Biking in Kauai

Kauai is a labyrinth of cane-haul roads, which are fun for exploring on two wheels. The challenge is to find the roads where biking is allowed and then to not get 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, the main highway that skirts the coastal areas is perfectly safe, though there are only a few designated bike lanes. It's hilly, but you'll find that keeping your eyes on the road and not the scenery is the biggest challenge. 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 either Kauai Cycle in Kapaa, Outfitters Kauai in Poipu, or Pedal n' Paddle in Hanalei.

Moalepe Trail. This trail is perfect for intermediate to advanced riders. The first 2 mi of this 5-mi, double-track road wind through pastureland. The real challenge begins when you reach the steep and rutted switchbacks, which during a rainy spell can be hazardous to attempt. Moalepe intersects Kuilau Trail at the U-turn. If you choose to continue down the trail, it will end at the Keahua Arboretum stream.

Nawiliwili to Anahola Bike/Pedestrian Path. For the cruiser, this path follows the coastline on Kauai's East Side. Eventually, it will run some 20 mi and offer scenic views, picnic pavilions, and restroom facilities along the way—all in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For now, the easiest way to access those completed sections 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 interactive experience. Trailhead: 1 mi north of Kapaa; park at north end of Kealia Beach.

Powerline Trail. Advanced riders like this trail. It's actually a service road for the electric company that splits the island. It's 13 mi in length; the first 5 mi goes from 620 feet in elevation to almost 2,000. The remaining 8 mi descends gradually over a variety of terrain, some technical. Some sections will require carrying your bike. The views will stay with you forever. Trailhead is maukajust past the stream crossing at Keahua Arboretum, or at the end of the appropriately named Powerline Road in Princeville, past Princeville Ranch Stables. When it's wet—in summer or winter—this trail is a mess. Check with a knowledgeable bike shop for trail conditions first.

Spalding Monument Loop. For the novice rider, this loop offers a good workout and a summit ocean view that is not overly strenuous to reach. If you pick up a bike at Kauai Cycle in Kapaa, you can literally ride a mile up the bike path to reach the head of the loop, and even make a snack-stop at the Kealia Store without a detour. From Kealia Store, ride up a gradual incline 2 mi through horse pastures to Spalding Monument, named for a former plantation owner. 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. Follow the paved road north toward Kalalea for 2 more mi. Turn right at the highway, and it's another 2 mi south to a parking lot on the ocean side. The lot is not far from mile marker 12 and sits on the top of a hill. Follow the path down to the beach and turn right, following what was once an old cane-haul road that heads right back into Kapaa town. The loop begins at the Kealia Store, past mile marker 10 on the mauka side of the road.

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 on Kuamoo Road and continue 6 mi 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 mi to a T-stop, where you should turn right. Stay on the road for about 3 mi 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.

Waimea Canyon Road. For those wanting a 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, and curvy. There's not much of a shoulder—sometimes none—so be extra cautious. The road gets busier as the day wears on, so you may want to consider a sunrise ride. By the way, bikes aren't allowed on the hiking trails in and around Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, but there are miles of wonderful 4WD roads perfect for mountain biking. Check at Kokee Lodge for a map and conditions. Road turns mauka off Rte. 50 just after grocery store in downtown Waimea.

Practically Free Biking & Hiking Tours

For five bucks, nonmembers of Kauai's Sierra Club can participate in guided hikes and bike outings all over the island. In fact, Sierra Club occasionally has access to private land you'd not be able to see otherwise. Visit their group outing Web page at www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai/kauai-hikes for a current listing of organized hikes.

Equipment & Tours

Kauai Cycle. This reliable, full-service bike shop rents, sells, and repairs bikes. Mountain bikes and road bikes are available for 25 to 60 per day and 125 to 195 per week with directions to trails. The Nawiliwili to Anahola Bike/Pedestrian Path is right out their back door. Across from Taco Bell, 934 Kuhio Hwy., Kapaa. 808/821-2115. www.bikehawaii.com/kauaicycle.

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 Koee State Park and Waimea Canyon. The company also leads sunrise coasting tours (under the name Bicycle Downhill) from Waimea Canyon to the island's West Side beaches. Rentals cost $25 to $45 per day. Tours cost $98. 2827-A Poipu Rd., Poipu. Follow Poipu Rd. south from Koloa town; shop is on right before turnoff to Spouting Horn. 808/742-9667 or 888/742-9887. www.outfitterskauai.com.

Pedal n' Paddle. This company rents old-fashioned, single-speed beach cruisers and hybrid road bikes for $12 to $20 per day; $50 to $80 per week. Tandem bicycles have a $10 hourly rate. In the heart of Hanalei, this is a great way to cruise the town; the more ambitious 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. Ching Young Village, Rte. 560, Hanalei. 808/826-9069. www.pedalnpaddle.com.