The best road cycling routes around Keaau

There are 6 road cycling routes around Keaau listed in this guide, offering diverse experiences from coastal rides to routes through lush rainforests and volcanic terrain.

Road cycling in Keaau offers a unique blend of terrain. You'll encounter lush tropical rainforests, landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, and expansive coastal views. Routes often feature gentle ascents and descents, providing varied riding conditions. The famous 'Red Road' (Highway 137) in the Puna district, for example, takes you through dense coconut groves, past lava fields, and along black sand beaches.

Yes, there are routes suitable for easy rides. For instance, the Carlsmith Beach Park – Richardson Beach Park loop from Hilo is an easy 15.5-mile (25.0 km) trail that takes you through coastal parks and along the ocean, perfect for a relaxed ride.

Absolutely. For those seeking a longer ride, the Kea'au to Nanawale Forest Reserve loop is a moderate 37.5-mile (60.4 km) path that leads through tropical rainforests, offering a substantial distance for experienced cyclists.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past areas impacted by past volcanic eruptions, witness dramatic lava flows, and enjoy stunning coastal vistas. Notable attractions include the Liliuokalani Gardens (a Japanese-style garden near Hilo) and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center, which is part of a pleasant cycling loop.

Many routes offer scenic views. The historic 'Red Road' (Highway 137) is renowned for its continuously changing scenery, including dense coconut groves, tropical rainforests, and oceanside parks. Coastal routes like the Carlsmith Beach Park – Richardson Beach Park loop from Hilo also provide expansive ocean vistas.

The road cycling routes around Keaau are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to unique volcanic terrain and beautiful coastal views, which make for a dynamic and memorable riding experience.

Keaau serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the wider Puna District and its diverse natural beauty. While direct cycling within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park might be limited to designated roads, Keaau's proximity makes it a good base for combining cycling with visits to the park. For current information on eruption viewing and park access, you can check the National Park Service website.

While specific cafes directly on every route are not detailed, routes like the one passing the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center offer opportunities for a stop. The town of Keaau itself and nearby Hilo provide various options for cafes and refreshments before or after your ride.

Cyclists should exercise caution on certain roads, particularly those with narrow sections, blind curves, or no shoulder, especially in older parts of the 'Red Road'. Always be aware of your surroundings and local driving attitudes in Hawaii.

Yes, several routes are rated as moderate. The Hilo City Ride loop, a 25.8-mile (41.6 km) trail, offers a moderate ride through urban and coastal areas. Another moderate option is the Kea'au to Nanawale Forest Reserve loop, which is longer at 37.5 miles (60.4 km).

Yes, many of the recommended road cycling routes around Keaau are loops. Examples include the Hilo City Ride loop and the Kea'au to Nanawale Forest Reserve loop, allowing for convenient round trips.