Pedaling Through Paradise
Nothing compares to the Big Island’s unmistakable natural beauty. The Big Island offers cycling enthusiasts mesmerizing landscapes and diverse climates, with seemingly endless opportunities to discover new places.
Riding my bike to experience these elements firsthand is a significant part of my life, and what I love most about living here. And, even with over 100,000 bike miles logged on the Big Island, I feel there is still much more to explore, lending credence to its vastness.
You will find the local Big Island cycling community to be very welcoming, so feel free to reach out for advice or any questions you may have about cycling on the Big Island.
Hawaii Cycling Club
Based on the Kona side of the Big Island, the Hawaii Cycling Club is one of the premier road, mountain, and multi-sport cycling organizations in Hawaii. Catering to both recreational and competitive cyclists, HCC is a community-focused group dedicated to providing Big Island residents with a safe and rewarding experience, offering opportunities for riders of all levels to explore the Big Island by bike.
The vast majority of local bicycle races are organized by HCC, including a wide variety of time trials and hill-climbing events. HCC hosts an organized group ride held each Saturday at 7:00 AM, departing from the Kona Pool parking lot, and is open to anyone to join. For more info, visit the HCC Website.
South Kona Loop
Penn's Pick | 41 Miles | 3,446'
A classic Kona ride into the hills of “Old Hawaii” starting in town from the pool. The initial 5-miles along Alii Drive is flat which is a good chance to warm up before entering Keauhou and the ensuing hills leading you to Napoopoo Junction. From there, you will descend through the lush tropical scenery of Napoopoo and Honaunau as you make a big loop around the area that includes the historic Place of Refuge and Napoopoo Village at Kealakekua Bay. Take a break and enjoy the scenery before starting the 20-30 minute climb back up Napoopoo Road. After that, it is mostly downhill back the same way you came from Kailua-Kona.
Kaloko Drive
KONA | 6.3-mi | 2,938' | 8.8%
In the backyard of Kalaoa, next to Holualoa and just above Kailua-Kona, Koloko Drive is an absolute beast of a Hillclimb. Covering over six miles and comprised of six excruciatingly steep switchbacks, each with grades of 15% to 20%, Kaloko is Kona’s marquee climb for serious cyclists. Compact gearing and disc brakes are highly recommended. Matthew Riccitello, a World Pro Cyclist, holds the KOM with a 36:15.
Mauna Loa
17.25-mi| 4,438' | 4.9%
Finishing at an elevation of over 11,000′, the climb up Mauna Loa will test your fitness in more ways than one. The road itself is absolutely gorgeous, probably the most beautiful climb on the Big Island. In addition to the altitude, the road presents some difficulty due to its constantly fluctuating gradients, making it hard to find a rhythm. Former World Tour Professional and vlogger Phil Gaimon holds the KOM with a time of 1:11:53.
Sea to Stars (Mauna Kea)
MAUNA KEA | 47.5-mi | 8,996' | 3.6%
This segment actually consists of three big-time climbs: Waikoloa Drive (easy), Old Saddle Road (moderate), and Mauna Kea Road (hard) – finishing at the Visitor’s Center (9,100′). Ideally, you will want SAG support, or at the very least, ride with others. The last couple of miles to the visitor center can be agonizing if you are not on top of things. It is steep! Yours truly, Penn Henderson, holds the KOM in 3:28:13.
Napoopoo Road
KONA | 4.3-mi | 1,264' | 5.5%
Napoopoo Road is a local favorite due to its convenience and moderate length and difficulty. It is hard, but not brutal. In fact, it is a perfect climb for 20-minute fitness tests and interval training. Current World Tour Professional, Larry Warbasse, often rides this area when in town and holds the STRAVA KOM with a blazing time of 17:35.
Hookena
KONA | 2.3 Miles | 806' | 6.7%
On the outskirts of South Kona, Hookena Beach Road sits just off the beaten path, and as such, receives little fanfare from cyclists. However, it is a great little hill climb that starts at the historic fishing village of Hookena with coastline views nearly the entire climb. This is a good addition to the South Kona Loop if you are feeling frisky. KOM is 10:44.
Mana Road (Gravel)
WAIMEA
Gravel cycling up Mana Road in Waimea offers a rugged, scenic adventure along the slopes of Mauna Kea. Truly an epic ride! Starting just outside of town, the route winds through rolling pastures and native forest on red dirt and volcanic gravel, rewarding riders with sweeping views and a true off-the-grid experience. *Out & Back, or a Massive 5+hr loop option.