Biking
Kauai is a labyrinth of cane-haul roads, which are fun for exploring on two wheels. The challenge is finding roads where biking is allowed and then not getting lost in the maze. Maybe that explains why Kauai is not a hub for the sport—yet. Still, there are some epic rides for those who are interested—both the adrenaline-rush and the mellower beach-cruiser kind. If you want to grind out some mileage, you could take the main highway that skirts the coastal area, but be careful: there are only a few designated bike lanes, and the terrain is hilly. You may find that keeping your eyes on the road rather than the scenery is your biggest challenge. "Cruisers" should head to Kapaa. A new section of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, a pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs along the East Side of Kauai, was completed in the summer of 2013, extending the multiuse path to about 8 miles. You can rent bikes (with helmets) from the activities desks of certain hotels, but these are not the best quality. You're better off renting from Kauai Cycle in Kapaa, Outfitters Kauai in Poipu, or Pedal ’n’ Paddle in Hanalei. Ask for the "Go Green Kauai" map for a full description of Kauai biking options. Following extensive flooding in early 2018, areas of Haena and along the Wailua River are undergoing repairs. Please check before visiting to make sure places are open.
Best Spots
Ke Ala Hele Makalae. This county beach park path follows the coastline on Kauai's East Side and is perfect for cruisers. Eventually, the path is projected to run some 20 miles, but an existing 6½-mile-long stretch already offers scenic views, picnic pavilions, and restroom facilities along the way—all in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The path runs from Lydgate Beach Park to secluded Kuna Bay (aka Donkey Beach). An easy way to access the longest completed section of the path is from Kealia Beach. Park here and head north into rural lands with spectacular coastline vistas, or head south into Kapaa for a more immersive experience. Kealia Beach, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746. www.kauaipath.org/kauaicoastalpath.
Moalepe Trail. This trail is perfect for intermediate to advanced trail-bike riders. The first 2 miles of this 5-mile double-track road wind steeply through pastureland. The real challenge begins when you reach the steep and rutted switchbacks, which during a rainy spell can be hazardous. Moalepe intersects the Kuilau Trail, which you can follow to its end at the Keahua Arboretum stream. Wailua (Kauai County), Hawaii.
Powerline Trail. Advanced riders are challenged by this trail. It's actually an abandoned electric-company service road that splits the island. It's 13 miles long; the first 5 miles go from 620 feet in elevation to almost 2,000. The remaining 8 miles descend gradually over a variety of terrain, some technical. You'll have to carry your bike through some sections, but the views will stay with you forever. When it's wet—in summer or winter—this trail is a mess. Check with a knowledgeable bike shop for trail conditions first and be prepared to improvise. Powerline Rd., Kilauea, Hawaii.
Spalding Monument. For the novice rider, this ride offers a good workout and a summit ocean view that's not overly strenuous to reach. If you pick up a bike at Kauai Cycle in Kapaa, you can pedal a mile up Ke Ala Hele Makalae to reach the start of the ride, and even make a snack stop at the corner food truck without a detour. From near the end of Kealia Beach, ride up a gradual incline 2 miles through horse pastures to Spalding Monument, named for a former plantation owner, although there is no longer any signage. Palms circle the lava-rock wall, where you can picnic while enjoying a 180-degree ocean view. Behind you is the glorious mountain backdrop of Kalalea. Coasting back down the road offers an almost hands-free, continual ocean view along with a peek into rural Kauai most visitors miss. The loop begins at end of Kealia Beach, past mile marker 10 on mauka (mountain) side of road, Kealia, Hawaii, 96746.
Wailua Forest Management Road. For the novice mountain biker, this is an easy ride, and it's also easy to find. From Route 56 in Wailua, turn mauka (toward the mountains) on Kuamoo Road and continue 6 miles to the picnic area known as Keahua Arboretum; park here. The potholed four-wheel-drive road includes some stream crossings—stay away during heavy rains, because the streams flood—and continues for 2 miles to a T-stop, where you should turn right. Stay on the road for about 3 miles until you reach a gate; this is the spot where the gates in the movie Jurassic Park were filmed, though it looks nothing like the movie. Go around the gate and down the road for another mile to a confluence of streams at the base of Mt. Waialeale. Be sure to bring your camera. Kuamoo Rd., Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746.
Waimea Canyon Road. For those wanting a very challenging road workout, climb this road, also known as Route 550. After a 3,000-foot climb, the road tops out at mile 12, adjacent to Waimea Canyon, which will pop in and out of view on your right as you ascend. From here it continues several miles (mostly level) past the Kokee Museum and ends at the Kalalau Lookout. It's paved the entire way, uphill 100%, and curvy. There's not much of a shoulder on either road—sometimes none—so be extra cautious. The road gets busier as the day wears on, so you may want to consider a sunrise ride. A slightly more moderate uphill climb is Kokee Road, Route 552, from Kekaha, which intersects with Route 550. Bikes aren't allowed on the hiking trails in and around Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, but there are miles of wonderful four-wheel-drive roads perfect for mountain biking. Check at Kokee Natural History Museum for a map and conditions. Off Rte. 50, near grocery store, Waimea (Kauai County), Hawaii, 96796.
Equipment and Tours
Kauai Cycle. This reliable, full-service bike shop rents, sells, and repairs bikes. Cruisers, mountain bikes (front and full suspension), and road bikes are available, with directions to trails. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path is right out the back door. 4-934 Kuhio Hwy., across from Taco Bell, Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746. 808/821–2115; www.kauaicycle.com. Rentals from $20 per day and $110 per wk.
Outfitters Kauai. Hybrid "comfort" and mountain bikes (both full suspension and hardtails) as well as road bikes are available at this shop in Poipu. You can ride right out the door to tour Poipu, or get information on how to do a self-guided tour of Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon. The company also leads sunrise and evening coasting tours (under the name Bicycle Downhill) from Waimea Canyon past the island's West Side beaches. Stand-up paddle tours are also available. 2827-A Poipu Rd., near turnoff to Spouting Horn, Poipu, Hawaii, 96756. 808/742–9667; 888/742–9887; www.outfitterskauai.com. Rentals from $25; tours $109.
Pedal 'n' Paddle. This company rents old-fashioned, single-speed beach cruisers and hybrid road bikes. In the heart of Hanalei, this is a great way to cruise the town; the more adventuresome cyclist can head to the end of the road. Be careful, though, because there are no bike lanes on the twisting-and-turning road to Kee Beach. Ching Young Village, 5-5190 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei, Hawaii, 96714. 808/826–9069; www.pedalnpaddle.com. Rentals from $15 per day and $60 per wk.
