MEDIA FACT SHEET
Big Island of Hawai'i
From Kona Coast to Volcano Country by Bicycle
A 7-day cycling journey around Hawai'i Island, linking the sunny Kona coast with North Kohala, the old Mamalahoa Highway, the greener Hamakua coast, Hilo and the volcanic landscapes around Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Full riding days range from 25 to 40 mi / 41 to 65 km. The route mixes coastal views with roads on the lower slopes of the island's volcanoes, historic plantation country, rainforest and lava landscapes, with one day set aside for exploring volcano country on foot.
Fast Facts
Destination: Hawai'i Island, USA
Activity: Guided bicycle touring
Duration: 7 days
Start/finish: Kailua Kona
Riding: 25-40 mi / 41-65 km
Level: Leisurely
Terrain: Rolling roads & gradual inclines
Roads: Paved; generally light traffic
Season: Year round
Lodging: Resort hotels & historic properties
Support: Guide team + support van
Price: From $5495
What Makes the Journey Different
Hawai'i Island is not simply a beach road around a tropical island. Much of the riding follows the lower slopes of its volcanoes, often 500 to 1,000 feet above the ocean, where old roads, lava fields, green hillsides and broad Pacific views replace the continuous beachfront riding travelers might expect.
The journey also uses the island's changing geography as its structure. Riders move from the dry Kona coast through North Kohala and the former sugar country of Hamakua to wetter Hilo, spend a day exploring lava tubes and volcanic landscapes on foot, then return to the bicycles for a long descent from Volcano toward the black sands of Punalu'u.
Editorial Angles
Hawai'i Beyond the Beach Road
The Big Island's young volcanic geology creates a cycling route unlike the familiar image of a Hawaiian coastal cruise. Much of the riding takes place above the shoreline, with volcano slopes on one side and the Pacific opening below.
From Ironman Pavement to Old Mamalahoa
The journey begins with a section of the famous Ironman World Championship course, then shifts onto older island roads such as Mamalahoa Highway, where lighter traffic, historic communities and the contours of the land shape a very different kind of ride.
An Island Built by Volcanoes, Seen at Bicycle Speed
Lava fields, rainforest, volcanic caves and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are not separate sightseeing add-ons; they explain why the island changes so dramatically from one riding day to the next.
Around Hawai'i Island
- Kona to North Kohala - 32 mi / 52 km: Ride part of the Ironman course and visit Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and Lapakahi State Historical Park before continuing toward Hawi.
- Waimea to Waipio - 25 mi / 41 km: Shuttle along Kohala Mountain Road, then descend from Waimea on the historic Old Mamalahoa Highway to the Waipio Valley overlook.
- Hamakua Coast to Hilo - 26 mi / 42 km: Follow old roads through former sugar country, lush vegetation and small communities on the island's windward side.
- Volcano Country - 5 mi walk: Explore Kaumana Caves and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, including volcanic landscapes, rainforest and lava tubes.
- Volcano to Ka'u - 40 mi / 65 km: Descend from the higher elevations through the Ka'u landscape to Punalu'u black-sand beach before continuing through the island's southern communities.
How Pedalers Runs the Trip
Guides: Pedalers guides lead the riding and provide route, cultural and logistical support throughout the island journey.
Bicycles: Bicycles are provided for the tour, with bike fitting and route information included. The itinerary combines supported riding with time for exploring towns and natural sites off the bike.
Support: A support van carries luggage, provides easy lifts when needed and handles daily baggage transfers between hotels.
Accommodation: The lodging mix follows the character of the route. Kailua Kona and Hilo use larger resort hotels, while the other overnight stops are built around historic properties that reflect the island's plantation, rural and volcano-country past.
Food: Meals range from casual local-style food to fresh seafood, with island staples such as loco moco, kalbi ribs, ahi poke and coconut-crusted mahi mahi appearing along the journey.
About Pedalers
Pedalers has operated small-group active journeys since 1987, specializing in cycling, walking and canoe trips built around local knowledge, thoughtfully designed routes, regional food and distinctive accommodations.
The company focuses on destinations its team knows firsthand rather than maintaining a large global catalog.