NEW Motorcycle Route: Waterfall Wonders

Catch a glimpse of Hawaii's stunning waterfalls along this scenic route.
Minimum 6 hours. 

Umauma Falls

- From Big Island Motorcycle Co., take a left at the traffic signal, heading north on Hwy 11.
- After about 10 miles you will come to a T. Take a right, heading toward Waimea.
- Waimea is a good stopping point for snacks/coffee/gas (10 miles from the T intersection). Honoka'a (20 miles from T intersection) is also good and they have Tex Drive-In, famous for malasadas, aka Portuguese donuts. 
- Continue along Hwy 19 toward Hilo. The highway takes you in and out of several gorgeous gulches, some of which have waterfalls streaming down the middle. CAUTION: if you feel the need to pull over and take pictures, please remember that this is a highway with a speed limit of 55mph. Slowing down or coming to a stop in this road is extremely dangerous. Please find an appropriate pull-out before stopping along the road.
- After passing the Laupahoehoe lookout you will see signs for a "Scenic Route" to your right. Take it! This road takes you along the old highway and through sugarcane fields of the past.
- Look for the signs for World Botanical Gardens and Gardens Visitor Center toward the end of the scenic route. Inside the gardens is Umauma Falls (pictured above), Kamaee Falls, and of course a wonderful array of tropical plants. Entrance fee is $13 per adult and is well worth it.
- Get back on Hwy 19 heading toward Hilo. Watch for the signs to Honomu and Akaka Falls after a few miles, it will be a right turn. There are a couple turns after exiting the highway, but there is signage to help you.
- At Akaka Falls State park there are two waterfalls, Akaka and Kahuna Falls. There is a moderately easy 1/2 walking trail to the falls viewing areas. At the time of writing entrance was free, however this is slated to change soon.

Akaka Falls

 - Hop back on Hwy 19 toward Hilo. After a couple miles you will see signs for another scenic route to your left, take it! This road takes you through dense jungle, and passes some baby waterfalls along the way. Please use CAUTION on this road as it is often wet, slippery, and has some very tight turns. Best to take this road slow and easy.
- The scenic route will take you back to the Hwy 19, continue toward Hilo. The hwy brings you right into downtown Hilo, which is worth a stop to walk around. We especially love Lilioukalani Park and Banyan Drive. You will want to get gas here, there is no gas where you are heading next.
- Find Waianuenue Avenue (your first right from the hwy), also the main road that cuts through downtown Hilo heading west. Look for the signs to Rainbow Falls, turn will be to your right. Admission free.

Rainbow Falls

- Get back on Waianuenue (heading west) which turns into State Hwy 200, aka Saddle Road. CAUTION: there is a 3 mile strip of road along Saddle that is unpaved (hard-pack gravel). It is fine to take the motorcycles on this road, but use caution. If, after visiting Rainbow Falls you get hit with a lot of rain or foggy conditions, it will only get worse along the Saddle, so you may want to consider re-tracing your steps to get back. This is true if it is getting dark, there are no street lights on Saddle and it gets DARK. Also, Saddle Road gets very high in elevation so it's gets darn chilly, bring a jacket (provided with rentals).
- If you took Saddle Road, take a left at the T intersection after about 30 miles, then an almost immediate right toward Waikoloa. Descend down this road 10 miles until you hit another T at Hwy 11. Take a left at the light then a right at the next light to reach Big Island Motorcycle Co.


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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 info on pricing and availability.

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

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.

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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

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.

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

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


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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

Double Valley Motorcycle Route!

Double Valley Ride

Minimum 4 hours

Waipio Valley Overlook

- From Big Island Motorcycle Co. in Waikoloa, head north on Hwy 19 by taking a left at the traffic signal.
- After about 10 miles you will reach a T intersection, take a left onto Hwy 270 toward Hawi.
- You will want to explore the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au, about another 30 miles. Very cute restaurants, galleries, and shops. The King Kamehameha statue is in Kapa'au.
- Keep going on 270 until the road ends, this is Pololu Valley.

Owner Gwen with her folks at Pololu

- You can hike down into Pololu Valley if you wish and check out the very beautiful black sand beach (not good for swimming though). This takes about an hour round trip if you don't hang at the beach for very long. The trail is steep but quick and manageable for most ability levels.
- From here you will want to find Hwy 250 toward Waimea. You will have to back track a few miles and look for the signs on your left. If you miss the first turn-off, there is another one in the town of Hawi.
- Hwy 250 is our favorite ride on the island. Twisty roads, sparse traffic, and stunning scenery make it a must-ride. This highway runs along the spine of the Kohala mountains so it's cool and shady and you will be able to see the landscape all the way down to the ocean. Gorgeous.

Hwy 250

Hwy 250

- At the T intersection make a left. Then make another left at the traffic light onto Hwy 19 toward Honokaa. You will be in the town of Waimea. There are many places to stop and have a bite here as well as good shopping and even a visit to the historic Parker Ranch.
- Continue on Hwy 19 toward Honokaa for about 13 miles and make a left onto Plumeria St (look for the signs that say Honokaa and Waipio Valley).
- Make another left at the stop sign onto Waipio Road. Take this road about 7 miles, following the signs to Waipio Valley.

Waipio Valley (sorry bout the finger!)

- You can enjoy the views of Waipio Valley from the overlook but you will not be able to ride into the valley on your motorcycle. The grade is very steep and the park rangers will stop you anyway. If you wish to go into the valley, you can walk down (a mile down, very tough, especially on the way back up) or catch a ride from someone in a 4WD.
- You will want to check out Honokaa town (the town you passed through when you made a L at the stop sign to get to Waipio). They have some fun shops and Tex's Drive In makes the best malasadas (Portugese Donuts).
- To get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co. get back to Hwy 19 and head toward Waimea. You will have to make a right onto Lindsey St. to stay on Hwy 19 then after 10 miles you will need to make a left to stay on Hwy 19 (toward Kona). Turn right onto Waikoloa Beach Drive after another 10 miles and find us in the Kings' Shops.


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To find out more about pricing and our rental bikes, click on the "rentals" tab above.

To make a reservation call 808-886-2011 or write to bigislandmotorcycleco (at) yahoo.com

Beach Gear Special

Rent 4 or more sets of snorkel gear and get 50% off all other beach gear*!

Yes! This offer applies to daily and weekly rentals.

*Beach gear = boogie boards, umbrellas, coolers, and chairs

Snorkel sets are $10 per day and $25 per week

Come see us in the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort from 9:30am -7pm everyday

or call 808-886-2011

Beach Gear, Get it Here!

We now rent everything for the perfect beach day!

Snorkel Gear

Boogie Boards

Beach Chairs

Umbrellas

Coolers

Life Jackets

$10 per day (a day = 24 hours for all beach gear)

$25 per week

Ask about our Family Discounts

Big Island Motorcycle Co. is located in the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. We can be reached at 808-886-2011 or bigislandmotorcycleco (at) yahoo.com

Click in the "Rentals" tab above for details and pricing on our other rentals.

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.

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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Volcano Run plus Circle Island Motorcycle Route

Minimum 7 hours

     - Starting from Big Island Motorcycle Co. in the Waikoloa Beach Resort, head south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway. This road will take you all the way to Volcanoes National Park, 128 miles.
     - We recommend starting out by 8am. Since we don't open til 9:30am please call to arrange an early pick up if you'd like to do this route.
     - On the way to the volcano, stop at Hana Hou restaurant in Naalehu for coffee and good grinds, don't miss the dessert case, yum. This little place has a great old Hawaii ambiance and is a fun spot to take a break. There is a gas station nearby, you will want to fill up here.

     - Continue on south to Volcanoes National Park, there is a small entry fee per vehicle. Once inside, stop at the visitor's center for information and maps. Be aware that you will not see any flowing lava inside the national park, but you are likely to see some pretty amazing steam vents (this is where all the vog comes from).

- We recommend following Crater Rim Drive which circles the Kilauea Caldera. Also please be aware that portions of Crater Rim Drive have been closed recently due to volcanic activity. There are many places to stop and explore along the drive. We like the Steam Vents, the Jaggar Museum, and the Thurston Lava Tube.

     - We recommend following Crater Rim Drive which circles the Kilauea Caldera. Also please be aware that portions of Crater Rim Drive have been closed recently due to volcanic activity. There are many places to stop and explore along the drive. We like the Steam Vents, the Jaggar Museum, and the Thurston Lava Tube.
     - Continue on down Chain of Craters Road which will take you all the way to the ocean. This road is very scenic and many times you can see the steam rising from the ocean where lava is flowing in. Please be aware that this road can get very windy. If you are uncomfortable riding in high winds, skipping this portion of the park might be in your best interest.
    - You could easily spend a whole day exploring the park, so we recommend selecting a few highlights you want to see and limit your visit to about 2 or 3 hours so that you will have plenty of time to ride back.
    - Once you are done exploring the park, head back out to the highway continuing in the same direction, toward Hilo. There are facilities (bathrooms, food) inside the park or you can stop in Volcano Village where there are restaurants and gas stations.
     - Continue on past Hilo, past Honokaa, and into Waimea. Once in Waimea, you will want to get on Kawaihae Road, marked as Lindsey Road, which is a right turn at the stoplight near the big shopping center (on your left).
     - Continue west for about 10 miles then turn left onto Highway 19. After about 9 miles, turn right on Waikoloa Beach Drive and make your way back to Big Island Motorcycle Co.
     - We don't recommend making plans for any major stops in Hilo or along the way back as you will likely be pretty tired at this point and it's a long ride back. Just enjoy the ride. You will want to make sure you get back with some daylight left as the roads here get very dark at night and besides, you wouldn't want to miss any scenery, especially between Hilo and Honokaa. Get gas in Hilo, Honokaa, or Waimea, depending on where you filled up previously. There is also a gas station adjacent to Big Island Motorcycle Co.
     - A full day motorcycle rental is only $140 and includes insurance and riding gear. Call or write to reserve your adventure today! 808-886-2011 or bigislandmotorcycleco@yahoo.com


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