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