The best traffic-free bike rides in Hawaiʻi County

The Pohiki via Kehena touring cycling route offers a captivating journey through the Big Island's Puna district, showcasing a landscape dramatically shaped by recent volcanic activity. You'll pedal past lush coconut groves, tropical rainforests, and stunning oceanside views, with the newly formed Pohoiki Black Sand Beach at Isaac Hale Beach Park serving as a prominent highlight. The route, a moderate 15.5-mile (24.9 km) ride with 607 feet (185 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking unique scenery.

While mostly paved, following what's known as the "Red Road" (Highway 137), be aware that some segments include compacted gravel and other unpaved sections that can be challenging. There are no specific warnings about permits or seasonal closures, but it's always wise to check local conditions before starting your ride. Given the moderate difficulty and elevation, this route is best enjoyed by cyclists with a good level of fitness.

This area is particularly notable for its dynamic geology, a direct result of the 2018 Kilauea eruption, which created new landforms and black sand beaches. Beyond the volcanic scenery, you'll find Kehena Beach, known for its unique, free-spirited community vibe. The route also connects with sections of the Kalani Honua trail, offering further exploration opportunities in this vibrant part of Hawaii.

The Two Step Beach via Kealakekua Bay loop offers a truly unique touring cycling experience on the Big Island, blending picturesque coastlines with significant historical sites. As you pedal, you'll encounter a mix of well-paved roads and some unpaved sections, traversing tropical forests, rolling hills, and distinctive lava fields. The route provides stunning coastal views, leading you past dramatic sea cliffs and offering expansive vistas of Kealakekua Bay and Honaunau Bay, culminating at the famous Two Step Beach, known for its unique lava rock entry and vibrant marine life.

This moderate 11.1-mile (17.9 km) loop, with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. It's best to start your ride in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and lighter traffic. Remember that amenities at Two Step Beach are basic, with only portable toilets available and no food or showers, so pack all your essentials, especially water.

Beyond the cycling, this route is a gateway to rich Hawaiian history and ecology. You'll pass Kealakekua Bay, the site of Captain Cook's landing, and Two Step Beach is adjacent to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, also known as the Place of Refuge. This area is renowned as one of Hawaii's best snorkeling spots, with crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and spinner dolphins, offering a perfect post-ride cool-down.

The Hilina Pali via Devil's Throat touring cycling route offers a deep dive into the remote, wild heart of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. You'll pedal through ever-changing scenery, from sparse forests and ʻōhiʻa trees to ancient lava fields and the stark beauty of the Kaʻū Desert, culminating in the panoramic vistas from the Hilina Pali Overlook. This moderate 17.3-mile (27.8 km) ride, with 1250 feet (381 metres) of elevation gain, takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes, providing a unique perspective on the island's volcanic geology.

Planning your visit requires self-sufficiency, as there are no services or water sources along the route, though pit toilets are available at Kulanaokuaiki Campground and the Hilina Pali Overlook. The road is paved but narrow, so caution is advised for occasional traffic. Consider starting early to avoid the potential for hot, dry, and windy conditions, which can make the return uphill more challenging. Parking is accessible at the beginning of Hilina Pali Road.

What truly sets this route apart is its profound sense of solitude and the raw, untamed beauty of the landscape. Beyond the stunning coastal views from Hilina Pali, you can also take a short walk to Devil's Throat, a dramatic collapse crater that highlights the park's dynamic geological processes. This journey offers an intimate encounter with the Koaʻe Fault and the vastness of Mauna Loa, making it a memorable experience for those seeking a quiet adventure away from the crowds.

The Keauhou to Kahalu‘u loop offers a challenging touring bicycle experience through diverse Hawaiian landscapes, blending physical exertion with cultural discovery. You'll navigate varied terrain, from smooth paved sections to some unpaved segments, all while enjoying stunning coastal and ocean views, particularly around the View of Kahaluʻu Bay and Native Preserve. This difficult 11.9-mile (19.2 km) route features a significant 1535 feet (468 metres) of elevation gain, making it a rewarding ride for cyclists with a good to very good fitness level.

Planning your ride on this Keauhou to Kahalu‘u loop cycling route means preparing for a demanding journey that typically takes around 1 hour and 28 minutes. Be aware that you'll share the road with traffic in certain areas, as some sections may have narrow or no shoulders. Given the tropical climate, it's wise to carry ample water and consider an early start to avoid the midday heat and potentially heavier traffic on this popular cycling trail in Kona, Hawaii.

Beyond the physical challenge, the route is enriched by the Keauhou-Kahaluʻu Heritage Corridor, which features educational overlooks and historical boards providing insights into ancient Hawaiian life. This unique aspect elevates the ride from a simple workout to a cultural exploration, making it one of the best cycling loops Kona Hawaii has to offer for those who appreciate both natural beauty and historical context.

The Cape Kumukahi via Kahakai Park route takes you through a landscape profoundly shaped by the 2018 Kilauea volcanic eruption, offering a stark and dramatic experience. You'll encounter rugged, newly formed lava rock and barren volcanic terrain, a powerful visual of nature's force. The historic Kumukahi Lighthouse stands as a resilient landmark, providing a focal point amidst the transformed scenery, which also includes newly formed black sand beaches. This 13.9-mile (22.4 km) route, despite its easy rating, is far from a typical touring cycling path, demanding off-road skills and a sense of adventure.

While Komoot rates this route as easy, the 409 feet (125 metres) of elevation gain over 1 hour and 32 minutes is deceptive due to the challenging terrain. Much of the path involves navigating sharp, uneven volcanic rock, making it more akin to extreme off-road exploration or even hiking in sections. Good hiking shoes are essential, as some areas are now hike-in only. This route is best for experienced cyclists comfortable with very challenging conditions, not beginners looking for a smooth ride.

Cape Kumukahi is the easternmost point of the Big Island and is notable for its dramatically altered landscape. It provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the raw power of volcanic activity and the ongoing geological processes shaping Hawaii. The area showcases both destruction and the emergence of new landscapes, making it a unique destination for those interested in the island's natural history and the resilience of landmarks like the Kumukahi Lighthouse.