Where’s the Best Biking on Oahu?

View of Waikiki and Honolulu from atop Diamond Head
Hawaii Aloha Travel > Blog > Where’s the Best Biking on Oahu?

Used to be, I could travel to Kailua and back to Honolulu without seeing more than a dozen recreational bike riders. But, these days, bicyclists are everywhere, especially in residential-type areas that wouldn’t be nearly as fun to explore by car.

As far as I’m concerned, that’s good news. Biking is good exercise, helps the environment, and can be a fun bonding experience.

But, Oahu is a big island (relatively speaking). And, there are so many places to see. So, how’s a recreational biker to know which spots are best for biking on Oahu? Read-on, and we’ll let you know!

Hawaiian Style Rentals and Sales recommends three routes for biking on Oahu:

  • Diamond Head Bike and Hike: According to the company’s website, this is a 4-hour ride and hike that takes you about 13 miles.  Basically, you can bike around Diamond Head Crater and then hike up to the top. According to the website, the route features:
    • The fountain on Kalakaua Ave.
    • Diamond Head Crater
    • Diamond Head lighthouse
    • Dolphin Quest on Kahala Ave.
    • Diamond Head Crater
    • Eateries on Monsarrat Ave.
    • Biking through Waikiki will afford you a great beach views.
  • Manoa Falls Bike and Hike: Hawaiian Style Rental and Sales directs bikers to follow the road up to the base of Manoa Falls trail for a 1.5 mile/2.4 km (total) hike through a lush rain forest. At the trail head is a 150 foot waterfall that falls into a tiny pond. This is a 4-hour bike and ride, for a total of 12.5 miles. You’ll see:
    • Manoa Falls
    • Lyon Arboretum
    • Ala Wai Canal
  • Waikiki and Magic Island:  You’ll ride along the Ala Wai Canal toward Ala Moana Blvd, the shopping center, Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park. Return past the Hilton Lagoon and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue through Waikiki. A little shorter, 3 hours for 8.5 miles. Featured sites include:
    • Magic Island
    • Hilton Lagoon

The company also showcases three “extreme” rides on its website for bicyclists who want a little more “umph” in their ride.

  • Tantalus: This four-hour ride stretches for 10.5 miles and takes you through a lot of cutbacks through the rain forest with unobstructed panoramic views of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the Punchbowl Cemetery. There are plenty of hiking trails along the way also. Check-out:
    • View of Honolulu from the top of Tantalus
  • Riding up Tantalus is a physical ride that pays off with amazing panoramic views of Honolulu.
  • Hanauma Bay and Koko Head: You can actually snorkel at Hanauma Bay at the end of this ride. Expect to spend about 6 hours on this 21 mile ride. You can expect a coastal ride to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. You can see:
    • Hanauma Bay
    • Koko Crater
    • Kahala Mall
    • Diamond Head Lighthouse
    • Dolphin Quest on Kahala Ave.
  • Kakaako and Iolani Palace: This is a 4-hour, 11.5 mile city ride during which you can explore the up and coming urban community of Ward Village and Kakaako. Enjoy seeing:
    • Iolani Palace
    • King Kamehameha Statue
    • Kawaiahao Church
    • Mission Homes
    • Washington Place
    • St. Andrew’s Cathedral

After enjoying Oahu watersports, such as parasailing, Waikiki Ocean Club activities, and surfing, you may be due for a day of fun on-land. So, check-out these itineraries, and enjoy biking in paradise!

TAGS CLOUD
No tags