Hawaii's Big Island Biking
Coastal Roads & Volcanic Slopes
Just how big is the Big Island, the youngest (and still growing) sibling in the Hawaiian Island chain? Nearly 300 miles big when you bike its perimeter on one of our most diverse two-wheeled adventures. Come test yourself on challenging climbs up volcanoes with spectacular vistas and exhilarate on long downhill spins to lush coastline. The scenery here is dramatic, and you'll see it all. Coarse black and silky white sand covers the beaches, and acres of fragrant emerald foliage are punctuated by shiny ribbons of lava frozen in their flow toward the sea. Evenings, relax and rejuvenate at luxury resorts and a quaint lodge. The Big Island with Backroads - very big!
- Circumnavigate the Big Island on two wheels, passing lava fields, rain forests, coffee plantations and scenic beaches
- The century option from the Kilauea Crater to the lush Hamakua Coast
- Experience Hawaii's traditional lifestyle at the Place of Refuge
- Feast on Pacific Rim cuisine, fresh-catch fish and tropical fruit
- Bike 30 miles of the Ironman Triathlon's cycling course
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Kohala Coast
Meet on the Kohala Coast and enjoy a tropical welcome gathering at our beachside resort 
Go for a swim or ride to a traditional heiau (Hawaiian temple).
Day 2 Kailua-Kona
Bike a 30-mile stretch of the Ironman Triathlon route Spin along an old lava flow to serene Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park Gather tonight over mai tais and piña coladas.
Day 3 Volcano Village
Pedal by Kona coffee farms before descending along the Kau Coast, passing the southernmost point in the United States Gear down for a 4,000-foot climb past black-sand Punaluu Beach, home to commonly spotted green sea turtles, and up through a lava landscape to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 
Dine at one of the island's best restaurants.
Days 4-6 Kohala Coast
Bike to Hilo on the windward side of the island A portion of the Hamakua Coast is yours to discover on two wheels amid lush tropical forests Spin through paniolo (cowboy) country Ride along the Kohala Mountains en route to the artists' enclave of Hawi before returning through fields of black lava to the quiet Kohala Coast, where you can golf, indulge in a massage or simply relax.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
New Zealand Biking Argentina Biking Thailand BikingOther Asia/Pacific Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I just returned from my Hawaii bicycle trip and as usual, the trip was fabulous! I personally want to express my thanks to a wonderful organization. Backroads goes the EXTRA mile to make each guest feel comfortable with their trip. I never feel "short-changed" on a Backroads trip. The accommodations, meals, equipment and last but not least, the group leaders are superior, top of the line. I am a devoted Backroads supporter.- Los Angeles, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Hawaii's Big Island Biking
Premiere Inns*
Fairmont Orchid
Kohala Coast (1 night) This luxurious retreat features a secluded white-sand beach and private lagoon, and was named by Travel+Leisure as one of the Top 20 Spa Resorts in the country.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay
Kailua-Kona (1 night) Delight in spectacular multilevel swimming pools, a one-of-a-kind manta ray viewing area, tennis and volleyball courts, and comfortably elegant guest rooms overlooking an ancient lava flow.
* Casual Inn
Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant
Volcano Village (1 night) This charming bed-and-breakfast was once a YMCA for kids visiting Volcanoes National Park. Guest rooms reflect up-country charm with a commitment to warmth and peacefulness.
* Casual Inn
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Kohala Coast (2 nights) Enjoy gracious hospitality at this luxurious oasis - hailed by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 30 Pacific Rim Resorts - with its private beach, world-class amenities and host of activities.
Hawaii's Big Island Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 26, 36, 54, 72 miles
- 500 - 4000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 4 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 43, 51, 80, 93 miles
- 1000 - 5500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 48, 57, 81, 108 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 35, 50, 55 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Optional 11 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain