NEW Route: Black Sand Beach

Tucked into the farthest reaches of the Mauna Lani Resort (only 2 miles from our shop) is a great black sand beach perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and relaxing Hawaiian style. Want to get there? Follow this great route:

Via Motorcycle or Moped:
     - From Big Island Motorcycle Co. follow Waikoloa Beach Drive to the traffic signal and take a left heading north.
     - After 2 miles take a left into the Mauna Lani Resort.
     - At the round-about take the road farthest to the left going south. Follow this road about a mile, looking out for the (small) residential looking sign that says "49 Black Sand Beach" on your left. This is a gated community but also a public beach access point.
     - Tell the guard you wish to go to the beach. He will have you sign in and you are free to access the beach.
     - Follow the main road inside all the way to the end where you will find the beach parking lot.
     - There are bathrooms and fresh water showers. Don't forget your snorkel gear!

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Via Bicycle:
     - There are two ways to get to the Black Sand Beach via bicycle. The first is to follow the route above. If you are not comfortable riding a bicycle along the highway, you may access the beach via the Kings' Trail.
     - To get to the Kings' Trail from Big Island Motorcycle Co. take Waikoloa Beach Dr. until you reach the Waikoloa Colony Villas condo complex. Just to the east of the complex is the Kings' Trail which takes you across and into the Mauna Lani Resort area.
     - Please note, the Kings' Trail is extremely rough and you must walk the bikes along the trail due to loose lava rock conditions. It is highly recommended you wear sturdy shoes. Be aware that there are places along the trail where you will need to lift the biked over rocks.
     - That said, it takes about 15 minutes to walk the bikes over this section of the trail and back onto pavement.
     - You may cross back over onto pavement just before the little bridge on your left.
     - After crossing the little bridge, take a right onto the road.
     - At the T intersection, take a left.
     - Follow this road, looking out for the (small) residential looking sign that says "49 Black Sand Beach" on your left. This is a gated community but also a public beach access point.
     - Tell the guard you wish to go to the beach. He will have you sign in and you are free to access the beach.
     - Follow the main road inside all the way to the end where you will find the beach parking lot.
     - There are bathrooms and fresh water showers. Don't forget your snorkel gear!

Fun is Easy, Rent Yours Today!

Big Island Motorcycle Co.

808-886-2011

BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Please click on the "rentals" tab above for more information.

Motorcycle Route: Mauna Kea

There is snow on the tippy top of Mauna Kea right now, and more expected to come. Want to get a closer look? Take our Mauna Kea Route right up to the visitor center. Don't worry, you won't need to ride through snow, the white stuff is only on the summit of the mountain.

Be sure to wear a jacket because, baby, it's cold up there!

 For motorcycle rentals call 808-886-2011 or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com


Prices and more info on rentals can be found by clicking the rentals tab above.

Insider Tip of the Week: Where can I get some breakfast around here?

Need to fuel up before a long day at the beach or a long drive around the island? It can be tricky to find good, reasonably priced breakfast in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, so save some time and use these tips to find yourself some ono grub.

First of all, get out of your resort! Yes, they have charming views and a wonderful setting, but you will definitely pay for it.

For something quick, go to either Whaler's General Store, located inside the Kings' Shops or Island Gourmet Market, located in the Queen's Marketplace. Both have a deli with lots of take-out options, including coffee to go. Do it island style and grab a musubi, spam rolled in rice and seaweed, yum!

For sit down breakfast go to the Kings' Grille located at the Waikoloa Beach Golf Course country club. Very reasonable prices, and they are open early for the golfers.

Romano's Macaroni Grill, located in the Queen's Marketplace, is now open for breakfast, but we haven't tried it yet.

Need more dining suggestions? Give us a call at 808-886-2011 or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Now Renting: Electric Razor Scooters!

Tired of bicycles? Too young or not into riding scooters? Now we have something in between: Electric Razor Scooters for the whole family!

These babies really cruise, the adult model goes up to 15 mph!

$20 per day or $10 per hour

Fun is Easy!

Rent yours today

808-886-2011

BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

located in the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort

9:30am - 7pm everyday

New Farmer's Market in the Kings' Shops

If you are coming to see us for a rental, why not pick up some fresh fruit or flowers to tuck into those saddle bags?

Every Wednesday the Kings' Shops is hosting its very own farmer's market from 8:30am to 1pm.


View Larger Map

Call us for more information: 808-886-2011

Insider Tip of the Week: whales, whales, whales!

The humpback whales have officially returned to Hawaiian waters! During winter the humpbacks migrate down from Alaska to birth their babies in warmer seas. The Kona coast of the Big Island is a great place to catch some whale action. Humpbacks are known for their spectacular breaches (jumps out of the water) so you won't want to miss it!

The best way to experience whale watching is to get up close and personal on a boating adventure. No matter your boating style, we can book a great whale watching excursion for you! There are big boats, small boats, fast boats, and calm boats, let us set you up! Come on in to the shop any day from 9:30am-7pm, call us at 808-886-2011 or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Are you more of a landlubber? Lucky for you there are some breathtaking whale watch spots right on the shore and we will be happy to point you in the right direction, just come on in and see us, maps are free!

Insider Tip of the Week: know your lava flows

What's a trip to the Big Island without a visit to the volcano? Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is enormous and deserves a full day of exploration. You may be surprised to hear that the actual lava flow viewing area is located outside the national park near a town called Kalapana. Not only that, but the flow moves around frequently and sometimes doesn't flow at all. So get in the know and call ahead of time to get information on where and when you can see the flow:

Civil Defense Recorded Lava Hotline:
808-961-8093

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, recorded update:
808-985-6000

Another option is to take a guided tour that will take you directly to all the great sites, drive you around, and even feed you. A major plus in going with a tour is that you do not have to navigate Hawaii's very dark (no street lights) roads at night, as night time is the best for viewing the lava.

Lucky for you, we can book volcano tours right here at Big Island Motorcycle Co. or set you up with a motorcycle to cruise out there in style. It happens to be one of the best rides on the island.

To make a reservation call 808-886-2011 or write BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Insider Tip of the Week: check the weather!

Weather on the islands can be extremely variable so you will want to check the reports a day ahead of time in order to plan your routes around the island. We think the NOAA site is the best for getting up to date weather info. Simply click on their map of the island to see the weather in different locations.

Keep in mind that the Big Island has many micro climates meaning that you could be in desert-like conditions one minute and tropical rainforest the next. This means that, in most cases, you will be able to "ride through" the rain because if it's raining in Captain Cook that certainly does not mean it's raining in Kailua-Kona.

Another tip is that you are usually in the clear as long as the percentage of rain stays below 40% or if it says scattered showers. This means you may hit some rain, but it won't likely be extended showers that would ruin your ride.

We will check the weather for you when you come in to pick up your rental as a complementary service, we'd never want to send you directly to the rain! But of course, nature is nature, so you never really know what she's gonna do.

Please click the "rentals" tab above for more information on our motorcycle and other rental offerings or call 808-886-2011 to make a reservation.

Insider Tip of the Week: Boogie Down

Top Three Boogie Boarding Spots on the Kona Side of the Big Island:

1. Hapuna Beach State Park

The largest white sand beach on the island has a nice boogie boarding break. Except for days when there is a winter swell it is a great spot for beginners and kids, too.

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2. Kua Bay

Another gorgeous white sand beach with waves. Experienced boogie boarders can go for the break in the center of the beach, beginners may want to surf on the north end of the beach.

The access road to this beach is located directly across from the West Hawaii Veteran's Cemetary, just south of the Four Seasons Resort.

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3. Magic Sands aka White Sands

Located in Kailua Kona right on Alii Drive.

View Larger Map

Come in and see us in the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort to rent a boogie board or any other beach gear like umbrellas, chairs, coolers and snorkel gear. $10 per day or $25 per week per item.

Big Island Motorcycle Co. can be reached at 808-886-2011 or BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Insider Tip of the Week: Free Petroglyph Tour

Free, guided tours of Hawaiian petroglyphs (carvings in the lava rock) are available Thursday - Sunday at the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Meet at 10:30am at center stage inside the shopping center. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen and be sure to bring some water. Tours last about an hour.

Here is one visitor's account:

“Being an exchange student from Pakistan, it was an exciting experience for me to look at all those interesting patterns in the stones, and try solving the mysteries behind them. Our tour guide was very informative, he told us interesting facts about the strange stone carvings, and how the Hawaiian traditions had changed from time to time. One of the most interesting ones was that the circles represented the birth of a male child on the day of a solar eclipse. The caves were even more interesting. I wonder how people could seek shelter in a place that tight to fit in? The guide pointed out some sea shells at the site of petroglyphs which were thousands of years old! He also talked about Mauna Kea being the tallest mountain of the world because its base starts from the sea bed! It was very fascinating to know about it because Mount Everest is what people around the world know as being the tallest mountain.


The hike was super fun and informative. We tried not to step on the ancient carvings to keep the remains of history intact.

The patterns of human-like figures were most interesting to look at, although nobody has yet discovered that what all the carvings exactly mean, its still fun to look at all the shapes and try to discover the meaning behind every symbol. Especially if you are interested in history and archeology, it is the perfect place to explore!”
By: Nida Rasheed

Hawaiian History Route

This route can be completed on a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle. Time varies depending on which vehicle you choose.

Starting at Big Island Motorcycle Co. at the Kings' Shops, head north on Hwy 11 about 2 miles until you reach the Mauna Lani Resort where you will make a left hand turn to enter the resort. At the roundabout take the first right towards the Fairmont Orchid. Look for the sign that says "Holoholo Beach Park & Puako Petroglyph Park" and make a right.

Park in the beach parking lot and look for the signs directing you toward the petroglyph trail.

The trail takes about 15 minutes to get to the petroglyph viewing area. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the kiawe thorns along the trail are nasty and will go right through your slippers (flip flops).

Petroglyphs are Hawaiian rock carvings. They are typically found on flat lava rock surfaces and the significance of many of the carvings is still unknown but you will see carvings of figures like warriors and pregnant women. There is some information along the trail which provides further explanations. The Big Island has the largest concentration of petroglyphs in all of the Hawaiian islands and this particular site is the best I've visited so far. More info: Petroglyphs

Once you are back in the parking lot you can head back the way you came to get back to the highway, or if you are on a bicycle you can head toward the beach and take a right on the shoreline trail. This will eventually lead you to the town of Puako. Ride straight through Puako and up the hill and you will be back on the highway.

Travelling north on Hwy 11 (take a left) you will reach a T intersection after about 5 miles. Take a left toward Kawaihae. After about a quarter mile you will see Spencer Beach Park, make a left into the park. Inside the park is the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. This heiau (temple) is one of the largest ever constructed and was built around 1790 by King Kamehameha. There is loads of historical information as well as knowledgeable guides at the site. Visit any day of the week from 7:45am-5pm (entrance gates close at 4:30pm).

Once you've had your fill of interesting Hawaiian history continue heading north on Akoni Pule Hwy (a left out of Spencer Beach Park) to the town of Kawaihae, less than one mile, where you can get a cold drink or good grub at one of the several eateries there.

To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co. simply head south on Akoni Puly Hwy, make a right onto Hwy 11 towards Kona, travel about 10 miles, and take a right onto Waikoloa Beach Dr.

Can't wait to try out this route? Give us a call to reserve your vehicle of choice at 808-886-2011 or email BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com.

 Pricing information can be found by clicking the "rentals" tab above.

Insider Tip of the Week: Free coffee farm tour

Did you know that coffee grown in Kona is considered to be the world's best coffee? If you are coming to the Big Island and love you a cuppa, visiting a coffee farm should be on your itinerary.

Most of the coffee farm visits in Kona are free, but Mauka Meadows is a big hit for even the non-coffee lovers among us. Just north of the town of Holualoa on Hwy 180 Mauka Meadows is a botanical garden loaded with fruit trees, tropical flowers, and of course, coffee trees. You park at the top and walk down to their visitor area where you are met by an infinity pool fountain and the chance to taste and purchase their coffees. These views are matched by none. The staff will drive you back to the parking lot when you are ready (it's a pretty steep hill).

Mauka Meadows Coffee Farm

View from Mauka Meadows

A pineapple!

Me and mom tasting Kona coffee

Garden feature at Mauka Meadows

You can check out our Holualoa (Kona Upper Road) Ride under the "motorcycle routes" tab above for more detailed information on how to get there and other attractions in the area.

Also, the Kona Cultural Coffee Festival is coming up November 5-14 so mark your calendars!

Bicycle Route: Secret Beach

This is an easy route that can take an hour or all day, depending on how long you want to linger.

Starting from Big Island Motorcycle Co. in the Kings' Shops head west on Waikoloa Beach Drive toward the Hilton hotel.

Just before reaching the Hilton and after passing the Kolea subdivision, take a left on an unmarked road at the stop sign. This road will dead end so look for a sign that says "Shoreline Access Trail" near the freshwater pond area. It looks like the pictures below.

Be sure to yield to pedestrians when riding on this trail.

When you reach the shoreline, take a right on the shoreline trail. If you have a mountain bike you can continue riding, if you have a beach cruiser, you may need to walk your bike at this point.

First, you'll pass a sweet little swing.

Swinging by the shore

Carved in a nearby tree

So much coral, it looks like snow

Swinging!

Continue on another five minutes and you'll find this "Secret Beach" with a decent swimming hole and white sand.

If you continue on you will eventually reach the Hilton hotel and can exit that way, or simply come back the way you came. This would be an excellent sunset viewing spot!

Fun is easy! Rent yours today by calling 808-886-2011 or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com or come in and see us any day of the week from 9:30am to 7pm in the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Insider Tip of the Week

This week's insider tip takes you to downtown Kailua Kona where you can cheer on the Ironman World Championship participants today, Saturday, October 9.

Right on the corner of Palani Rd. and Alii Drive is the finish line for the Ironman Triathlon. The finish line is fully set up with a stage, giant TV screen, an announcer and lots of screaming fans. The triathletes begin crossing the finish line in the early afternoon but the real insider tip is to head on down to the finish line in the evening and stay (if you can) until midnight when the very last athletes cross. These participants are the ones who need to be cheered on the most, plus by going in the evening you can avoid some of the road closures, parking hassles (well ok it will still be a hassle, but less so), and the heat.

Cheering the Ironman athletes on our beach cruisers right out front of the Waikoloa Beach Resort, where Big Island Motorcycle Co. is located.

At least she was smiling! Go, go, go!

So fast! Notice Mauna Kea in the background

Click here to view the road closures today: ROAD CLOSURES

Would you like to rent the beach cruiser bicycles shown in the pictures? Call or write to reserve: 808-886-2011 or BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Check out the "bicycle routes" tab above for ideas on where to cruise.

Ironman Road Closures and Safety Tips

Please be aware that there will be major road closures on the West side of the Big Island all day on Saturday, October 9, 2010 due to the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. There are ways to get around that day, so please see this map to plan your day: ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

If you were planning on renting from us that day, please call us as soon as possible to discuss pickup times and availability: 808-886-2011 or email us at BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com. We will be open for our regular hours, 9:30am-7pm everyday.

This would be a good day to stay put and enjoy the beaches or a nice relaxing bicycle ride. Either way, we got you covered with snorkel, beach chair, umbrella, cooler, boogie board, and bicycle rentals.

Although the Ironman lasts for only one day, there are many people here right now training for the event. This means lots of extra traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the roadway. Please use extra caution when driving, cycling, and walking/running. Please stay on the shoulder unless you are a car or motorcycle and ride/run single file. It's the Aloha that makes this state great, so let's keep it that way!

Some dude we saw riding up Mauna Kea. Woah! That's a tough ride.

Insider Tip of the Week

Coming to the Big Island and want to do as the locals do?
 Then head on over to our Insider Tip of the week: Tex Drive-In

Tex Drive-In is famous for its malasadas (Portugese donuts) which you can get plain or filled with anything from guava, to pineapple, to chocolate. These donuts are more than amazing, do not miss this place while you are on the Big Island! It's a perfect stop on the way to or from Waipio Valley. Tex's also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner specializing in local plate lunch favorites.

Tex Drive-In

45-690 Pakalana St Highway 19
Honokaa, HI 96727

(808) 775-0598

Want to ride a motorcycle to Tex Drive-In? Sure you do, it's a great ride! We'll be happy to provide you with maps and check the weather for you before you head out. Check out our rental bikes and prices under the "rentals" tab above, call us at 808-886-2011, or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Harleys For Rent!

The day has finally arrived! We are very pleased to announce that we will be offering Harleys for rent in addition to our other motorcycle offerings.

Rental Rates: $160 full day - 9:30am-6:30pm
                      $120 half day - 4 hours

Price includes insurance, riding gear, helmets, and our expert route advice. You may also refer to the "motorcycle routes" tab above for advance route planning.


Heritage Softail 2006

Road King Classic 2006

Heritage Softail 1997

To make a reservation call 808-886-2011 or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Join the Volcano Motorcycle Tour 9/22

Our next scheduled motorcycle tour will be

 Wednesday, September 22, 2010

from 8am - 5pm

This guided tour includes stops at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punaluu Black Sand Beach and includes some of the island's best riding roads. Led by our experienced owner, Dustin Edwards.

Space is available!

Call or write to reserve your bike: 808-886-2011 or BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Motorcycle Route: Mauna Kea

For amazing views try out this

Mauna Kea Route

-     From Big Island Motorcycle Co. make a left at the light onto Highway 19.

-     At the next traffic signal turn right onto Waikoloa Road.

-     Take this road until you reach the T (about 12 miles) and take a left onto Mamalohoa Hwy

-     After about 5 miles you will need to take a right onto Hwy 200 aka Saddle Road.

-     Continue on Saddle Road for about 25 miles and make a left on the Mauna Kea Access Road. Stop at the visitor center on your right. 

-     There is a bathroom for public use between the Saddle Road Junction and the Mauna Kea Access Road, look for the "campground" with the little cabins. Otherwise there are no facilities until you reach the visitor center on Mauna Kea where you can buy snacks and drinks and use the restroom. There is absolutely NO gas station on Saddle Road so be sure to fill up before heading out.

-     You may not ride the motorcycle past the visitor center on Mauna Kea due to dangerous road conditions requiring a 4WD vehicle however from the visitor center there are amazing views within a short 10 minute hike as well as a place to view the endangered silversword plant.

-     The visitor center itself is very interesting as they have loads of information about the Mauna Kea observatories and related information.

-     Jackets and riding gear are included with your motorcycle rental so if you choose to take this route we highly recommend wearing some gear as it gets real cold at the high elevations.

-     One of the best parts about this route is heading back toward the ocean from the mountain. You can feel the air gradually heat up and the views are, of course, amazing!

-     To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co., simply retrace your steps. Photos below on the previous post.

Rental information can be found by clicking the "Rentals" tab above, by calling 808-886-2011 or emailing us at BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com


View Larger Map

Mauna Kea with Yamaha FZ6

Pics from a recent ride up to Mauna Kea. Route information to follow soon!

What is a wedding without scooters?

Well I guess we do weddings, too! Check out these fun pics from a wedding held at one of the hotels nearby. While the bride is the star, I gotta say those scooters look pretty darn cute, too!

How can we make your special day more fun?

 Call us at 808-886-2011 or write to

 bigislandmotorcycleco (at) yahoo.com