This beautiful island has lots more to offer than just beautiful beaches and pina coladas! If you’re up for some active adventure, how about checking out some of these Oahu bike trails? This is a great way to see some of the sights that are off the beaten path and have a memorable Hawaii vacation!
1. Diamond Head Crater Trail
This bike trail gives you the chance to do a little hiking, too. From downtown Honolulu, you’ll head toward the ocean. Ride the bike path along the ocean behind the Waikiki Aquarium. At the War Memorial, hop into the bike lane on Kalakaua Ave next to Kapiolani Park. After the water fountain, stay straight on Coconut Ave until it intersects Diamond Head Road. Make a right and climb to the top where views of local surfers and the Diamond Head Lighthouse await. Continue along Diamond Head Road around the Crater to the entrance of the Diamond Head State Monument. Park on the inside of the Crater and hike up to the top for awesome views of Waikiki and Honolulu. When you’re done hiking, head down Monsarrat Ave for a healthy lunch at any one of the local eateries. This is a 4 hour ride & hike and is about 13 miles.
2. Hanauma Bay & Koko Head
This is a more extreme ride and only recommended for those who want a full day of fitness since you’ll be snorkeling along the way. This is a 21 mile ride that takes about 6 hours including snorkeling. From downtown Honolulu, you’ll catch the bike path along the ocean behind the Waikiki Aquarium. At the War memorial, hop into the bike lane on Kalakaua Ave, next to Kapiolani Park. After the water fountain, stay straight on Coconut Ave. until it intersects Diamond Head Road. Make a right and climb to the top where views of local surfers and the Diamond Head Lighthouse await. Enjoy driving through Oahu as Diamond Head Rd becomes Kahala Ave. Follow the stop sign to the 72. Stay on the bike path here and be prepared to ride with some pretty fast traffic against some strong winds. After 6.5 miles on the 72 you will hit a very steep hill. The entrance to Hanauma Bay is at the top of the hill. After paying an entry fee and watching a required video you can rent snorkel gear on the beach. When you’re finished take the same way back to the 72. If you would like to do some rock diving check out China Walls by making a left on Lunalio Home Rd. Coming back will be easier because the wind is on your back. Take the Kilauea Exit and make a left to stay on Kilauea underneath the freeway. Make a right on Diamond Road. Pass the entrance to Diamond Head, then make a right on Paki Ave and you’ll find yourself back in downtown Honolulu.
3. West Shore
The west side of Oahu will get you away from the crowds and biking along some less-crowded beaches, so bring your beach gear to take full advantage of the experience. There’s quite a few trails that offer beautiful vistas along the way. The Farrington Highway runs the length of the shoreline, leading past deserted beaches and through the town of Makaha, where you will eventually end up at Barber’s Point. The highway is mostly two lanes up until Barber Point, and designated a yellow route. East of here, in the Pearl Harbor area, are the West Lock Bike Path, the Fort Weaver Road Bike Path and the Nimitz Bike Path fronting Honolulu International Airport. Roadways leading from Pearl Harbor through the center of Oahu to the towns of Mililani and Wahiawa are yellow routes, some with steep climbs.
4. Manoa Falls Bike
Take some bug repellent and your swimsuit for this bike adventure because you’ll end up at the beautiful Manoa Falls where you can hike to a refreshing swim. Start the trail at the fire station on Paki Ave to take the bike path around the Ala Wai golf course. Make a left once you cross the mini bridge at Laau Street. Follow the canal to University Ave. Make a right at University. Follow the bike lane past the University of Hawaii. University becomes Oahu Ave. The grade is going to incline until you reach the falls. Make a right at Manoa Road. Follow Manoa Road to the base of Manoa Falls trail. It’s a 3/4 mile hike to a 150 foot waterfall. If you like, visit the Lyon Arboretum while you are up there. After you’re finished hiking and exploring check out Andy’s Sandwiches on East Manoa Road by turning left on Lowery Ave from Manoa Road and then right onto E. Manoa Raod. They have good sandwiches and smoothies. Continue on E. Manoa Road to University Ave. Take a left onto University Ave and continue until it runs into the bike path at the Ala Wai Canal. Follow the canal and make a left at the McCully bridge. Turn left onto Kalakaua Ave to ride through Waikiki. Follow the bike lane through Waikiki and stay straight on Kalakaua Ave to cruise around Diamond Head Crater. Turn left on Kapahulu Ave where you will be brought back to downtown Honolulu. This is a 4 hour ride that goes about 13 miles.
