The best road cycling routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve
5.0
(2)
97
riders
10
rides
Road cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve offers routes through varied terrain along the Hāmākua Coast of Hawaiʻi. The region features coastal roads, forested areas, and rolling hills, providing diverse cycling experiences. Elevations vary, with some routes including significant climbs. The landscape is characterized by its lush vegetation and ocean views.
Best road cycling routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve
- The most popular road cycling route is Honokaʻa to Spencer Beach Park, a 51.8 miles (83.3 km) trail that takes 4…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
1
riders
83.3km
04:35
1,480m
1,490m
This difficult 51.8-mile road cycling route from Honokaʻa to Spencer Beach Park offers lush rainforests, ocean views, and dramatic sea cliff
62.7km
03:43
1,170m
1,170m
This difficult 39.0-mile road cycling route from Laupāhoehoe Beach Park to Honokaʻa offers dramatic coastal views and lush rainforests.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
23
riders
63.0km
03:24
880m
880m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
38.4km
02:23
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
27.4km
01:16
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Hāmākua Forest Reserve
Tips from the Community
The steep, short road down to Waipio valley itself is (February 2024) only open to Hawaiʻi residents with ID and driving 4WD. No hikers or cyclists permitted.
0
0
Lower Cane Haul Road parallels Mamalahoa Highway, also known as the 19 Highway. This area is dryer than the Hilo area, and sometimes the road can get a bit overgrown, but it is paved, so proceed to the route with caution.
0
0
Laupāhoehoe Beach Park is on the Hamakua coastline, with Laupahoehoe Point as the main attraction. The name translates to “leaf of lava" and was formed by ancient pāhoehoe, or smooth lava, where the small town of Laupahoehoe was built. This park has ocean views, breaking surf, lava rocks, and lush plant life. On April 1st, 1946, there was an earthquake in Alaska that caused a tsunami with three tidal waves that hut here, wrecked a lot of Hilo, and killed 159 people, including 21 schoolchildren and three teachers in Laupahoehoe. Here it is. a memory for them.
0
0
Laupāhoehoe Beach Park was destroyed by a tsunami in 1946, so there are a few memorials here. 20 students and 4 teachers were lost during the natural disaster. This Beach Park has amazing ocean panoramas, rocky surf, and lava rocks surrounded by lush vegetation.
0
0
Old Mamalahoa Hwy is a paved scenic road that navigates through Hawaiian jungle and open fields. Throughout the ride you can catch glimpses of the pacific through the trees. If you continue along Old Mamalahoa Hwy, you'll eventually find yourself passing a cafe where they sell smoothies, bagels, and other snacks.
0
0
There is a large farmers market here open sundays 9am to 2pm. There is a nice mix of local foods, produce, and hard goods! For those ballin' on a budget, this market accepts SNAP and EBT.
0
0
Spencer Beach is one of the northernmost white-sand beaches on the Big Island. The park is perfect for picnics with amenities including restrooms, showers, drinking water, and a large picnic pavilion. With the shallow water at its shoreline, Spencer Beach Park is an excellent option for kids.
0
0
Spencer Beach has soft, white sandy shores, calm water, bathrooms, and nearby parking. Samuel M Spencer Beach Park is a great daytime destination for beachgoers or a nighttime destination for campers looking to hear the waves crash under while going to bed. It is one of the most northern white sand beaches on the Big Island; much further north, most beaches are rocky.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
There are nearly 10 road cycling routes documented in Hāmākua Forest Reserve on komoot, offering a range of experiences from easy to difficult.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
Road cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve offers a mix of difficulties. You'll find routes ranging from easy, such as the Waipi’o Valley Lookout loop from Honokaa, to more challenging options like Honokaʻa to Spencer Beach Park, which features significant elevation gain along the coast.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
Yes, there is at least one easy road cycling route suitable for families. The Waipi’o Valley Lookout loop from Honokaa is a shorter, less strenuous option, covering about 17 miles (27.4 km) with moderate elevation changes.
What are the typical distances for road cycling routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
Route distances vary significantly. You can find shorter loops around 17 miles (27.4 km), like the Waipi’o Valley Lookout loop from Honokaa, up to longer, more demanding rides such as Honokaʻa to Spencer Beach Park, which is over 51 miles (83 km).
Are there any loop trails for road cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Old Mamalahoa Highway – Hāmākua Jodo Shu Mission loop from Honokaa is a popular 24.8-mile (39.9 km) loop that takes you through forested areas and along historic roads.
What kind of scenery can I expect while road cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
You can expect diverse scenery, including lush forested sections, rolling terrain, and dramatic ocean views along the Hāmākua Coast. Routes often pass through coastal communities and offer glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
What is the best time of year for road biking in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
Given the tropical climate of Hawaiʻi, road biking is generally possible year-round. However, the Hāmākua Coast can experience more rainfall, especially during winter months (November to March). The drier summer months (April to October) might offer more consistent weather for cycling.
Are there any advanced road biking routes for experienced cyclists?
Absolutely. Experienced cyclists will find challenging routes with significant elevation gains. The Laupāhoehoe Beach Park to Honokaʻa route, for instance, is a difficult 38.9-mile (62.7 km) path offering substantial climbs and rewarding ocean views.
Where can I find parking or trailheads for road cycling routes?
Many routes start and end in towns like Honokaʻa or near popular parks such as Laupāhoehoe Beach Park, where parking is typically available. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for precise starting points and parking information.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Hāmākua Forest Reserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from coastal roads to forested sections, and the stunning ocean views that many routes provide.
Are there any cafes or places to refuel along the road cycling routes?
Routes often pass through or near small towns and communities along the Hāmākua Coast, such as Honokaʻa. These towns typically offer opportunities to find cafes, stores, or other places to refuel and rest during your ride.
Most popular routes in Hāmākua Forest Reserve
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
