Bringing my roadbike to Honolulu, HAWAII. Recommendations?

[Premton]

I am going to Honolulu and looking for suggestions for must do climbs, loops or scenic destinations.
Any other information is welcomed. Cheap street food, vistas and key attractions.
I'm bringing my bike and a front Apidura bag to carry food, swim-trunks and a Pak-Towel as I want to spend the day on my bike.

[Schmed]

Can't speak to riding, but you must get a Loco Moco at the Rainbow drive in. Do you scuba dive? I'd have input on that.

[bfd]

I am going to Honolulu and looking for suggestions for must do climbs, loops or scenic destinations.
Any other information is welcomed. Cheap street food, vistas and key attractions.
I'm bringing my bike and a front Apidura bag to carry food, swim-trunks and a Pak-Towel as I want to spend the day on my bike.

In Honolulu, the loop I like is the Round-Tantalus Drive loop. Round Top is a wider road that is more open and has a great view. Tantalus has more switchbacks and shade. It's also steeper than Round Top. Since they're connected, I use to ride up Tantalus and come down Round Top, then at the bottom do the reverse! You will see lots of wild cats, maybe a mongoose, and I hear, but have never seen, wild boar. Very nice climbs that aren't too hard. The heat will be more of a killer, so you may want to get out early, then hit the beach! Good Luck!

Oh yeah, don't forget to get some shave ice!

[dave thompson]

Be very careful riding Round Top/Tantalus, it's the Mulholland Drive of Hawaii. Every hot moto guy and wannabe car racer uses that road to test their gonads and tuning skills. Don't ask me how I know.

[Premton]

Be very careful riding Round Top/Tantalus, it's the Mulholland Drive of Hawaii. Every hot moto guy and wannabe car racer uses that road to test their gonads and tuning skills. Don't ask me how I know.



Thank you for the safety tip


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[Premton]

I will definitely do this loop, thank you.


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[bikeridah]

I was just in Honolulu last week, stayed near Diamond Head (highly recommend doing the climb, then do KoKo Head if you're knees are up for it).
http://portaldailha.com.br/marialuisadias/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/koko_head_trail_01.jpg

Oahu is not the greatest island for riding, Kauai is much worse btw, but I enjoyed riding up to Kailua along 72 which hugs the coastline. There are no shoulders along certain parts and you have to pay attention to drivers rather than the scenery.

About halfway between, stop a Serg's for fish tacos. It has a take-out window so no need to worry about your ride getting stolen.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6YleJ_TixCq_ZUFxMp0fa4huQYj6Nv TkBLwYrEkC4lBL4Okk_

[rrudoff]

On Roundtop-Tantalus also best not to hang around by yourself in isolated places, there are sometimes unsavory characters about. There have been some assaults in the past, for example I would not want my wife to ride it except with a group.

From Honolulu, riding around Diamond Head though Kahala and along Kalanianaole is the usual ride, out to Sandys, Makapuu or as far as you want to go towards Laie and the North Shore. You will likely have a head wind coming back on the windward side so be aware of that. Generally the shoulder is okay, but there are a few spots as someone already mentioned that you need to take care at. You can also avoid the no shoulder and gaping tourists around Hanuama bay by going through Hawaii Kai. Also on the way back to Honolulu, there are several dead end valleys (Kilauea and Niu valleys) with minor climbs that are very pretty, shaded somewhat and have little traffic. There are also all the ridges, but those are pretty serious climbs and while the views are great they are more exposed to sun and wind.

You do not want to ride over Likelike or Pali Highways to the windward side, there is no shoulder and on your own it would not be safe at all.

[CaptStash]

I travel to Honolulu for work pretty frequently. I love the Tantalus loop, and recommend doing it clockwise as you climb in the shade and descend in good light. Be careful with the weather though, as it can get quite slick when the thunder-bumpers are doing their thing up top.

I also enjoy the ride along the highway out to Kailua. I usually just stay on the highway. If you ride out past the Makapu'u lighthouse in the morning you usually get a moderate headwind on the way out, and a sleigh ride home.

If you are around during the weekend, the Tradewinds Cycling team does some nice rides. Saturday is usually pretty intense, but the Sunday ride is fun and very inclusive.

Feel free to PM me for some help on routes.

CaptStash....

[Premton]

On Roundtop-Tantalus also best not to hang around by yourself in isolated places, there are sometimes unsavory characters about. There have been some assaults in the past, for example I would not want my wife to ride it except with a group.



From Honolulu, riding around Diamond Head though Kahala and along Kalanianaole is the usual ride, out to Sandys, Makapuu or as far as you want to go towards Laie and the North Shore. You will likely have a head wind coming back on the windward side so be aware of that. Generally the shoulder is okay, but there are a few spots as someone already mentioned that you need to take care at. You can also avoid the no shoulder and gaping tourists around Hanuama bay by going through Hawaii Kai. Also on the way back to Honolulu, there are several dead end valleys (Kilauea and Niu valleys) with minor climbs that are very pretty, shaded somewhat and have little traffic. There are also all the ridges, but those are pretty serious climbs and while the views are great they are more exposed to sun and wind.



You do not want to ride over Likelike or Pali Highways to the windward side, there is no shoulder and on your own it would not be safe at all.



Thank you for the safety tip. I will try to do the rides on sunrise as I will be on east cost time zone, this way I will avoid traffic.



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[benb]

I've been twice and didn't really ride there.. I'm sure there is plenty but it is VERY busy in terms of car traffic a significant portion of the roads in Oahu.

If you get a chance to get to the big Island holy cow there are some epic cycling routes you can put together there. (Which again I haven't done but I've driven almost everywhere and was salivating at some of the areas I'd love to ride.) One of my biggest takeaways from going to the big island was why the heck to the triathletes focus on riding the worst stretch of road on the island. (Cause it's flat of course)

[coylifut]

My mother in law lived in Honolulu for 25 years. Here's the route I most often rode. Not my Strava page. There's many variations.

https://www.strava.com/activities/259148193

the trick was always the all out sprint from the junction of the Old Pali to the crest. Once coming downhill in the tunnel, it was no problem.

When in Honolulu, be extremely defensive on the bike.

[bigbill]

I lived on Oahu for three years and found the riding to be good. It helps to get in with a local group to learn the routes. Look at Strava heat maps, the popular route is from Kapiolani Park, east over Diamond Head, towards Waialae, and then east on the Queen K highway towards Hawaii Kai, north on Lunalilo Home road, right on Ahukini street to avoid heartbreak hill, follow it around to Hawaii Kai road until it ends at a T and turn right towards Sandy Beach and then left at the beach to head to your hearts content on the north shore.

When I visit, I rent a road bike from The Bike Shop on King Street.

https://bikeshophawaii.rentabikenow.com/reserve/

[enr1co]

I lived on Oahu for three years and found the riding to be good. It helps to get in with a local group to learn the routes. Look at Strava heat maps, the popular route is from Kapiolani Park, east over Diamond Head, towards Waialae, and then east on the Queen K highway towards Hawaii Kai, north on Lunalilo Home road, right on Ahukini street to avoid heartbreak hill, follow it around to Hawaii Kai road until it ends at a T and turn right towards Sandy Beach and then left at the beach to head to your hearts content on the north shore.

When I visit, I rent a road bike from The Bike Shop on King Street.

https://bikeshophawaii.rentabikenow.com/reserve/

This route is a good on and Tantalus is a must- go early AM to avoid traffic. The views from the top and on the way down on Round Top drive are stunning.
There are some weekly rides out of the ITB shop in Kapahulu which you can choose from to suit your liking/fitness.

If you are already there you can get a one day license and jump in the Dick Evans Memorial race on Sunday or if in town next month the Honolulu Century is on 9/25.

[bigbill]

If you are already there you can get a one day license and jump in the Dick Evans Memorial race on Sunday or if in town next month the Honolulu Century is on 9/25.

I did the Dick Evans Memorial Road Race twice and it's epic. 112 miles around the island with a start and finish in Hawaii Kai. You can do the route from Honolulu on your own on a weekend but you'll need to leave really early to get through Waipahu and up Kunia before traffic builds. Once you're over Pineapple Hill and descending towards Haleiwa, you're free and clear of the really scary stuff. North Shore has a lot of roadside parks where you can fill bottles and take breaks as you head around the island.

No matter how good it looks on a map, don't ride in Waianae.

[Lanternrouge]

No matter how good it looks on a map, don't ride in Waianae.

I've been told the haoles (non-Hawaiian) should avoid the West Side as it's a bit rough, particularly if you are not local.

[bluesea]

Climbs? :hello:

I can't climb anymore due to injuries, but I know these intimately.

- My favorite climb is Peacock flats on the North Shore of Oahu. Have climbed it over a hundred times, since the 70's. Very tricky traffic situations here and there as you ride up to and past Schofield Barracks--about 80mi round trip from Waikiki. Over 110 mi if you go the other way.



From Honolulu, riding around Diamond Head though Kahala and along Kalanianaole is the usual ride, out to Sandys


The best climbs in the city are on this *short* route. You can always go over the Pali and hit these short climbs on the last leg.

In sequence starting from Sandy Beach area.

- Kamehame Dr: I used to climb over the gate and pass through two other open gates to the hang glider launch. I still recommend climbing the first gate, but its touch and go now after that.

- Mariner's Cove/Kaluanui Rd: short with some steep sections, good for building elevation numbers

- Poola St: short and will make you work

- Laukahi St: make sure to go past the guard shack, and hit the left up the concrete rd. Almost everyone's favorite Honolulu climb. :D

- Hale Koa Dr: This is where where if you have to stop, turn sideways first or die. Actually there's some of that on *all* these climbs. A hard climb with 5 concrete sections that will make you work. I love this climb.

- Paula Dr: Steep. Link Paula Dr to Maunalani Cir, and descent Sierra Dr.

- Wilhelmina Rise: Its an alternate route to Maunalani Cir, straight up.
Haven't climbed this since the 90's--since then I only go half way up. The second section is a full body workout.

- Waahila Ridge: Two routes (actually three). Take the left up Bertram St and left on Peter St--at 26% the steepest climb on the Island. Highly recommended. Otherwise take St Louis Dr all the way up. Peter St is no piece of cake.

- Tantalus is next, after that is Pacific Heights, then Pali. You can bypass and cross over Pali to Alewa Dr.

There are a number of *nice* climbs you can link together going towards the westside, ending with Makakilo.

I'll try to get some pics together.


Kamehame Ridge
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_0697_zpsbp81ap6q.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_0697_zpsbp81ap6q.jpg.html)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_0141_zpsralx5p7w.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_0141_zpsralx5p7w.jpg.html)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_0702_zps42oi5vkl.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_0702_zps42oi5vkl.jpg.html)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_0717_zpslx3qaaem.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_0717_zpslx3qaaem.jpg.html)



Mariner's Ridge, Koko Crater west face (the stairs face south more or less)
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/mariners_ridge_zpsf9dbbvv0.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/mariners_ridge_zpsf9dbbvv0.jpg.html)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/m-ridge20kokohd_zpsqri0d5te.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/m-ridge20kokohd_zpsqri0d5te.jpg.html)

[bigbill]

I've been told the haoles (non-Hawaiian) should avoid the West Side as it's a bit rough, particularly if you are not local.

Don't go west of Kapolei unless you're staying at Ko'olina.

[bluesea]

Laukahi
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/laukahi204-13_zpsfdek8lhe.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/laukahi204-13_zpsfdek8lhe.jpg.html)


Hale Koa
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/halekoa3_zpsxoi7ixbj.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/halekoa3_zpsxoi7ixbj.jpg.html)



Wilhelmina Rise, halfway
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/wilhelmina2-21-13_zpsjrd1ccsl.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/wilhelmina2-21-13_zpsjrd1ccsl.jpg.html)


Maunalani Cir
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_1238_zpsyi8uqwyo.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_1238_zpsyi8uqwyo.jpg.html)


Waahila Ridge
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/waahila2_zpswalo3fjl.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/waahila2_zpswalo3fjl.jpg.html)


Pali: 100m before the tunnels
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_1195_zps7jg0uqct.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_1195_zps7jg0uqct.jpg.html)




Peacock Flats
http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_1527_zpsemlkix9o.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_1527_zpsemlkix9o.jpg.html)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/peacockflats_zpsuv2pegsb.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/peacockflats_zpsuv2pegsb.jpg.html)

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee460/pigmode33/IMG_1539_zpsnsjwmqbn.jpg (http://s1228.photobucket.com/user/pigmode33/media/IMG_1539_zpsnsjwmqbn.jpg.html)