We just returned from the big island of Hawaii. Craig got some good tips for riding from
Bike Works in Waikoloa. The first day we rode to Hawi, going out against strong headwinds.
One of our favorite routes was the Old Mamloahoa Highway. This relatively traffic free road takes you down to the NE side of the island from Waimea.
The first time we rode this, we parked in Waimea, headed down and then west on Honoka'a Road (Highway 240) to the Waipi'o Valley. The next trip took us east for about 8 miles on Highway 19 toward Hilo and then up a quiet country road to the
Vanilla Factory. We were constantly amazed by the variety of climate zones and changing landscapes. One could almost imagine you were riding in Scotland or Ireland. Then you'd descend a bit, turn a corner and have a vertigo producing view of the Pacific Ocean.
The bad part about riding the Old Mamalahoa Highway is Tex Drive-In, situated at the intersection of Highway 19 & Highway 240 in the small town of Honoka'a. Bad because of the malasadas - they are amazing, warm, high caloric donuts, available with a variety of fruit fillings that are only filled upon ordering. I found myself only wanting to ride as far as that intersection just to get a malasada. Craig pushed on for some more miles and sightseeing.
The last ride we took was from Hawi north on Highway 270 to the Pololu Valley. A short ride, it takes you by the Kamehameha Statue and Lapakahi State Historical Park. When you reach the valley you can almost see over to the Waipi'o Valley. Unfortunately, the road dead ends here. There is, however, a hike down to the black sand beach.
