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.

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.

New Bicycle Route

Mauna Lani Adventure II

Plus Puako

Minimum 3 hours

-     From Big Island Motorcycle Co. find the King's Trail on the far north end of resort, just east of the Waikoloa Colony Villas. Warning: this trail is extremely bumpy and difficult to navigate, you must walk the bikes over the trail portion of this route and be able to occasionally lift the bike over large rocks. You must be up for adventure if you decide to follow this route!

-    Walk the bikes over the King's Trail until you reach the gate and the bridge, where you will be able to cross over on to the pavement. This took us about 15 minutes. Take a right out onto the road, then the next right (at the stop sign) and continue until you reach a large round-about.

-     At the round-about take the road that leads to the Fairmont Orchid (north) or stop at the shops on the west end of the round-about to fuel up on picnic provisions at the grocery store there (they have an awesome deli by the way). You can also stop for sit down fare at the Tommy Bahama Cafe(we like!), Monstera Restaurant, or Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, all located in the shops.

-     Continue on toward the Fairmont Orchid making a right just before the hotel, look for the sign marked Holoholokai Beach Park (see the pic below).

-     Once at the beach park you have a couple of options; hang out at the beach, check out the petroglyphs, or head toward Puako. We highly recommend you check out the Malama Petroglyph Trail. Please lock your bikes up in the parking lot if you decide to view the petroglyphs as the trail is full of kiawe thorns that will most definitely lead to a flat tire. It is about a 10 minute walk to the petroglyph viewing area and well worth it. The trail is well marked, see the pic below.

-     Petroglyphs are ancient Hawaiian rock carvings. Archaeologists are still unsure of their exact meanings and why the Hawaiians carved the markings into the stone. The trail has some good signs explaining petroglyphs in more detail.

-     Once you reach the beach parking lot again, grab your bikes and head toward the ocean where you will find a sandy shoreline trail and make a right, heading north. Up to you if you want to ride the bikes over this portion. I walked my bike and made it back to pavement in about 5 minutes so it is a short part of the ride.

-    This trail takes you into the town of Puako, a small seaside community with one small general store if you need to get some snacks.

-     We like to explore the many "Shoreline Access" points along this one-road town. This area is great for snorkeling, although it can be tricky to get in and out of the water here (no sand) so we suggest only experienced folks attempt it. It is also a wonderful place to catch the sunset.

-     Once you pass the church (on your left) you've reached the end of town so you can turn around and come back the way you came, or continue on to Beach 69 or Hapuna Beach.

-     When you come in to rent your bike we will provide you with a map of the area. Rates and reservation information can be found by clicking the "Rentals" tab above. Please call 808-886-2011 or email BigIslandMotorcycleCo (at) yahoo.com with any other questions.

The Best Sunset Viewing Spots

Below is a list of a few of the best spots to catch the sunset here on the Big Island whether you are on iron horseback, cruising on a moped, or pushing pedals. If you are lucky, you might even spot the Green Flash!
If you are on a Motorcycle:

1. Mauna Kea visitor center
    To get here from Big Island Motorcycle Co. make a left at the light onto Hwy 19. Make a right at the next light onto Waikoloa Road. Take this road all the way until you reach the T and make a left onto Hawaii Belt Road. After about 11 miles make a right onto Saddle Road. Continue east about 17 miles on Saddle Road making a left onto Mauna Kea Access Road (look for the signs to the visitor center). Do not ride past the visitor center as the road becomes unpaved and unsuitable for motorcycle travel past this point.
     Once you are at the visitor center you will see a trail across the road (ask if you can't find it) which will take you to an amazing sunset viewing area. You will be able to see all the way down the mountain and beyond. Go on a clear day or you won't see much. More info on Mauna Kea: Mauna Kea Visitor Center
     Be prepared for cold temperatures at this elevation. Also be prepared for some challenging riding on the way back as there are no street lights and it gets very dark out there. There are also some tricky one lane portions to navigate. At the time of writing, we do not recommend taking Saddle Road all the way into Hilo as there are still some unpaved/unimproved portions.

Mauna Kea summit descent (in a truck:)

2. Mile Marker 81 Scenic Lookout
     From Big Island Motorcycle Co. make a right at the light onto Hwy 19. Look for the "Scenic Point" signs and the pullout on your right near mile marker 81.

If you are on a Moped:

1. Mile Marker 81 Scenic Lookout

     From Big Island Motorcycle Co. make a right at the light onto Hwy 19. Look for the "Scenic Point" signs and the pullout on your right near mile marker 81. Be sure to yield to traffic around you especially as you make a left back onto the highway from the scenic point.

2. Puako Shoreline Access
     Find your own private sunset spot in the town of Puako. To get there make a left onto Hwy 19 from Big Island Motorcycle Co. After about 6 miles make a left toward Puako onto Puako Beach Drive. This will take you into the quaint town where, on your right, you will see several "Shoreline Access" points. You will likely be able to find a great spot all to yourself. You will want to head back before it gets too dark and, as always, yield to all traffic around you.

If you are riding a Bicycle:

1. Buddha's Point inside the Hilton hotel.
     From Big Island Motorcycle Co. make a right out of the parking lot toward the Hilton hotel. After passing the main entrance and side entrance on your left, you will see a service entrance. Take this road toward a grassy knoll with a large Buddha statue and enjoy a lovely sunset view. Not a Hilton hotel guest? Not a problem, the Hilton people are nice and share their property with everyone.

2. Meditation Point inside the Mauna Lani Resort
     To get to the Mauna Lani take Highway 19 north 2 miles and turn left into the resort. You may also take the Kings' Trail to get to the Mauna Lani described here: Mauna Lani Adventure. Once inside the Mauna Lani resort you will want to find the beach access area on the south end of the resort. It has a cafe, a small white sand beach, and a boat moored near shore. There are signs that say "beach access" or "beach" to guide you.
     Once you find the beach look for a paved trail on the south end of the beach that follows the shoreline. This is Meditation Point which offers breathtaking shoreline views.
    

Please forgive the lack of pictures in this post. If you have some shots of the spots I've mentioned here email them to BigIslandMotorcycleCo (at) yahoo.com and I'll post them.

Please refer to the reservations tab for pricing and booking information.

Bicycle Route

Puako Beach Cruise

- Starting from Big Island Motorcycle Co. strap a couple bikes to your car (straps can be rented, too) or ride about 6 miles south on Highway 19 to Puako. You will see the signs as you drive/ride south, it will be a left turn from the highway onto Puako Beach Drive.

- From there make your first right onto Old Puako Road, then left into the beach parking lot, which looks like this:

- This beach is called "69's" and is great for swimming and snorkeling. There are full facilities here including bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Not to mention there is plenty of shade and room to spread out.
- We recommend taking the bikes with you out to the beach or locking them securely in the parking lot.

- After you've had your fill of sun and sand, head back out the way you came, but this time ride toward the town of Puako, which will be a right turn at the Puako Beach Dr. and Old Puako Rd. intersection.
- This easy-going ride through town is full of charm. Check out an old church:

- Or grab a snack at the little store:

- There are many worthwhile beach access points along the way (anywhere you see a "Shoreline access" sign) with great tidepools and snorkeling. Brackish ponds dot the area as well many beautiful homes.
- To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co., take Puako Beach Dr. up to the highway, take a right (heading south), then another right onto Waikoloa Beach Drive.

 Fun is easy! Start your adventure today
 Call: 808-886-2011 or write: bigislandmotorcycleco (at) yahoo.com

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Bicycle Routes

This route will be posted permanently under the "routes" tab above.

Mauna Lani Adventure I

        - From Big Island Motorcycle Co. find the King's Trail on the far north end of resort, just east of the Waikoloa Colony Villas. Warning: this trail is extremely bumpy and difficult to navigate, you must walk the bikes over the trail portion of this route and be able to occasionally lift the bike over large rocks. You must be up for adventure if you decide to follow this route!
      - Walk the bikes over the King's Trail until you reach the gate and the bridge, pictured above, where you will be able to cross over on to the pavement. This took us about 15 minutes. Take your next right, then the following right and continue until you reach a large roundabout. 

      - Go around until you see the "Shops at Mauna Lani" sign. This is a good place to stop and get drinks, snacks, or lunch. There are several good restaurants, including the Tommy Bahama Cafe, and a great gourmet deli inside the grocery store. We really liked this shop called Oasis, lots of fun housewares, clothes, and jewelry. You can lock the bikes up at the rack near the grocery store.

       - Heading west out of the shopping center (away from the roundabout) take a left onto the road toward the spa. On your right side you will see a parking lot, public bathrooms, and paved trail with signs that say
"Caves and Petroglyphs." You can ride the bikes on this trail but please yield to pedestrians. We found this cool cave, but didn't see any petroglyphs, maybe we didn't look hard enough. In any case, there is another very cool petroglyph trail on the other side of the resort which I will cover in the next route. 

       - This paved trail will lead all the way down to the beach where you will enjoy riding around the picturesque brackish ponds with little palm tree islands. Feel free to explore the beaches, all beaches in Hawaii are open to the public. 

      - After enjoying a little rays, head to the beach on the south side of the resort, where the boat is moored and there is a little cafe and dive gear rental. There is a narrow paved trail on the south end of this beach that follows the coast line. Take this trail, but be sure to yield to pedestrians.
      - This portion of the trail offers panoramic ocean views, we can see why they named it "Meditation Point." 
      - This trail quickly turns into a bumpy lava rock section (walk the bikes over this part), then eventually takes you onto a golf course where you will need to follow the golf cart track until you can get back onto the road, to your left, which is actually a small subdivision. Once in the subdivision, head toward the right until you reach the gate (opens automatically to let you out). Take a right onto the main road.
      - To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co., take a right on Na La Hele Rd (you will recognize it as the way you came in). The just go back the way you came, over the bridge...
      - The Map below shows driving directions to the Shops at Mauna Lani from Big Island Motorcycle Co. You can go this way if you are not up for braving the King's Trail (it's really pretty tough). 

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Beach Cruisers

Bicycling, ice cream, Hawaii, it doesn't get much better!

Our classic beach cruisers will transport you back to simpler times.

Reserve yours today on our website, email us, or call 808-886-2011.