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.
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