Biking in Big Island

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Biking

The Big Island's biking trails range from easy to moderate coastal rides to rugged backcountry wilderness treks that will challenge the most serious bikers. En route, bikers can soak up some of the island's storied scenic vistas and varied geography -- from tropical rain forest to rolling ranch country, from high country mountain meadows to dry lava deserts. It's dry, windy, and hot on leeward coastal trails and cool, wet, and muddy in upcountry windward areas. There are long distances between towns and few services available in the Kau, Puna, South Kona, and Kohala Coast areas, so bikers need to plan accordingly for weather, water, food, and lodging before setting out.

The nonprofit Big Island Mountain Bike Association (Box 6819, Hilo, 96720-8934. www.interpac.net/~mtbike) has tons of information on biking the Big Island. It provides maps and detailed descriptions of rides for all ability levels. For other suggested rides, see the Web site run by Alternative Hawaii (www.alternative-hawaii.com/activity/biecotrb.htm).

Best Routes

Mountain Bike magazine voted Kulani Trails, south of Hilo, the best ride in the state. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of Highways 11 and 19, take Highway 19 south about 4 mi, then turn right onto Stainback Highway and continue on 2 1/2 mi, then turn right at the Waiakea Arboretum. Park near the gate. This technically demanding ride, which passes majestic eucalyptus trees, is for advanced cyclists.

The Old Puna Trail (Trailhead: From Hwy. 130, about 3 mi south of Keaau town, take Kaloli Rd. to Beach Rd.) is a 10 1/2-mi ride through the subtropical jungle in Puna, one of the island's most isolated areas. You'll start out on a cinder road, which becomes a four-wheel-drive trail. If it's rained recently, you'll have to deal with some puddles -- the first few of which you'll gingerly avoid until you give in and go barreling through the rest of them for the sheer fun of it. This is a great ride for all abilities that takes about 90 minutes.

Guided Rides

Orchid Isle Bicycling. This is the only Big Island outfitter currently offering daily bicycle tours. Geared to cyclists of varying abilities, options range from challenging 3,500-foot climbs up Kohala Mountain to downhill-only rides that end with a swim. Tours, which last from four to eight hours and cover 8 to 55 mi, start at $125 per person. The outfitter also runs deluxe seasonal "Tour de Paradise" vacation packages including hotels, some meals, and all gear for $1,895 and up per person for four to six days of cycling. Box 3486, Kailua-Kona, 96745. 808/327-0087 or 800/219-2324. www.orchidislebicycling.com

Bike Shops & Clubs

If you want to strike out on your own, there are several rental shops in Kailua-Kona and a couple in Waimea and Hilo. Resorts rent bicycles that can be used around the properties. Most outfitters listed can provide a bicycle rack for your car. All offer reduced rates for rentals longer than one day.

Bike Works. This branch operation of Hawaiian Pedals caters to more advanced bicyclists and Ironman wannabes with its rentals of deluxe road bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes, starting at $40 a day. Hale Hana Centre, 74-5583 Luhia St., Kailua-Kona. 808/326-2453. www.hpbikeworks.com

Cycle Station. This shop, which has a variety of bikes to rent, from road sport to racing bikes, hybrids to tandems, will also deliver to and pick up at hotels. They have trailers for toddlers. Daily rentals range from $20 for a hybrid to $35 for a road or mountain bike. 73-5619 Kauhola St. #105, Kailua-Kona. 808/327-0087. www.cyclestationhawaii.com

Hawaiian Pedals. For those who prefer comfort over speed, Hawaiian Pedals rents seven-speed cruiser, hybrids, and basic mountain bikes starting at $15 for five hours. Full day rental rates begin at $20. Kona Inn Shopping Village, 75-5744 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. 808/329-2294. www.hpbikeworks.com

Mid Pacific Wheels. This bike shop carries a full line of bikes and related accessories. They also rent mountain bikes for exploring the Hilo and east Hawaii area. Rental rates are $20 per day. They can provide information on best places to go, what to see, do, and experience on a self-guided bike tour. 1133C Manono St., Hilo, 96720. 808/935-6211