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

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

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

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. 



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Kohala Camping: Deserted Paradise

It doesn't get much better than this: riding into a deserted campground right on the shoreline. At first we thought, what's wrong with this place? Why is no one else camping here? And then we decided it was biker's luck. Situated along rocky shoreline with plenty of shade, good swimming and snorkeling, bathrooms, showers, and plenty of feral cats (eww), this was one of the best campsites we've enjoyed.

We are purposely not sharing the name or location though, we'd like to keep it as it is, deserted. If you call or email and ask us real, real nice, we might share.

Big Island Motorcycle Co.
 808-886-2011
BigIslandMotorcycleCo@yahoo.com

Motorcycle Route: Zipline + North Kohala

Up for some adventure? In this route we combine a great zipline tour with our friends down at Big Island Eco Adventures with awesome, twisty roads, good food, and dazzling views.

- First things first, if you wanna zip you gotta book in advance. This tour company is very popular and is booked at least a week in advance.
- Allow yourself at least an hour to get to the zipline check in center from Big Island Motorcycle Co.
- From Big Island Motorcycle Co. in Waikoloa, head north on Hwy 19 by making a left at the light.
- After 10 miles you will come to a T intersection. Make a left toward Hawi.
- After about 2 miles make a right onto Akoni Pule Hwy toward Hawi.
- Continue along this hwy until you reach the town of Hawi (the first town you come to) and make a right on to Hawi Road just before the old-fashioned gas station.
- On your immediate right is the zipline check-in. There are big signs pointing the way.
- Enjoy your zipline tour! Below are some highlights from the tour we tagged along on:

Dustin getting geared up

6WD ride through the back country to get to the ziplines

Gorgeous waterfall where we enjoyed complementary snacks

A happy zipper!

A nervous zipper!

Cheeee Hoooooo!

Zipline Check-in

- All that adventure will surely make you hungry. Fortunately, there are several good options within walking distance of the zipline check-in. Bamboo has been voted best restaurant on the island for many years, and is right across the street. Super fresh sushi (they make their own wasabi!) can be had at Sushi Rock, also across the street. There is also mexican, plate lunch style, and deli options available all in this one little town. Yum!
- Now that your belly is full, let's get in some adventurous riding. From the zipline check-in, head up Hawi Road (NOT the way you came) toward Waimea and continue to follow the signs toward Waimea.
- This is our favorite riding road on the island. Lots of great twisties and amazing mountain-to-ocean views.
- This road eventually dumps you into the town of Waimea. Make a right at the stop sign toward Kawaihae.
- After about 10 miles make a left onto Hwy 19 toward Kona/Waikoloa.
- After another 10 miles you reach the traffic light for the Waikoloa Beach Resort, make a right and you are back at Big Island Motorcycle Co.


View Motorcycle Route: Zipline + North Kohala in a larger map

Are you up for it? Give us a call to book the tour and the motorcycle rental at 808-886-2011 or email us at BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Be sure to check out our other motorcycle routes by clicking on the tab above. 

Motorcycle Route: Big Views South Kona Cruise

Since we've hired our wonderful part-time employee, Dustin and I get to go riding together again! Here is the great route we enjoyed this week.

- From Big Island Motorcycle Co. head north on Hwy 19 to the next light (1 mile). Make a right toward Waikoloa Village.
- Pass the village and continue until the road comes to a T intersection. Make a right onto the Old Mamalohoa Hwy, aka Hawaii Belt Road.
- Take this road into Kona, about 20 miles, looking for the turnoff on your left onto Hwy 180 toward Holualoa. This turnoff is not well marked, but is right after you pass the traffic light for Hina Lani St., look for the left hand turn lane.

- Enjoy the Kona upper road twisties as you ride through Holualoa and Kona's famous coffee country. If you are interested in visiting coffee farms, try our Kona Coffee Route (scroll to the end of the page) and coffee farm recommendations.
- A nice place to stop if you need a break at this point is the town of Holualoa. There is a great little coffee shop, a mini mart, and plenty of art galleries and historic buildings to check out as you give your legs a stretch.
- Continue heading south. The road ends at an odd intersection, a stop sign. Make a left onto Hwy 11 heading south toward Captain Cook.
- After 4 miles of so, make a right onto Napo'opo'o Rd. This is not a well marked turnoff, so keep your eyes peeled.
- This road descends down to the ocean from 2000', opening up to gorgeous views of Kealakekua Bay, where the Captain Cook Monument is located.
- Be sure to take a right at both stop signs you encounter on this road.
- Where road meets ocean you will be able to see the Captain Cook Monument across the bay as well as a close-up view of an ancient Hawaiian heiau, or temple.

 

(The middle blurry dot on the far side of the bay)

- After you've had your fill of turtles and crashing waves, head back up Napo'opo'o by making a left at the first (immediate) stop sign.
- At the next stop sign, make a right onto Middle Keei Rd., enjoying glimpses of the quaintest Hawaiian homes and farms.
- After a few miles, make a right at the next stop sign, onto Painted Church Rd. and keep your eyes out for the left hand turn into the Painted Church parking lot. This church, it's insides completely covered in murals, is worth a stop not only for the paintings, but for the beautiful views and a stroll around the well-kept gardens.

- From the parking lot, make a left back onto Painted Church Rd.
- At the stop sign, make a left onto City of Refuge Rd. which takes you to a T intersection.
- Make a left at the T onto Hwy 11 heading north toward Kona.
- Now here's the tricky part. Your lunch spot is a place called The Coffee Shack which has very little parking (good thing you are on a motorcycle) and requires a left turn against traffic. Please, please, please be careful making this left (if there is parking) and if you miss it and pass it, not to worry, there is a right turn just up the road where you can turn around and figure out where to park.

- Now the not so tricky part, the Coffee Shack has amazing views and great food, so grab a table and take a load-off. We recommend the pizzas (best crust EVER) and any of the desserts in their glass case of temptation.

- Depending on how much riding you have left in you after lunch, there are two ways to get back to Big Island Motorcycle Co. You can simply retrace your path, or if you are tired and don't feel like re-navigating the twisties, simply follow Hwy 11 all the way (40 miles) to Waikoloa Beach Drive and hang a left, a straight shot.



View Big Views South Kona Cruise in a larger map

For more information on motorcycle rentals, click on the "Rentals" tab above, call us at 808-886-2011, or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com


For more routes, click on the "Motorcycle Routes" tab above

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.

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.