Hawaii's Big Island Biking
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. Come evening, relax and rejuvenate at luxury resorts and a quaint lodge. The Big Island with Backroads - very big!
Day 1 kohala coast
Meet on the Kohala Coast and enjoy a tropical welcome gathering at our beachside resort 
Relsih in the many luxuries at our hotel or warm up with a short ride to a traditional heiau (Hawaiian temple).
Day 2 kailua-kona
Cycle a 30-mile stretch of the Ironman Triathlon route Ride along an old lava flow to serene Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park Gather tonight over mai tais and piña coladas.
Day 3 volcanoes national park
Visit a Kona coffee farm Descend 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.
Days 4-6 kohala coast
Pedal to Hilo on the windward side of the island Spin along a portion of the Hamakua Coast amid a lush landscape of tropical forests Bike through paniolo (cowboy) country Enjoy a ride along the Kohala Mountains to the artists’ enclave of Hawi before returning through fields of black lava to the quiet Kohala Coast to golf, enjoy a massage or simply relax.
PICTURESQUE SETTINGS: Premiere Inns
Fairmont Orchid (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 (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.
Volcano House (1 night): Sleep next to a volcanic crater at 4,000 feet in this dramatically situated but simple national park lodge.
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (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.
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
- 23, 34, 55, 74 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 4 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 43, 51, 80, 93 miles
- 3000 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 49, 59, 84, 108 miles
- 1500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 35, 50, 56 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Conclusion of Trip
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 2/8-13Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1020 for sgl. occ.)
- 4/12-17Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1020 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/18-23Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1020 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/19-24Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1020 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 9/20-25Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1020 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/28-1/2Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1020 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
The place of refuge valley was a wow. The backroads near Hilo were a wow. The road from Waimea to the coast was a wow. Excellent trip - rigorous enough to keep me amused. Well supported enough to make life easy. Gorgeous big blue sky and blue ocean. On Hawaii it is all about the headwinds and they are fierce!! Thanks for a fun week.- Sacramento, CA