Saturday, November 27, 2010

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

Saturday, November 20, 2010

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.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

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.

View Larger Map

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.

View Larger Map

3. Magic Sands aka White Sands

Located in Kailua Kona right on Alii Drive.

View Larger Map

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

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Insider Tip of the Week: Free Petroglyph Tour

Free, guided tours of Hawaiian petroglyphs (carvings in the lava rock) are available Thursday - Sunday at the Kings' Shops in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Meet at 10:30am at center stage inside the shopping center. Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen and be sure to bring some water. Tours last about an hour.

Here is one visitor's account:

“Being an exchange student from Pakistan, it was an exciting experience for me to look at all those interesting patterns in the stones, and try solving the mysteries behind them. Our tour guide was very informative, he told us interesting facts about the strange stone carvings, and how the Hawaiian traditions had changed from time to time. One of the most interesting ones was that the circles represented the birth of a male child on the day of a solar eclipse. The caves were even more interesting. I wonder how people could seek shelter in a place that tight to fit in? The guide pointed out some sea shells at the site of petroglyphs which were thousands of years old! He also talked about Mauna Kea being the tallest mountain of the world because its base starts from the sea bed! It was very fascinating to know about it because Mount Everest is what people around the world know as being the tallest mountain.


The hike was super fun and informative. We tried not to step on the ancient carvings to keep the remains of history intact.

The patterns of human-like figures were most interesting to look at, although nobody has yet discovered that what all the carvings exactly mean, its still fun to look at all the shapes and try to discover the meaning behind every symbol. Especially if you are interested in history and archeology, it is the perfect place to explore!”
By: Nida Rasheed




Monday, November 1, 2010

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.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Insider Tip of the Week: Free coffee farm tour

Did you know that coffee grown in Kona is considered to be the world's best coffee? If you are coming to the Big Island and love you a cuppa, visiting a coffee farm should be on your itinerary.

Most of the coffee farm visits in Kona are free, but Mauka Meadows is a big hit for even the non-coffee lovers among us. Just north of the town of Holualoa on Hwy 180 Mauka Meadows is a botanical garden loaded with fruit trees, tropical flowers, and of course, coffee trees. You park at the top and walk down to their visitor area where you are met by an infinity pool fountain and the chance to taste and purchase their coffees. These views are matched by none. The staff will drive you back to the parking lot when you are ready (it's a pretty steep hill).

Mauka Meadows Coffee Farm

View from Mauka Meadows
A pineapple!
Me and mom tasting Kona coffee
Garden feature at Mauka Meadows
You can check out our Holualoa (Kona Upper Road) Ride under the "motorcycle routes" tab above for more detailed information on how to get there and other attractions in the area.

Also, the Kona Cultural Coffee Festival is coming up November 5-14 so mark your calendars!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

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.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

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.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Ironman Road Closures and Safety Tips

Please be aware that there will be major road closures on the West side of the Big Island all day on Saturday, October 9, 2010 due to the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. There are ways to get around that day, so please see this map to plan your day: ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

If you were planning on renting from us that day, please call us as soon as possible to discuss pickup times and availability: 808-886-2011 or email us at BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com. We will be open for our regular hours, 9:30am-7pm everyday.

This would be a good day to stay put and enjoy the beaches or a nice relaxing bicycle ride. Either way, we got you covered with snorkel, beach chair, umbrella, cooler, boogie board, and bicycle rentals.

Although the Ironman lasts for only one day, there are many people here right now training for the event. This means lots of extra traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the roadway. Please use extra caution when driving, cycling, and walking/running. Please stay on the shoulder unless you are a car or motorcycle and ride/run single file. It's the Aloha that makes this state great, so let's keep it that way!

Some dude we saw riding up Mauna Kea. Woah! That's a tough ride.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Insider Tip of the Week

Coming to the Big Island and want to do as the locals do?
 Then head on over to our Insider Tip of the week: Tex Drive-In


Tex Drive-In is famous for its malasadas (Portugese donuts) which you can get plain or filled with anything from guava, to pineapple, to chocolate. These donuts are more than amazing, do not miss this place while you are on the Big Island! It's a perfect stop on the way to or from Waipio Valley. Tex's also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner specializing in local plate lunch favorites.

Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana St Highway 19
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-0598



Want to ride a motorcycle to Tex Drive-In? Sure you do, it's a great ride! We'll be happy to provide you with maps and check the weather for you before you head out. Check out our rental bikes and prices under the "rentals" tab above, call us at 808-886-2011, or write to BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com

Friday, September 24, 2010

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

Friday, September 17, 2010

Join the Volcano Motorcycle Tour 9/22

Our next scheduled motorcycle tour will be

 Wednesday, September 22, 2010
from 8am - 5pm

This guided tour includes stops at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Punaluu Black Sand Beach and includes some of the island's best riding roads. Led by our experienced owner, Dustin Edwards.

Space is available!
Call or write to reserve your bike: 808-886-2011 or BigIslandMotorcycleCo [at] yahoo.com


Friday, August 27, 2010

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


View Larger Map

Friday, August 20, 2010

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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.


View Larger Map


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

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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

Sunday, July 18, 2010

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.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

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.