Trace the Big Island's southwestern shore on this 93-mile out-and-back from Ocean View to the popular tourist destination of Kona. The route begins from the Kahuku Congregational Church and travels north on Hawaii 11. The highway cuts through the forested confines of Manuka State Park before delving into a series of sharp turns with a steep drop-off to the west.
Near mile 26, the road passes the Fujihara Store; restock on food and drinks before beginning a 5.6-mile climb averaging a 2.1-percent grade (the only major uphill on the way to Kona). After completing the climb just past mile 31, you'll begin the final descent to the popular vacation town, gaining dramatic panoramas of tiny fishing towns and sweeping bays lining the Pacific Ocean. Upon reaching Alii Drive, you'll ride up the coast past several gorgeous public beaches.
The trip to Kona culminates at the Mokuaikaua Church, the oldest Christian church in Hawaii. Park your bike and explore downtown Kona. When you're ready, gear up for the quad-busting return trip that begins with a 7.2-mile ascent from sea level to 1,500 feet and culminates with 23 miles of sustained climbing toward Ocean View.
Note: The first half of the trip from Ocean View to Kona is predominantly downhill, while the return trip to Ocean View is mostly climbing. Cyclists can leave a car in Kona to decrease mileage and bypass the ride's taxing second half.
-Mapped by Russ Stevens
TO TRAILHEAD: This ride starts at the Kahuku Congregational Church in Ocean View. From HI 11, turn right at Hawaii Blvd. and follow for 1.3 miles. Turn right at Aloha Blvd. Parking is on the right in 0.2 mile.
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Datum: |
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Big Island, HI: Ocean View to Kona
| Dist: 93.30 mi |
Points: 961 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
| 0.00 mi |
Start |
|
Then go 1.50 mi |
| 1.50 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at Hawaii Belt Rd/HI-11 |
Then go 35.21 mi |
| 36.72 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at E Honalo Rd |
Then go 0.03 mi |
| 36.74 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at HI-11 |
Then go 2.85 mi |
| 39.59 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Kamehameha III Rd/Kam III Rd |
Then go 1.50 mi |
| 41.09 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at Alii Dr |
Then go 5.57 mi |
| 46.66 mi |
U-Turn |
|
Then go 5.57 mi |
| 52.24 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Kamehameha III Rd/Kam III Rd |
Then go 1.50 mi |
| 53.74 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at HI-11 |
Then go 38.06 mi |
| 91.80 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left toward Aloha Blvd |
Then go 0.09 mi |
| 91.89 mi |
Straight |
Continue straight onto Aloha Blvd |
Then go 1.41 mi |
| 93.30 mi |
Stop |
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Kahuku Congregational Church
Location: 19.104391°, -155.783024°
Head west from the Kahuku Congregational Church on Aloha Boulevard.
HI 11
Location: 19.097157°, -155.804788°
The shoulder on HI 11 fluctuates between wide and narrow and is occasionally separated from the main road by a curb. Also, be prepared to encounter some debris, often in the form of fallen mangoes, along the shoulder.
Manuka State Park
Location: 19.100178°, -155.811375°
Crossing through the 13.4-acre Manuka State Park, you'll begin a 23-mile section of predominantly downhill riding.
Mangoes
Location: 19.165904°, -155.863059°
You'll ride past mango trees for much of the journey along HI 11. © Russ Stevens
Zebra
Location: 19.398298°, -155.880075°
Zebras aren't indigenous to Hawaii, but you may see a few at the farms located along the side of the road. © Russ Stevens
Fujihara Store
Location: 19.393096°, -155.878229°
You can grab lunch here, or continue pushing toward Kona and eat there. Either way, you'll begin a gradual and undulating 5.6-mile ascent after passing the Fujihara Store. The climb averages a 2.1-percent grade.
Royal Kona Coffee Visitor Center
Location: 19.454210°, -155.879522°
Royal Kona Coffee, based out of Hawaii, owns and operates this giant gift shop and coffee museum along HI 11. Free samples of coffee, along with restrooms, are available here. © Russ Stevens
Treehouse
Location: 19.454099°, -155.879522°
Parking lot of Royal Kona Coffee Visitor Center. © Russ Stevens
View of Kealakekau Bay
Location: 19.475514°, -155.892112°
Notch overhead views of Kealakekua Bay, a 12-mile inlet listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bay was a burial site for ancient Hawaiian Royalty and also marks the site of Captain James Cook's death in 1779. © Russ Stevens
Kamehameha III Road
Location: 19.576450°, -155.958840°
Gaze westward for ocean vistas from the Kamehameha III Road. Ahead, the road drops down to sea level. © Russ Stevens
More Ocean Panoramas
Location: 19.575480°, -155.959017°
© Russ Stevens
Keauhou Shopping Center
Location: 19.571355°, -155.962215°
Refuel on food and drink at the Keauhou Shopping Center, which offers a KTA Superstore and other eateries.
Alii Drive Beaches
Location: 19.579927°, -155.966206°
Take advantage of the beachside access along Alii Drive. Kahaluu Beach Park serves up excellent snorkeling, while nearby White Sands Beach Park is known as a prime place to body surf.
Clear Waters
Location: 19.580372°, -155.966270°
You'll swim amongst sea turtles and tropical fish in impossibly clear waters while snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach. © Russ Stevens
Magic Sands Beach
Location: 19.595089°, -155.972064°
One of the only fine white sand beaches in Hawaii, Magic Sands Beach is a popular place to body surf. © Russ Stevens
Kona Farmer's Market
Location: 19.636969°, -155.993156°
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Kona Farmer's Market is a full-fledged flea market offering more than just produce. © Russ Stevens
Mokuaikaua Church
Location: 19.639405°, -155.994251°
The oldest church in Hawaii, the Mokuaikaua Church marks the ride's turnaround point. Pick up your car here if you're doing a shuttle ride. Otherwise, enjoy the beaches before climbing back from sea level to 1,550 feet on the return trip to Ocean View. © Russ Stevens
Safeway Grocery
Location: 19.645376°, -155.989423°
There is a Safeway on Henry Street just across HI 11 in Kona.
Bike Works
Location: 19.647761°, -155.999165°
Get any bike issues fixed at Bike Works on Luhia Street, just off HI 11.
Sustained Climb
Location: 19.572447°, -155.965819°
Turn away from the beaches and back toward the mainland to begin a 7.2-mile climb that gains over 1,500 feet (an average 4-percent grade).
Long Ascent to Ocean View
Location: 19.376519°, -155.876555°
The last 23 miles of the ride are mainly uphill.
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