The best road cycling routes in MoloaʻA Forest Reserve

Ohiki Road takes cyclists up the border of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, which sits on the west side of the road. This is part of the Hanalei Valley, where there has been agaraculture from natives for hundreds of years. Traditional kalo farming practices have helped waterbird feeding and nesting areas. The refuge was designated in 1972 and is the oldest on the island, with many endangered bird species.

Here, visitors are looking at a 91-year-old bridge—or are they? Kind of! Hanalei Bridge is a narrow, one-lane bridge outside of the town of Hanalei. The original 113-foot bridge, made of through-truss, was almost 100 years old when it was rebuilt, but today's bridge is an exact replica of the 1912 bridge. So what you see here today is... similar and, at least, the same.

Anini Beach is considered one of the safer beaches, but always practice ocean safety as there is no lifeguard on duty. The winter months can be more dangerous for swimming. Anini Beach has the longest reef in all the Hawai'ian Islands. It's a great place for snorkeling, picnicking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Anini Road goes parallel to the beach and can get quite close.

Larsen’s Beach is known as Ka’aka’aniu Beach in Hawai'ian. It is a secluded beach and undeveloped, so there are no lifeguards and no amenities. It is often not crowded, which can give a feeling of remoteness. Larsen’s Beach has been an unofficial clothing-optional beach, so don't be surprised to see someone sunbathing totally naked. To get here from the parking lot walk about 500 feet down the path.

The Christ Memorial Episcopal Church is a unique, small chapel in Kilauea. It was built from lava stones, and the building and the land were donated by the Kilauea Sugar Company. The stained glass windows were shipped over from England in 1935. Today, the church is used for worship every Sunday, and the congregation kindly allows non-members to have weddings there.

Waipouli Beach is a more low-key park by the Waipouli Beach Resort. There is public beach access on the south end, and it's a hangout spot for Kauai’s monk seals, right off the biking coastal path. This area is family-friendly, with shopping, coffee shops, activities, and hiking very close by. It has been marked as a wonderful spot to see the sunrise.

Here begins the Makaleha Falls Hike, a 2.6-mile out-and-back hike in the jungle. If cyclists choose to park and check out this hike, the trail is often muddy, but the reward is great. Otherwise, turning around here still leads you to the lush rainforest, where you have the opportunity to see beautiful plants and birds.

Kapa'a Beach is a long beach with golden sands that parallels the Kapa'a Bike Path. The full name is Ke Ala Hele Makalae, meaning “path that goes by the coast." Most people simply call it the Kapa‘a Bike Path or Kaua‘i Bike Trail. This bike path is a multi-use path that totals about 7 miles.