Kauai Bike Rides

Note:

If you are outside of Princeville, we have a 3-day minimum rental.

Kapaa Bike Path - Beginner

On the Kapaa bike path, anyone can enjoy the magnificent scenery, gentle offshore breezes, and array of photo ops. Get ready to coast your way along almost eight miles of the east side of Kauai.

 

Princeville Bike Path - Beginner

Princeville has a 2.1 mile (3.371 kilometer) walk/jog path that runs from Prince Albert Park to the end of Ka Haku Road (as delineated in red above). Walkers, joggers, bicyclists and skateboarders are welcome on the path. Just remember, pedestrians (walkers/joggers) do have the right of way. The Princeville Path runs the length of Princeville from the top of the Park to the end of Ka Haku Road. 

Spalding Monument - Beginner

For the novice rider, this ride offers a good workout and a summit ocean view that's not overly strenuous to reach. If you start in Kapaa, you can pedal a mile up Ke Ala Hele Makalae to reach the start of the ride, and even make a snack stop at the corner food truck without a detour. From near the end of Kealia Beach, ride up a gradual incline 2 miles through horse pastures to Spalding Monument, named for a former plantation owner, although there is no longer any signage. Palms circle the lava-rock wall, where you can picnic while enjoying a 180-degree ocean view. Behind you is the glorious mountain backdrop of Kalalea. Coasting back down the road offers an almost hands-free, continual ocean view along with a peek into rural Kauai most visitors miss. The loop begins at end of Kealia Beach, past mile marker 10 on mauka (mountain) side of road, Kealia, Hawaii, 96746.

Wailua Forest Management Road - Beginner

For the novice mountain biker, this is an easy ride, and it's also easy to find. From Route 56 in Wailua, turn mauka (toward the mountains) on Kuamoo Road and continue 6 miles to the picnic area known as Keahua Arboretum; park here. The potholed four-wheel-drive road includes some stream crossings—stay away during heavy rains, because the streams flood—and continues for 2 miles to a T-stop, where you should turn right. Stay on the road for about 3 miles until you reach a gate; this is the spot where the gates in the movie Jurassic Park were filmed, though it looks nothing like the movie. Go around the gate and down the road for another mile to a confluence of streams at the base of Mt. Waialeale. Be sure to bring your camera. Kuamoo Rd., Kapaa, Hawaii, 96746.

Moalepe Trail - Intermediate

This trail is perfect for intermediate to advanced trail-bike riders. The first 2 miles of this 5-mile double-track road wind steeply through pastureland. The real challenge begins when you reach the steep and rutted switchbacks, which during a rainy spell can be hazardous. Moalepe intersects the Kuilau Trail, which you can follow to its end at the Keahua Arboretum stream. Wailua (Kauai County), Hawaii.

Powerline Trail - Advanced

Advanced riders are challenged by this trail. It's actually an abandoned electric-company service road that splits the island. It's 13 miles long; the first 5 miles go from 620 feet in elevation to almost 2,000. The remaining 8 miles descend gradually over a variety of terrain, some technical. You'll have to carry your bike through some sections, but the views will stay with you forever. When it's wet—in summer or winter—this trail is a mess. Check with a knowledgeable bike shop for trail conditions first and be prepared to improvise. Powerline Rd., Kilauea, Hawaii.

Waimea Canyon Road - Advanced

For those wanting a very challenging road workout, climb this road, also known as Route 550. After a 3,000-foot climb, the road tops out at mile 12, adjacent to Waimea Canyon, which will pop in and out of view on your right as you ascend. From here it continues several miles (mostly level) past the Kokee Museum and ends at the Kalalau Lookout. It's paved the entire way, uphill 100%, and curvy. There's not much of a shoulder on either road—sometimes none—so be extra cautious. The road gets busier as the day wears on, so you may want to consider a sunrise ride. A slightly more moderate uphill climb is Kokee Road, Route 552, from Kekaha, which intersects with Route 550. Bikes aren't allowed on the hiking trails in and around Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, but there are miles of wonderful four-wheel-drive roads perfect for mountain biking. Check at Kokee Natural History Museum for a map and conditions. Off Rte. 50, near grocery store, Waimea (Kauai County), Hawaii, 96796.