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Biking

O'ahu's coastal roads are flat, well paved, and unfortunately, awash in vehicular traffic. Frankly, biking is no fun in either Waikiki or Honolulu, but things are a bit better outside the city. Be sure to take along a nylon jacket for the frequent showers on the windward side and remember that Hawai'i is "paradise after the fall": lock up your bike.

Honolulu City and County Bike Coordinator (808/527-5044) can answer all your biking questions concerning trails, permits, and state laws.

Best Spots

Biking the North Shore may sound like a great idea, but the two-lane road is narrow and traffic-heavy. We suggest you try the West Kaunala Trail (End of Pupukea Rd. This road is next to Foodland, the only grocery store on North Shore). It's a little tricky at times, but with the rain forest surroundings and beautiful ocean vistas you'll hardly notice your legs burning on the steep ascent at the end. It's about 5.5 mi round-trip. Bring water because there's none on the trail unless it comes from the sky.

If going up a mountain is not your idea of mountain biking, then perhaps Ka'ena Point Trail (West O'ahu, end of Farrington Hwy.) is better suited to your needs. A longer ride (10 mi), but much flatter, takes you oceanside around the westernmost point on the Island. You pass sea arches and a mini-blowhole then finish up with some motocross jumps right before you turn around. There's no water on this ride either, but at least at the end you have the Yokohama beach showers to cool you off.

Our favorite ride is in central O'ahu on the 'Aiea Loop Trail (Central O'ahu, just past Kea'iwa Heiau State Park, at end of 'Aiea Heights Dr.). There's a little bit of everything you expect to find in Hawai'i -- wild pigs crossing your path, an ancient Hawaiian heiau (holy ground), and the remains of a World War II crashed airplane. Campsites and picnic tables are available along the way and, if you need a snack, strawberry guava trees abound. Enjoy the foliage change from bamboo to Norfolk pine in your climb along this 4.5-mi track.

Bike Shops & Clubs

Blue Sky Rentals & Sports Center. Known more for motorcycles than for man-powered bikes, Blue Sky does have bicycles for $18 per day (from 8 to 6), $26 for 24 hours, and $75 per week -- a $100 deposit is required for weekly rentals. The prices include a bike, a helmet, a lock, and a water bottle. 1920 Ala Moana Blvd., across from Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki, Honolulu. 808/947-0101

Boca Hawai'i LLC. This is your first stop if you want to do intense riding. The triathlon shop, owned and operated by top athletes, has full-suspension Trek 4500s for $35 a day with a two-day minimum ($25 for each additional day). Call ahead and reserve a bike as supplies are limited. 330 Cooke St., next to Bike Factory, Kaka'ako, Honolulu. 808/591-9839

Hawai'i Bicycling League. Not much for riding by yourself? Visit this shop online, and you can get connected with rides and contests. Box 4403, Honolulu, 96813. 808/735-5756. www.bikehawaii.com