Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
This article was written with input from John Alford, the owner of Oʻahu-based bike tour company, Bike Hawaii.
Looking to experience the islands on two wheels? Hawaiʻi biking tours offer an unforgettable adventure — from breezy coastal rides to adrenaline-pumping downhill volcano descents. Whether you’re after a family-friendly bike path or a guided summit-to-sea ride, Hawaiʻi has a trail (and a tour) for you.
This article is intended for tourists happy to rent a bike on-island or join an organized biking tour. (If you’re a serious mountain biker traveling with your own mountain bike, we recommend downloading or picking up John Alford’s book, “Mountain Biking in the Hawaiian Islands”.)
Where to Go Biking in Hawaiʻi
If biking in Hawaiʻi is on your agenda, the first decision you have to make is which island to visit. “Each island has something different to offer,” Alford said “from technical rides to van-assisted downhill coasts. Riding in Hawaiʻi is a great way to see the sights, get some exercise and experience the beauty of Hawaiʻi.”
Here’s a quick summary of what the islands are best known for when it comes to biking in Hawaiʻi:
Oʻahu
- Urban rides through Honolulu and Waikīkī, with loops around Diamond Head.
- Scenic paved-road cycling with shorter climbs in the Koʻolau Mountains.
- Cultural sightseeing trips and food tours by bike.
- Easy ride in the Pu’u ʻOhia rainforest.
- Kualoa ranch ebike beginner rides and advanced mountain biking rides.
Maui
- Famous for its Haleakalā downhill biking tours, where vans take you up the volcano and you coast down through sweeping views.
- Forest and upcountry routes for adventurous riders.
Photo courtesy of @kejtijay
Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island)
- Home to Bike Volcano tours, which combine sightseeing with guided cycling around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Technical trails at Lower Waiākea (Kulani) Trails near Hilo.
- Long-distance road cycling along Saddle Road and coastal routes.
Kauaʻi
- The Kapaʻa Bike Path (Ke Ala Hele Makālae) is one of the most popular biking tours in Hawaiʻi — a safe, scenic, and easy ride perfect for families. Just rent a bike and go.
- Mountain biking options include Kuilau–Moalepe trails and Kalepa Ridge.
Lānaʻi
- Fewer organized tours, but quiet country roads make for intimate, off-the-beaten-path biking experiences.
Downhill Volcano Bike Tours
No discussion of bike tours in Hawaiʻi is complete without Maui’s Haleakalā. Here’s what you can expect:
- Shuttle to the volcano summit for sunrise. Pickup can be as early as 1am.
- At the top, you’ll have a safety briefing. Prepare for cold temperatures.
- You’ll start the ride a few miles from the summit. It’s mostly a downhill ride through switchbacks and scenic upcountry roads.
- Van support and gear included (helmets, gloves, jackets).
Important updates:
- Since 2023, commercial tours are limited to a 6.5-mile section of Haleakalā Crater Road.
- No biking through residential neighborhoods.
- Minimum age: 15.
- Some routes are detoured due to wildfire recovery.
Controversies & Safety Concerns
Like many Hawaiʻi biking tours, downhill rides have sparked debate:
- Resident concerns: Maui locals say tour groups clog narrow roads and disrupt commutes.
- Safety record: Incidents, including a 2024 visitor fatality, highlight the risks of high-speed descents.
- Environmental issues: Illegal mountain biking trails on state land harm native ecosystems.
Local authorities now regulate commercial tours more strictly to balance tourism with community safety.
Tips for Tourists
- Book your Hawaiʻi bike tour early — spots sell out fast.
- Confirm your operator is licensed and compliant with county rules.
- Choose a tour suited to your fitness level (casual path vs. downhill ride).
- Always wear safety gear.
- Respect local traffic, stay on authorized trails and ride with aloha.
From the gentle shoreline path of Kauaʻi to the thrilling descent of Haleakalā, Hawaiʻi biking tours deliver unforgettable ways to see the islands. Just remember: the best rides balance adventure with safety and respect for local communities. Do that, and paradise truly unfolds on two wheels.
