Riding in Hawaaii, any tips?

Jaguar27 said:

Hi Fans,
The Missus and I are planning on taking our Road Bikes to Hawaaii for a week or so in Feb/march...can anyone recommend the best Island for Cycling? Any tips? Anything to watch out for?

Thank You in advance for your time.

Well, IMHO, I think the Big Island is the best island to do anything on just because it's big and less population density. Next best island I would guess to be Maui, only because Haleakala is there to be climbed. 40+ miles, sea level up to something pretty high. It'd be Hors Categorie, except that most people aren't racing up it. Kauai is probably not a bad island either, but there's traffic, just like Maui. Oahu has all the good bike shops, and the Tantalus/Round Top loop that was featured in the Tour of Hawaii, but, it's a sucky place to ride, otherwise.

There, that wasn't too opinionated, was it?... 🙂

Thanks t4, that wasn't too opinionated at all, I appreciate the reply...
We've decided to go to Maui for, I think 8 Days at the Hyatt Regency in March, and yes, we're gonna take the Bikes, I need to get a couple of Bike Cases, apparently we're flying with United and they seem to be pretty useless..my Wife just came back from the UK and her Hard Shell suitcase was completely cracked when she arrived back at LAX...so I'm kinda worried about the Bikes...oh well.

But yeah, I'm gonna do Haleakala, I already have my new 13/29 Cassette, so I guess it's just a case of spinning/grinding my way up...I have been doing some research however, here's one example of a great write up
http://www.chainreaction.com/haleakala.htm note there's just one turn that really needs to be missed, it's a 1700' climb to a dead end!

It seems that the record is 2 hours and change, which means it will take me about 6....and the ride down is supposed to be pretty boring and indeed dangerous if you fall asleep...
The only thing that bothers me is the altitude, I get headaches anyway, so the altitude might agravate them....anyway, there's only one way to find out!!

Last time (the first time actually) we went to Oahu, I guess it was OK but I wouldn't go back there because it's too much like Southern CA where we live...

I found a nice Bike Pump to pack in the Case (The airlines insist we have to de-inflate the tires before packing) my Track Pump is too big and heavy..so this one seems to be good , at least it's easy to pack...

Anyway, thanks again!!

t4mv said:

Well, IMHO, I think the Big Island is the best island to do anything on just because it's big and less population density. Next best island I would guess to be Maui, only because Haleakala is there to be climbed. 40+ miles, sea level up to something pretty high. It'd be Hors Categorie, except that most people aren't racing up it. Kauai is probably not a bad island either, but there's traffic, just like Maui. Oahu has all the good bike shops, and the Tantalus/Round Top loop that was featured in the Tour of Hawaii, but, it's a sucky place to ride, otherwise.

There, that wasn't too opinionated, was it?... 🙂

OK, since you've decided on Maui, I'd say you'll have to do Haleakala for sure; I'm not sure about the dead end part because if that's the one that takes you to the top w/ the ranger station/info ctr then I think you're going to want to make that turn. I've only ever driven up it, last July, and for the average fit cyclist I don't see the climb or the gradient being the issue, it's just the length and to a lesser degree the air and temp at the higher elevations because it does cool off and it can be a little breezy at the top (it's like 10,000+ ft, right?). The pavement is good and you'll probably go through about 3 climate zones if you start at sea level, like the guy from Chain Reaction did (that shop, ironically, is just down the street from where I work).
Traffic shouldn't be too bad once you get off the main highway leading up to the cutoff for the NP. The only other worthwhile advice for that ride is to try and put a lot of space between you and the last car to leave before you because I swear, whenever I go somewhere I'm always stuck behind some flatlander who doesn't know how to drive downhill w/o burning out his brakes... 🙁 Either that, or if you catch someone just pass them or stop altogether so you can actually enjoy the downhill w/o someone else dictating the pace. Of course, if you're a very cautious descender, ignore what I just wrote. 🙂

There's also the side of the island facing Lanai/Hawaii you might like, sort of off the road leading up to Haleakala where it's somewhat rustic and lightly traveled; don't go down by the water unless you want to go riding around with the rest of the tourists driving around down there. This includes the road to Hana, which is kinda narrow, anyway. If you take the inland route, there's actually a winery up there somewhere, just past some b&b/hotel that I heard Oprah Winfrey bought a couple years back.

Sights to see include snorkeling @ mile marker 11(?) between Lahaina and Kahului (you'll have to check this, but it's locally well known, and there is dirt parking and very calm water there, when we drove by, it's right on the main road to Lahaina); the Iao Needle, Hana, and the golf resorts on the northern tip of the island if you're into that kind of stuff. I think there's at least one good bike shop in Kahului, though if you pick the right hardcase, I'd just pack along a good Silca floor pump and do it right.

Yes, UA sucks (as do all the other airlines) because they charge at least $50/way for hauling your bike around (this was up until 7-8 years ago when I got tired of paying that kind of money every year and just left one of my "beater" road bikes @ my in-law's house).

Anyway, sounds like you're going to have a great time, so you'll have to tell us how it goes upon your return.

Jaguar27 said:

Thanks t4, that wasn't too opinionated at all, I appreciate the reply...
We've decided to go to Maui for, I think 8 Days at the Hyatt Regency in March, and yes, we're gonna take the Bikes, I need to get a couple of Bike Cases, apparently we're flying with United and they seem to be pretty useless..my Wife just came back from the UK and her Hard Shell suitcase was completely cracked when she arrived back at LAX...so I'm kinda worried about the Bikes...oh well.

But yeah, I'm gonna do Haleakala, I already have my new 13/29 Cassette, so I guess it's just a case of spinning/grinding my way up...I have been doing some research however, here's one example of a great write up
chainreaction.comhaleakala.htmOpen ↗ note there's just one turn that really needs to be missed, it's a 1700' climb to a dead end!

It seems that the record is 2 hours and change, which means it will take me about 6....and the ride down is supposed to be pretty boring and indeed dangerous if you fall asleep...
The only thing that bothers me is the altitude, I get headaches anyway, so the altitude might agravate them....anyway, there's only one way to find out!!

Last time (the first time actually) we went to Oahu, I guess it was OK but I wouldn't go back there because it's too much like Southern CA where we live...

I found a nice Bike Pump to pack in the Case (The airlines insist we have to de-inflate the tires before packing) my Track Pump is too big and heavy..so this one seems to be good , at least it's easy to pack...

Anyway, thanks again!!

Thanks a million for all the info...

Yes, you're right, Haleakala is 10,023 feet to be exact...and as you say, it's not so much the steep climb as the distance, I'm probably going to do the climb with Donny Arnault I called him last week and he sounds like a really nice Guy, even though I'll be taking my own Bike Donny's company Van supports the ride, carries the power bars and water etc...and I mustn't forgt the Advil or Tynelol that everyone recommends on this ride...;-)

Back to the Pump, the case will weigh 31Lbs, my bike is almost right on 15Lbs and although my Pump is really great (Specialized Airtool pro, HIGHLY recommended by the way after I've gone through 2 other Pumps) it weighs quite a lot...then I wanna stuff my helmet, shoes and kit in the case too...hmmmm...

Oh yeah, about that wrong turn, if you scroll up to my last message and go back to the Chain reactions site there's a map that clearly shows the wrong turn...

There's tons of pages on this climb on the web, so I was thinking of taking a load of pics and doing a little write-up for future riders....unless I don't make it to the top of course....

Take care

t4mv said:

OK, since you've decided on Maui, I'd say you'll have to do Haleakala for sure; I'm not sure about the dead end part because if that's the one that takes you to the top w/ the ranger station/info ctr then I think you're going to want to make that turn. I've only ever driven up it, last July, and for the average fit cyclist I don't see the climb or the gradient being the issue, it's just the length and to a lesser degree the air and temp at the higher elevations because it does cool off and it can be a little breezy at the top (it's like 10,000+ ft, right?). The pavement is good and you'll probably go through about 3 climate zones if you start at sea level, like the guy from Chain Reaction did (that shop, ironically, is just down the street from where I work).
Traffic shouldn't be too bad once you get off the main highway leading up to the cutoff for the NP. The only other worthwhile advice for that ride is to try and put a lot of space between you and the last car to leave before you because I swear, whenever I go somewhere I'm always stuck behind some flatlander who doesn't know how to drive downhill w/o burning out his brakes... 🙁 Either that, or if you catch someone just pass them or stop altogether so you can actually enjoy the downhill w/o someone else dictating the pace. Of course, if you're a very cautious descender, ignore what I just wrote. 🙂

There's also the side of the island facing Lanai/Hawaii you might like, sort of off the road leading up to Haleakala where it's somewhat rustic and lightly traveled; don't go down by the water unless you want to go riding around with the rest of the tourists driving around down there. This includes the road to Hana, which is kinda narrow, anyway. If you take the inland route, there's actually a winery up there somewhere, just past some b&b/hotel that I heard Oprah Winfrey bought a couple years back.

Sights to see include snorkeling @ mile marker 11(?) between Lahaina and Kahului (you'll have to check this, but it's locally well known, and there is dirt parking and very calm water there, when we drove by, it's right on the main road to Lahaina); the Iao Needle, Hana, and the golf resorts on the northern tip of the island if you're into that kind of stuff. I think there's at least one good bike shop in Kahului, though if you pick the right hardcase, I'd just pack along a good Silca floor pump and do it right.

Yes, UA sucks (as do all the other airlines) because they charge at least $50/way for hauling your bike around (this was up until 7-8 years ago when I got tired of paying that kind of money every year and just left one of my "beater" road bikes @ my in-law's house).

Anyway, sounds like you're going to have a great time, so you'll have to tell us how it goes upon your return.

Whoops! It's amazing how much more makes sense after you read what you're supposed to before adding to it...'sorry! 😄

Yeah, I'm not sure anymore if airlines are real sticklers on oversize baggage and such, although it would make sense that they have a 50# limit on bike cases/boxes so they can calculate fuel and load correctly... 😉

That's cool that you'll be traveling w/ Donny's group; no sense in dragging up more stuff than you have to in your back pockets than necessary. Running out of water doesn't have much appeal, either, though you picked a good time of year to go (temp-wise and crowd-wise). I think you mentioned that the missus is going too? Did you ever consider going on a tandem? That would mitigate the falling-asleep-on-the-downhill part of the ride as the greater mass should probably be able to maintain some good speed that a single may not. Oh, yeah, so DON'T descend w/ any of the tourist downhill ride groups because they're supposed to be limited to 15mph (probably liability/safety). A couple-three hours of going that pace downhill would probably send me over the edge, too! LOL!

Take lots of pics and add to the site that Mike @ Chain Reaction started and maybe in a year or two I can add my two bits worth, too.

Rubber side down

Jaguar27 said:

Thanks a million for all the info...

Yes, you're right, Haleakala is 10,023 feet to be exact...and as you say, it's not so much the steep climb as the distance, I'm probably going to do the climb with Donny Arnault I called him last week and he sounds like a really nice Guy, even though I'll be taking my own Bike Donny's company Van supports the ride, carries the power bars and water etc...and I mustn't forgt the Advil or Tynelol that everyone recommends on this ride...;-)

Back to the Pump, the case will weigh 31Lbs, my bike is almost right on 15Lbs and although my Pump is really great (Specialized Airtool pro, HIGHLY recommended by the way after I've gone through 2 other Pumps) it weighs quite a lot...then I wanna stuff my helmet, shoes and kit in the case too...hmmmm...

Oh yeah, about that wrong turn, if you scroll up to my last message and go back to the Chain reactions site there's a map that clearly shows the wrong turn...

There's tons of pages on this climb on the web, so I was thinking of taking a load of pics and doing a little write-up for future riders....unless I don't make it to the top of course....

Take care

You may want to check out the Hawaii Bicycling League website:
hbl.orghbl.orgOpen ↗

I got it from America's Best and Top Ten Cycling Tours:
americasbestonline.netcyclingstate.htmlOpen ↗

Thanks Dowab, I'll check them out!!

dowab said:

You may want to check out the Hawaii Bicycling League website:
hbl.orghbl.orgOpen ↗

I got it from America's Best and Top Ten Cycling Tours:
americasbestonline.netcyclingstate.htmlOpen ↗

I live on Maui and there are lots of rides you can do besides the climb to the crater. Our rides include starting at Twin falls and riding to Hana and back which is absolutely beautiful and challenging. You can ride the West Maui mts starting at Maalea and doing the loop passing by Lahaina then climbing the back way to Wailuku which includes spectacular dramatic views and is quite a climb. There is one short portion called "the Wall" which is about 15-18%. Upcountry is great to ride. This includes the winery and going to Kahikinui which is where the road starts to turn bad on the backside of the road to Hana. The climb up is spectacular. As mentioned above, besides riding Maui is a great island to visit and the surf is the best!!!!!!!

Aloha and hope to see you on the rd.

P.S. Donnie Arnould is a great contact and his organized rides does much what I mentionned above. Check him out at GoCyclingMaui.com

Thanks a lot Bruce, I'm looking forward to it even more now!
I did in fact call Donny and spoke to him a couple of weeks ago, I'll deffinately be doing a ride with him, probably the Crater one, he told me to call him when we get there and arrange something, I think he wants to create a group to make it worth while...
This will be our first real vacation since '97, since then, my wife has had two major Cancer surgeries so that was almost a year's Battle, then my Dad passed away in the UK, so we've been going backwards and forwards trying to look after my Mum...it's been hard but nothing compared to things that many People go through...so we decided to give ourselves a Gift of getting away from it all for a while...8 or 9 Days I think...

But yeah, I'll look out for you on the road...in fact, it's always nice to meet fellow Riders on the road and have a little chat...

Thanks again!!

PS, This is supposed to be a vacation so I don't fancy negotiating the wall ;-)

Bruce L said:

I live on Maui and there are lots of rides you can do besides the climb to the crater. Our rides include starting at Twin falls and riding to Hana and back which is absolutely beautiful and challenging. You can ride the West Maui mts starting at Maalea and doing the loop passing by Lahaina then climbing the back way to Wailuku which includes spectacular dramatic views and is quite a climb. There is one short portion called "the Wall" which is about 15-18%. Upcountry is great to ride. This includes the winery and going to Kahikinui which is where the road starts to turn bad on the backside of the road to Hana. The climb up is spectacular. As mentioned above, besides riding Maui is a great island to visit and the surf is the best!!!!!!!

Aloha and hope to see you on the rd.

P.S. Donnie Arnould is a great contact and his organized rides does much what I mentionned above. Check him out at GoCyclingMaui.com