Best Mountain Biking in Hawaii

Trying to find the best mountain biking in Hawaii? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Hawaii, Oahu County

03 :26 hrs
13.8 mi
210.4466 ft
Hard

This trail is great for an hour or a day of singletrack fun. Many trails in this area loop and crisscross so you can choose your route and ride length. You'll find smooth single track in trees, roots, mud, open bowl areas, some steady climbs, and smooth downhills. Bring a GPS because the area is not well signed. Bring plenty of signs and water. There are no amenities in the area.

2

Hawaii, Lanai City

05 :29 hrs
11.3 mi
520.90643 ft
Hard

This trail starts on the 4WD Polihua Road. It gets tougher te closer you get to the ocean. The area is lined with steep and rugged cliffs that battle the rough ocean swells year 'round, so swimming in not advisable. During your descent, many rutted out areas of the road require skill to negotiate. The uphill is slow going and may require some walking. Bring plenty of water, the weather is hot and dry. There are no amenities available.

3

Hawaii, Maui County

01 :21 hrs
2.8 mi
115.47 ft
Unknown

The ride to Koloiki Ridge follows along a path past the community cemetery where it connects with the Munro trail. You’ll pass through forest growth, including strawberry guava, iron wood, Brazilian pepper trees, and eucalyptus trees. Expect some steep descents and ascents. You will pass by a variety of plants and hear bird calls. Most common are the Shama thrush (magpie robin) and the Brazilian and Northern cardinals. Sparrows, turkeys, and axis deer may also by seen. Once you reach the overlook you’ll be treated to vistas into Maunalei Valley, across the slopes of Lana’i, and out to the islands of Maui and Moloka’i. Remain on the trail at all times. Watch for other trail users and axis deer. Proceed at your own risk if wet road conditions exist.

4

Hawaii, Hilo

01 :09 hrs
4.5 mi
65.02275 ft
Hard

This is one of the few official trail systems on the island. A series of single tracks weave in and out of ferns and tall forest. The outside loop of this ride is around 5 miles, but you can add on to your ride with various spur trails. Many of the trails are color coded with ribbons. There is not much elevation gain, but Kulani is tight, twisty and technical. The ground is rough, black lava rock. You'll also need to watch for roots. The trail can be muddy at times. To ride, a permit required from the DLNR in Hilo or Waimea. It is good for one year.

5

Hawaii, Hawaiʻi County

01 :32 hrs
3 mi
34.02316 ft
Easy

This trail is a nice ride along the coastline with great views of Maui across the Alenuihaha Channel. It is an easy ride along a dirt road. The trail leads to two historic landmarks. The first is Mo'okini Heiau, a sacred place of worship dated back to 480 A.C.E. The second is the birthplace of King Kamehameha I. The area is hot and dry so bring plenty of water. The trail ends at a gated entrance to a housing area. This is the turn around point.

6

Hawaii, Kauai County

02 :38 hrs
5.1 mi
20.780012 ft
Moderate

The first portion of this beautiful coastal ride is on a paved old agricultural road. The pavement ends just after Donkey Beach and dirt roads and trails wind across the coastline to Anahola. While the trails interconnect in many areas, stay towards the beach for the best views and to avoid private property. The trail joins paved roadway just before dropping into Anahola Beach.

7

Hawaii, Kailua

01 :12 hrs
2.6 mi
62.810852 ft
Easy

This trail is almost entirely flat. It zigzags through native vegetation. Bikers should always yield to hikers and horseback riders. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. The trail can be done as a loop trail by taking Mahiku Place Road back to the trail head. This trail also connects to some other interesting trails in the area. One side trail in particular is notable in that it leads to the base of Ahiki, or, the third peak of Olomana. Bring plenty of water, there are no services available.

8

Hawaii, Hilo

07 :35 hrs
14.8 mi
2190.2473 ft
Easy

This is one of the most difficult rides on the planet. The Mauna Kea Access Road goes from Saddle Road up to the observatories. This is a steep winding road with some sharp switch backs with a total elevation gain of over 7,000 feet. Due to the danger of altitude sickness and the possibility of rapidly changing weather (including strong winds, rain and even snow) it is not recommend to attempt this climb without support. Visitor's are advised to stop at the Information Station to get acclimated to the altitude before going on. This is also the only place to refill water. Shortly after the Information Station a gravel section of a little over 4 miles starts. A mountain bike or cross bike with knobby tires will be essential for climbing above the visitor's center. Here there are some spots when you need to get off your bike and walk. After the gravel section ends, it's around 3.5 miles to the summit. At the top you enjoy a 360 degree view. Many people opt to forgo the bike down and instead ride down with a support vehicle.

9

Hawaii, Maui County

01 :43 hrs
4.4 mi
567.167 ft
Expert

This steep mountain trail provides great views from the tops of the Maui mountains. It is an excellent uphill and downhill ride. Sections may seem steeper going down than they were going up so use caution. This is a hunting area so wear bright clothing and stay on the main trail. 4WD vehicles also use sections of the trail. Bring plenty of water as none is available.

10

Hawaii, Maui County

04 :26 hrs
9.8 mi
968.1287 ft
Hard

This dirt road leads into and through the Molokai Forest Reserve. The first half of the hike travels through pasture lands before reaching the forest reserve.Along the way you'll pass the Lua Moku Iliahi (Sandalwood Measuring Pit). This historic site is a 75` long boat-shaped pit dug in the early 1800`s when the sandlewood trade was flourishing. The trail ends at the Waikolu Lookout a magnifican panorama of Waikolu Canyon. At the lookout there is a picnic area and toilets, but no water. Bring plenty of food and water.

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