The best road cycling routes around Urban Honolulu
4.6
(23)
1,529
riders
34
rides
Road cycling routes around Urban Honolulu traverse a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, featuring prominent craters like Diamond Head and Koko Head. The region includes extensive coastal areas, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, alongside lush tropical rainforests and valleys. Road cyclists can expect varied terrain, from flat coastal paths to challenging climbs through elevated areas.
Best road cycling routes around Urban Honolulu
- The most popular road cycling route is Makapu‘u Lookout via McCully loop, a 32.5 miles (52.3…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.7
(3)
218
riders
52.3km
02:17
390m
390m
Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure along the Makapu‘u Lookout via McCully loop, a 32.5 miles (52.3 km) route that includes a significant 1284 feet (391 metres) of elevation…
142
riders
96.8km
05:05
780m
780m
The Waikiki to Kailua loop is a difficult racebike route that takes you on a challenging journey across O'ahu's diverse landscapes. You will cover 60.1 miles (96.8 km) and ascend…
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19
riders
161km
06:58
1,250m
1,250m
Embark on a challenging racebike journey along O‘ahu's stunning coastline, where you will discover iconic surf spots like Sunset Beach and Pipeline. This difficult 100.3-mile (161.4 km) loop takes you…
4.0
(1)
6
riders
44.9km
02:43
950m
950m
Embark on the Pālolo via Tantalus Drive loop, a challenging racebike route spanning 27.9 miles (44.9 km) with a substantial 3116 feet (950 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult ride,…
5.0
(1)
5
riders
30.7km
02:02
130m
130m
This moderate racebike route, the Honolulu to Sand Island loop, offers a smooth cycling experience through urban Honolulu and out to the coast. You'll cover 19.1 miles (30.7 km) with…
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Other adventures around Urban Honolulu
Tips from the Community
This is a scenic lookout on the way up to the Lē'ahi (Diamond Head) trailhead. Walking to the trailhead is a great way to avoid the parking crush, especially since there's a bus stop not far away. Just beyond this lookout you'll enter the Kahala Tunnel, the customary pedestrian access to Lē'ahi. Keep in mind that unless you are a Hawai'i resident with Hawai'i-issued ID, you'll need advance reservations, which can be made online for $5 per person, plus $10 per vehicle if you're driving to the trailhead: https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead Also of note, the park is only open from 6am-6pm, and the last reservation for the day is at 4pm.
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The island was known as Quarantine Island during the 19th century, when it was used to quarantine ships believed to carry contagious passengers. During the 1970s, over 100 homeless native Hawaiians cleaned up the garbage that filled the island, built homes and took up residence. Later the island was reclaimed by the State of Hawaii and residence were evicted without compensation. But today you can enjoy great views of the south coastline and Hickam Airforce Base.
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Thomas Square is Hawaii's oldest city park. It is one of four sites in Hawaii where the Hawaiian flag is allowed to fly alone without the United States flag. Just north of the square is a gas station and a Mako's to restock on any food/drinks.
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Manoa Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on Oahu to see! The fall is 150 feet tall and cascades down into a lush jungle. You can swim in the pool formed at the bottom to cool off! If you enjoy climbing and seeing the less-traveled roads, Lā-'ī Road and Waiomao Road can help you sneak in that little bit extra!
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Thomas Square is Hawaii's oldest city park. It is one of four sites in Hawaii where the Hawaiian flag is allowed to fly alone without the United States flag. Just north of the square is a gas station and a Mako's to restock on any food/drinks.
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There is a nice bike path slong this stretch that is off the main road. Great to enjoy the beach views and breeze without getting buzzed!
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The island was known as Quarantine Island during the 19th century, when it was used to quarantine ships believed to carry contagious passengers. During the 1970s, over 100 homeless native Hawaiians cleaned up the garbage that filled the island, built homes and took up residence. Later the island was reclaimed by the State of Hawaii and residence were evicted without compensation. But today you can enjoy great views of the south coastline and Hickam Airforce Base.
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This lookout provides a stunning view of Makapu'u Point and Makapu'u Beach surrounded by rocky edges. You may have to walk with your bike from the parking lot to the lookout spot, but it's very short!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find in Urban Honolulu?
Urban Honolulu offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, from flat coastal paths to challenging climbs through volcanic hills and lush rainforests. You'll find options for various ability levels, including moderate coastal rides and difficult routes with significant elevation gain.
How many road cycling routes are available in Urban Honolulu?
There are over 25 road cycling routes around Urban Honolulu, catering to different skill levels. This includes 9 easy routes, 13 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every road cyclist.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Urban Honolulu?
While many routes involve significant elevation, some areas offer more relaxed cycling. The Ala Moana Beach Park Trail is known for being easygoing, and a mostly flat ride to Hanauma Bay features wide bike paths and ocean views, which can be suitable for families.
Which routes offer the most scenic views or landmarks?
Many routes provide stunning vistas. The Makapu‘u Lookout via McCully loop offers coastal views and passes the historic Makapu‘u lighthouse. For panoramic city and ocean views, the Pālolo via Tantalus Drive loop takes you through dense rainforest to viewpoints like Tantalus Lookout. The Pali Highway also provides access to the scenic Pali Lookout.
What are some challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Waikiki to Kailua loop is a difficult 60.1-mile journey with demanding climbs. The Honolulu to Turtle Bay loop via Kamehameha Highway is even more ambitious, covering over 100 miles with significant elevation gain.
Are there any loop routes for road cycling in Urban Honolulu?
Yes, many popular road cycling routes in Urban Honolulu are loops. Examples include the Makapu‘u Lookout via McCully loop, the Waikiki to Kailua loop, and the Pālolo via Tantalus Drive loop, all offering circular journeys.
What natural attractions can I explore near the road cycling routes?
Beyond the routes themselves, Urban Honolulu is rich in natural beauty. You can find stunning waterfalls like Maunawili Falls and ʻAihualama Falls. Iconic peaks such as Diamond Head State Monument and Mount Olympus Summit offer incredible views.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Urban Honolulu?
The road cycling routes in Urban Honolulu are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 1000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the stunning coastal views and challenging climbs.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Urban Honolulu?
Urban Honolulu's tropical climate is conducive to year-round outdoor exploration. While specific weather conditions can vary, the consistent warmth generally makes it a good destination for road cycling throughout the year.
Are there any less crowded road cycling routes or areas?
While popular spots can attract many visitors, exploring routes through the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve or lesser-known sections of the Kamehameha Highway might offer a more secluded experience. The Honolulu to Sand Island loop is another option that might be less frequented than the major loops.
Can I find road bike rentals in Urban Honolulu?
Yes, Urban Honolulu has several bike rental shops catering to tourists and locals, offering a range of road bikes suitable for exploring the island's diverse terrain. It's advisable to check with local rental services for availability and pricing.
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