You’ll be mesmerized by the lush rainforests and life-filled oceans as you cycle the 3 best Hawaii bicycle tours. Each tour showcases a different part of the island, giving you a full set of experiences to enjoy and explore. The tropical view is second to none. If you want to get a taste of the Hawaiian Islands, these tours are the perfect option.
The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the most beautiful cycling and walking trails on earth. The varying landscapes and climates, the excellent roads, and the year-round tropical weather make for an exciting adventure no matter what the time of year. With a large number of trips and tours catering to both cyclists and hikers, visitors can enjoy daily or multi-day outings through the island’s most scenic spots.
Hiking, biking, and sightseeing are just a few ways to truly experience Hawaii. Volcanoes National Park, on the Big Island’s west side, offers visitors a panoramic view of the island’s fiery heart. Near Hawi, north of Hilo, you can explore the coast’s most untouched beach at Ka Lae (also known as ‘South Point’).
If you’re not ready for Hawaii bicycle tours, Florida has equally stunning trails through gorgeous landscapes. For a taste of the best that Florida has to offer, check out our review guide on the best bicycle trails in Florida.
Otherwise, read on!
Top 3 Best Hawaii Bicycle Tours
Whether you’ve been cycling for decades or have never even set foot on a bicycle, there’s an ideal cycle route to suit your needs around Hawaii. Here are Volata Cycles’ top 3 spots to take your bike, from around the island.
1. Butterfield & Robinson’s Hawaii Multi-Active Private
First in our list of the best Hawaii bicycle tours is best offered by one of the best cycling tour companies — Butterfield & Robinson! This is a 6 Days / 5 Nights Level 2 Bike tour from Hilo to Kona. You’ll be spending most of the time on the bike, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the scenery as you cycle from Hilo to Kona. Expect a fair amount of uphills and downhills; although the terrain is generally easy-going, you may want to adjust your pace for comfort.
While its size might suggest otherwise, the Big Island is a wholly charming destination. Its wonderful history and miles of the open road are apparent in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness lava both flowing into the ocean and glowing red within Kīlauea Halemau’mau Crater.
When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll have an opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking natural wonders — without traveling farther than 25 miles from the Kona International Airport. For example, Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is home to two ancient Hawaiian temples, an immense archway, and a unique sandy beach. At the park’s shoreline are several cultural experiences for visitors.
For the first day, stay at the Halemau’mau Crater View Hotel. Located right above a bubbling lava lake, this hotel is the perfect place to unwind after finally arriving in Hawaii. Check-in after sunset and go on an evening stroll around the active volcano to catch some of those magical moments while the sun sets. The volcano’s nighttime glow is also spectacular and awe-inspiring.
On Day 2, cycle around the incredible landscape of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park to view the famous Halema’uma’u crater, Jaggar Museum, and lava-spewing Kīlauea volcano. Then, enjoy a family-style feast at one of Hawai’i’s most famous restaurants.
For the third day, you’re visiting the island’s most beautiful waterfalls, later in the day, you’ll take a trip to the beach for some snorkeling. There are also paddle boards and kayaks available if you want to try your hand at surfing.
On the fourth day, you’ll kayak through the natural channels of an ancient aqueduct system as your guide points out its incredible history. Then, you’ll snorkel with a manta ray.
On the fifth day of the Hawaii Multi-Active Private, you’ll be exploring the rich history of Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau historic park in Hawaii. A wide variety of activities await you here — cave diving, snorkeling along Kealakekua Bay, hiking to the sacred Blue Hole waterfall, and much more.
On the day of your departure, you will be taken to the beach one last time. One of the guides will assist you with packing for your journey back home and drive you to the airport in time for your flight.
If you think it’s still too early to start planning your cycling odyssey across the many beautiful places of Hawaii, you’re in luck: there are many wonderful biking trails in Italy. If you’re ready to take an actual bike tour, be sure to check out our article on the best bicycle tours Italy offers.
2. Escape Adventures’ Maui Multi-Sport
Escape adventures’ Maui multi-sport is a 5-star rated 6-days level 2-4 bike tour for families with older kids, private tours and custom tours, solos, couples & friends. The trip can be booked all year round but bookings in July and August are not recommended as there may be no availability. The lodging options include coastal inns and cottages.
The first day, you hit the road – along Maui’s coast and into its West Maui Mountains. This ancient volcano is home to some of Hawaii’s most breathtaking scenery: valleys covered with waterfalls, and majestic sea cliffs.
On day 2, after a quick shuttle out to Maui’s winery, you’ll discover the island on your bike. You’ll be surrounded by ocean views and other mountains, and even visit the four other Hawaiian islands! This 30-mile ride offers about 3,500 feet of elevation gain. At the end of it, we get on some sea kayaks to explore.
If you got up early on the third day, you can go surfing for two hours. It’ll be a great time of day to learn, in an ideal place, and with expert instruction – can’t go wrong! And in the afternoon, you can head into town for some shopping at local markets and shops or hit the beach…
On day four, you’ll go to Haleakala. Located on the island of Maui, it’s a geological wonder that offers a homecoming to the Hawaiian roots and culture. You’ll experience four ecological zones on your way to the top — from the high, tropical elevations to the arid conditions of the crater floor!
On the fifth day, you’ll see lush vegetation, ocean views, and dramatic lava rock formations as you go through rainforests. You’ll take hot banana bread from Keanae Village with no additives or artificial flavors, fresh from the oven.
On the last day, you will embark on a unique hiking adventure into the heart of Bamboo Forest. You can drop into three waterfalls before lunch: swimming is welcome in the freshwater pools that lie at their base.
If you want to ride trails that are even more spectacular than those in Hawaii, you need to travel to France. If you are ready to climb on a bike and do some pedaling, check out our guide to the best bicycle tours France offers.
3. Backroads’ Hawaii’s Big Island Multi-Adventure Tour
Backroads’ 5-star Rated Hawaii Big Island Multi-Adventure Bicycle Tour is a favorite among cycling enthusiasts for its range of terrains and the level of adventure it provides. Offered year-round, the tour includes 6 days and 5 nights of lodging in 2 different hotels: Kilauea Lodge and Fairmont Orchid. You are free to choose which Backroads bike to ride along: a touring bike, an e-bike, or a performance road bike. This is one of the best Hawaii bicycle tours!
A trip along the southern coast of Hawaii starts from a side-trip to the Green Sand Beach and then follows up with a visit to the Kona Coffee fields. Both landscapes complement each other very well, adding even more fun and adventure to your vacation. The third stop is at a B&B where you can relax in a Hot Tub while stargazing after a long day’s trip.
The tour will pass through a lush forest and around the rim of Kilauea Caldera. The view from up there is simply breathtaking — you can see the most active volcano in the world, steam vents, and lava flows. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
A trip to the Big Island should include a long bike ride up the Red Road, where you’ll be treated to some of the best beachside and inland views that the island has to offer. You’ll get a dose of some of the Big Island’s most beautiful scenery: ocean cliffs, secluded sea caves, and aquamarine waters. Kayak in clear waters, surrounded by colorful fish and coral reefs. Snorkel among tropical fish in the cerulean sea. You might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal or two. The local beach isn’t bad either — there’s nothing like the Big Island’s powder-soft sand to soothe your feet at the end of a long day.
In the last 2 days, you’re going to paddle up to sunrise on a Kona canoe tour. You’ll be crossing the sun-soaked Kohala Coast by bike, tracing 30 miles of the Ironman Triathlon’s cycling course. You take a break at petroglyphs to learn about historic locals. Then, you proceed in scaling coastal cliffs with a National Geographic guide to find out more about King Kamehameha the Great.
When you think of bicycle tours, you probably picture Hawaii. With its exotic forests and stunning coastlines, it’s no wonder that so many people associate the activity with vibrant colors and beautiful beaches. But there are many other places that have amazing trails, too. Check out our most recent Vermont article to see some of the best Vermont bicycle tours.
Conclusion
The Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the most scenic, varied, and beautiful cycling opportunities imaginable. The Big Island’s fascinating landscapes feature volcanic fields, rainforests, waterfalls, lava tubes, and coffee farms — to name just a few! The island also boasts excellent roads. The average Big Island road has few stop signs and traffic lights — and almost always has a wide shoulder for cyclists.
No matter what pace you’re riding at (or how touristy you’re feeling), we’ve got you covered with these top 3 Hawaii bicycle tours for you to choose from. Whether you’re recreating or experiencing a real-life road race, you’ll be able to find a tour that works around your pace and preferences. Get a tour guide, explore some new trails — do whatever you want! You’ve got 3 choices here. No excuses.
Hauʻoli ka huakaʻi ʻana!
