Monday, September 5, 2011

Hawaii's Green Sand Beach































If you don't have a 4x4 vehicle, you can walk to this beach from South Point. It is 3 miles each way, no shade, no facilities. Bring lots of water and your walking shoes. If you don't want to hike and still don't have a 4x4 vehicle, there are some very nice taxi drivers who will drop you at the beach for a fee.

We think it's great that so many people are discovering this unique and wonderful beach, but want to remind folks about a few things. Please don't remove the green sand from the beach. We know it is pretty and special, but if everyone takes some, there eventually won't be any left at all. Also, this area of the island is the site where the first Polynesians landed in Hawaii and is a very special place for the Hawaiian people.

Want to do something great for Hawaii that shows you really care about our lovely islands? Bring a bag with you when heading out for Green Sands and help pick up some of this trash.






























Most of this trash washes in from the ocean, but since we all want to enjoy this beautiful coastline, why not help keep it beautiful?

Mahalo!

Got great pictures of your adventures around the Big Island? Submit them to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com and we'd love to publish them here on our blog!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

A vacation with class -


Waikoloa Beach Resort
Vacations 

Waikoloa Beach Resort Vacations specializes in 2 and 3 bedroom villas at Kolea, the only resort in the Waikoloa Beach Resort with direct beach access.  


This luxurious property is a private gated community with mountain and ocean views of Anaeho’omalu Bay.  These vacation rentals are a select group of elegantly furnished condos ranging from 1700sf to 2500sf.  


If you are planning a vacation and desire attention to detail in property care and responsive guest services, contact Waikoloa Beach Resort Vacations, a locally owned and operated vacation rental management company.

Phone: 
808-936-3289

Email:  


Sunday, August 14, 2011

New Route: Ride to the Southernmost Point in the U.S.A.

We're not taking about Florida people! The southernmost point in the U.S.A. is right here on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Raw beauty, great food, and twisty roads await on this South Point Route.


South Point Route


-From Big Island Motorcycle Co. head south on Queen Kaahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19).
-Ride about 83 miles south (staying on the same road) to the town of Naalehu. You will pass through the towns of Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Captain Cook, Ocean View and Waiohinu before reaching Naalehu.
-Once in Naalehu, look for a cafe on your right, across from the grocery store, called Hana Hou. This place is amazing! Great place to fuel up for breakfast or lunch and be sure to save room for dessert, they always have an incredible selection of sweet treats.
-There is also a gas station in Naalehu, you will want to fuel up here before heading back.
-To get to the actual southernmost point you will head back the way you came, heading north this time on the hwy. Travel about 11 miles until you reach South Point Road.
-A couple words of warning: South Point Road is one lane, has a 3-inch ledge drop-off on either side, has some potholes and other hazards, and can get quite windy. That said, as long as you take it easy, you'll be fine, but always, always ride within your limits and if these road conditions make you uncomfortable, don't do it!
-South Point Road ends with awesome views of the Pacific on top of raw, cliff-lined coastline. Very worth checking out. You'll even see lots of people jumping off those cliffs.
-Have a gander at one of the most remote areas in the world, then hop back on the hwy heading north for another 80 miles or so to make your way back to Big Island Motorcycle Co.
-Also, we don't recommend riding this route at night time (due to road and lighting conditions), so allow yourself plenty of daylight hours to make it back.

Delicious brownie at Hana Hou cafe

Owner Dustin relaxing at the cafe

Hana Hou cafe

Cliffs at South Point

Don't look down

Nice views

Climbing in a sea cave
Want more info on motorcycle rentals? Click the "rentals" tab above.

Want to read about more motorcycle routes? Click the "routes" tab above.

Went on this route and had a great time? Email us your photos: BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Monday, August 1, 2011

Zippin' Through Paradise












Rode up to Big Island Eco Adventures in Hawi, HI for some seriously fun ziplining through incredible jungle. You gotta try this! Call or write for more details: 808-886-2011 or BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Update: motorcycle rental rates

kriscoo

On July 1, 2011 the State of Hawaii has increased their rental "Road Tax" by 250% to $7.50 per unit (car or motorcycle) per day which effects all rental companies.  We used to absorb this fee in our price but can no longer afford to do so.

Starting August 1, 2011 we will be joining everybody else by charging the $7.50 per day "Road Tax" for motorcycle only rentals in addition to our advertised price plus sales tax.

Sorry for the inconvenience, we aren't exactly happy about this either.

The tax increase is for road improvements and maintenance.

Thanks for your understanding!

Big Island Motorcycle Co.
808-886-2011
BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Fourth of July!

Yeehaw! We had a great time at the Parker Ranch Rodeo today celebrating the holiday with all the talented paniolo.


Competitors lining up for the American and Hawaiian national anthems

Gotta love that Waimea rain!

Action

Keiki paniolo

All dressed up



Well-loved

Races
How did you celebrate the Fourth of July?

Welcome Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum!

We were happy to share in the opening celebrations of the Eddie Aikau Restaurant & Surf Museum here at the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort yesterday. Come down any day of the week to check them out, and don't forget to come say aloha to us, too!



Spontaneous hula performances are always good!

BIMC owners, Dustin & Gwen. Mahalo for the invite!
BIMC employee extraordinair, Tim & gal Monica


We wish this new restaurant the best of luck! E komo mai! 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Stunning Beauty at Pololu Valley

We took a trip to Pololu Valley a few days ago, one our favorite rides and places to visit here on the Big Island. Although it was a little rainy, we managed to make the most of it by building a fire, cozying up, and listening to the waves crash along the black sand beach.

An unexpected treat were the waterfalls that could be seen from the scenic viewpoint at the top of the valley, a sight we've never experienced before, so it must be real rainy over there! Make your way over soon to catch this rare sight.

To get to the beach on the valley floor, you'll need to park and hike about 1/4 mile (straight) down. It's a little tough on the way back up, just bring water, and you'll be fine. For more info and detailed directions read these routes: Kohala Mountain Road or Double Valley Ride.










For more information on rentals please call us: 808-886-2011 or email: BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com



Wednesday, June 15, 2011

King Kamehameha Day Parade

We had such fun at the King Kamehameha Day parade in downtown Kailua-Kona, we had to share!

Hope you can join us for the festivities next year!






Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Gear up for King Kamehameha Day: June 11

There are a some great events going on June 11 on the Big Island in celebration of King Kamehameha Day. Grab some bikes, some good friends, and enjoy one or all of these events.

North Kohala Kamehameha Day Celebration
8:00am Lei Draping at the statue of King Kamehameha in Kapa'au
9:00am Parade from Downtown Hawi to the Statue in Kapa'au
10:00am-4:00pm, Ho'olaule'a (crafts fair) at Kamehameha Park top field. Ono food and live entertainment. 


Kamehameha Festival in Hilo
This festival features features a ho'olaule'a with top Hawaii recording artists, hula halau, and various cultural presentations. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Moku Ola (Coconut Island) in Hilo. Free. 


King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade in Kailua-Kona
To take place on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, the annual King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade will feature more than 90 horses, as well as floats, marching bands, hula halau and regal pa'u riders on horseback. The parade begins at 9 a.m. near Royal Kona Resort at Walua Road, passing through town to the Kailua Pier and up Palani Road to Kuakini Hwy., ending near the West Hawaii Today building. A ho'olaulea will be held after the parade at Swing Zone near the Old Airport beginning at 10:30 a.m. Cultural workshops, exhibits, hula and live performances will be featured. 



View Kamehameha Day - June 11 in a larger map


Monday, May 9, 2011

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Hawaii

We are happy to share that Hawaii is taking on a motorcycle awareness campaign. TV commercials and other advertising make drivers more aware of bikers on the road. HOWEVER, none of the outer islands have a rider safety course which we feel is vital to rider safety. We wish they would spend their pennies on rider education. That said, here are some helpful hints for drivers and riders:


Drivers need to:
  • Remember that motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width; never try to share a lane.
  • Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
  • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
  • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
  • Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
  • Never drive while distracted.

Motorcyclists need to do their part, as well:
  • Get properly trained and licensed. Every new rider should enroll in a Basic RiderCourse. Unfortunately not available to those of us on the outer islands!!!!
  • Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
  • Wear brightly colored protective gear, such as long pants and a riding jacket.
  • Also wear eye protection, boots and a DOT-compliant helmet.
  • Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
  • Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.
  • Use reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity.
  • Position themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
  • Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws.
  • Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses.
  • Never drive while impaired.