter and cruising 4 miles around the resort, to road biking on the famous Queen K highway (the Iron Man World Championship route), to taking mountain bike roads down to secluded parks and beaches.
Whether you transport your own bike to Hawaii or decide to rent a bike, there is help at Bike Works, a conveniently located fully equipped bike store in the Queens’ Marketplace in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. They carry all style bikes including new electric bikes to help those who just want a less strenuous pedaling experience. Every Tuesday morning they sponsor a friendly no drop road bike ride, for locals and tourist alike, from their store riding south on Queen K highway along the lava fields while viewing the ocean and the Hualalai mountain. There is a rest gathering stop at Scenic Point then on to a gorgeous beach called Kua Bay. With a friendly inquiry many other rides will be suggested by the local riders or the bike store. One can also ride north on Queen K from Waikoloa through Kawaihae Harbor to Hawi, a continuation of the 112- mile Iron Man bike route. In the winter months you can frequently observe whales and rainbows along this beautiful road.
One or the prettiest rides is the Old Mamalahoa road located just outside the town of Waimea about a 40- minute drive from Waikoloa Beach. This low traffic road winds its way through ranch country with beautiful views of Mauna Kea, Kohala mountain, ranches and even the distant ocean (Picture # 2). The road then declines steeply down through a section of rain forest to the quaint town of Honokaa’. There at the Tex Drive In restaurant at highway 19 you can refuel your energy supply with a freshly made donut called a Malasada.
For an extension to this ride continue to ride to the Waipio Valley Lookout, a picturesque site about 9 miles from Honokaa’ (Picture #3). After retracing or riding back to the start on highway 19, the ride totals about 40 miles with some good climbing on the way back. Another bike climb for a clear mountain day is the upper road (Hwy 250) from Waimea or Hawi up the Kohala mountain (5800 ft).
Mountain bike enthusiasts also have plenty of areas to explore by riding to hidden beaches such as the dirt road to Koloko-Honokohau beach and historical site (Picture # 4). Expert bikers might consider the Mana Road, a mostly dirt road outside Waimea that circles around the east side of Mauna Kea mountain about 43 miles. It is best to select a clear, non -windy, sunny day and start as early as possible. Some tour operators such as Big Island Bike Tours offer guided tours of this remote mountain road as well as other tours including the family variety.
Whatever the level and type of rider you are, you are sure to enjoy a fantastic experience biking here at Waikoloa Beach on the Big Island.
Author: Kolea 8A Owner Joe Anderson February 29, 2020
email: reservations@klvhawaii.com
