The best road cycling routes in Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve

The Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve area offers a variety of road cycling routes. There are 8 routes documented, including 3 easy, 4 moderate, and 1 difficult option, catering to different skill levels.

You can expect diverse terrain, ranging from lush rainforests and scenic coastlines to routes with significant elevation gains towards volcanic landscapes. While the reserve's interior roads are less suitable for dedicated road cycling, the surrounding Hilo area provides mostly paved surfaces.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the area offers routes with considerable elevation gains. A notable difficult route is the Hilo to Maunakea Visitor Information Station, which is 67.4 miles (108.4 km) long and features extensive views of volcanic landscapes.

Yes, there are easier options available. The Hilo to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center loop is an easy 20.2 miles (32.6 km) trail leading through macadamia nut orchards. For a more relaxed ride, the Hilo Bayfront Trail offers a dedicated multi-use path along the shore with scenic views.

The Hilo area boasts numerous scenic attractions. You can cycle along the historic Old Mamalahoa Highway – Onomea Bay loop from Wainaku, which winds through tropical forest and offers ocean views. Other routes lead to places like Kolekole Beach Park & ʻAkaka Falls State Park, known for lush scenery and waterfalls.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. Examples include the Hilo to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center loop and the Hilo City Ride loop, offering convenient starting and ending points.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and coastal vistas to challenging climbs towards volcanic areas, and the variety of routes available for different fitness levels.

Absolutely. Routes like the Hilo to Kolekole Beach Park & ʻAkaka Falls State Park offer stunning coastal views and lead to impressive waterfalls. The Old Mamalahoa Highway also provides picturesque ocean vistas and follows singing streams.

The Old Mamalahoa Highway, also known as the Onomea Scenic Drive, is a highly appealing section for road cyclists. This four-mile paved stretch north of Hilo winds through dense tropical forest, crosses historic bridges, and offers beautiful ocean views. Riders should be cautious due to narrow roads, tight curves, and one-lane bridges.

The Hilo region experiences substantial rainfall, contributing to its lush environment. While cycling is possible year-round, checking local weather forecasts is advisable, especially during wetter periods, to ensure optimal riding conditions.

While the interior roads of the Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve are generally less suited for dedicated road cycling, the surrounding Hilo area's paved routes do not typically require special permits for cycling. For more detailed information about the reserve itself, you can visit the official Hawaii DLNR website: Hawaii DLNR.

Yes, the Hilo to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center loop is a great option, taking you through scenic macadamia nut orchards, offering a different kind of landscape to enjoy.