Biking
Oahu'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. Your best bet is to cycle early in the morning or get off the road to check out the island’s bike trails.
Honolulu City and County Bike Coordinator. This office can answer all your biking questions concerning trails, permits, and state laws. 808/768–8335; www.honolulu.gov/bicycle.html.
Best Spots
Kaena Point Trail. If going up a mountain is not your idea of mountain biking, then perhaps Kaena Point Trail is better suited to your needs. A longer ride (10 miles) but much flatter, this trail 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 drinking water available on this ride, but at least at the end you have the Yokohama Beach showers to cool you off. 69-385 Farrington Hwy., Waialua, Hawaii, 96791.
Maunawili Demonstration Trail. Locals favor biking this 10-mile trail that has breathtaking views as you descend into Waimanalo. There are many flat portions but also some uneven ground to negotiate unless you're willing to carry your bike for small stretches. The main trailhead is at the Pali Lookout on the blacktop of Old Pali Rd. Nuuanu Pali Dr., at Pali Lookout, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817.
West Kaunala Trail. 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. 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 5½ miles round-trip. Bring water because there's none on the trail unless it comes from the sky. 59-777 Pupukea Rd., at the end of Pupukea Rd., Haleiwa, Hawaii, 96712.
North Shore Bike Park. Wind around 12 miles of trails plus seven professionally designed, single-track loops at the North Shore's Turtle Bay Resort. Trails lead to protected wildlife areas and ancient Hawaiian sites, a WW II pillbox, a giant banyan tree, and secluded beaches and bays. Purchase day passes at the Hele Huli Adventure Center. 57-091 Kuilima Dr., Kahuku, Hawaii, 96731. 808/293–6024; northshoreexplorers.com/northshorebikepark. Day pass $10.
Equipment and Tours
Bike Hawaii. Whether it's road tours of the North Shore or muddy off-road adventures in the Koolau Mountains, this is the company to get you there. There are combination packages that pair cycling with snorkeling, sailing, or hiking. They also offer guided hikes combined with kayaking, sailing, and/or snorkeling. The company offers both three-hour road tours and a six-hour mountain-biking foray. Tours include equipment, transportation, and water; some also include lunch. The company will pick you up at central locations in Waikiki. 808/734--4214; www.bikehawaii.com. From $60.
Hawaii Bicycling League. Don't want to go cycling by yourself? Visit this shop online, and you can get connected with rides and contests. 808/735–5756; www.hbl.org.
Biki. In late 2017 nonprofit Bikeshare Hawaii launched a Honolulu bike-sharing system equipped with 1,000 bicycles at 100 solar-powered, self-service stops between Chinatown and Diamond Head. The comfortable, easy-to-maneuver bikes are designed to accommodate riders of all sizes. The procedure is easy: pay at the kiosk, hop on the bike, and dock it at the kiosk closest to your destination. Honolulu, Hawaii. 888/340–2454; gobiki.org. $3.50 single ride, $20 for 300 minutes, $15 for month of unlimited 30-minute rides, $30 for month of unlimited 60-minute rides.
North Shore Explorers. Rent cruisers, fat tire bikes, mountain bikes, or mopeds at this outfitter's three North Shore and Laie locations: Hele Huli Adventure Center at Turtle Bay Resort, Polynesian Cultural Center, and the Courtyard Marriott hotel. The company also runs an array of guided adventure tours, plus disc and foot golf, tennis, and mountain bike lessons. Kahuku, Hawaii, 96731. 808/293–6024; northshoreexplorers.com. bike rentals from $20 per hour.
