This 95-mile ride along the southern coast of Hawaii's Big Island kicks off with a 25.9-mile downhill section snaking between the Pacific Ocean and lush rainforests. From the Namakani Paio Campground in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, head southwest on HI 11, a moderately-trafficked thoroughfare with serviceable shoulders, and descend toward the shoreline.
In the first 25.9 miles, you'll drop nearly 4,000 feet to sea level, skirting rainforests and sloping hillsides charred with volcanic rock, to the black sands of Punaluu Beach. Upon reaching the beach, look for the endangered species of sea turtles that make their home there before circling back toward HI 11 and heading toward Naalehu.
Hit the first climb of the day at mile 31 and ascend 10 miles at a manageable 3.5-percent grade. Naalehu, a tiny village and refueling stop along the ride, breaks up the climb, which ends just 6 miles away from Ocean View, the ride's western terminus. If you're returning to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by bike—the last 25.9 miles of climbing average a 2.8-percent grade—stock up at the Malama Market in Ocean View before beginning the return trek.
Note: To avoid the long climb back to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, leave a car in Ocean View.
-Mapped by Russ Stevens
TO TRAILHEAD: This ride begins at the Namakani Paio Campground in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From Volcano, head southeast on HI 11 for 4 miles before turning right at the sign for the campground.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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Big Island, HI: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Ocean View
| Dist: 94.80 mi |
Points: 439 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
| 0.00 mi |
Start |
|
Then go 0.09 mi |
| 0.09 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at Hawaii Belt Rd/HI-11/New Volcano Rd |
Then go 24.45 mi |
| 24.54 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Punduu Rd |
Then go 0.64 mi |
| 25.18 mi |
|
Continue onto Ninole Loop Rd |
Then go 0.76 mi |
| 25.95 mi |
|
Continue onto Punaluu Rd |
Then go 0.32 mi |
| 26.26 mi |
|
Continue onto Ninole Loop Rd |
Then go 0.39 mi |
| 26.65 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Hawaii Belt Rd/HI-11 |
Then go 9.21 mi |
| 35.86 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Kamaoa Rd |
Then go 3.97 mi |
| 39.83 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right at S Point Rd |
Then go 1.78 mi |
| 41.61 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left at Hawaii Belt Rd/HI-11 |
Then go 7.48 mi |
| 49.10 mi |
U-Turn |
|
Then go 11.21 mi |
| 60.31 mi |
Turn Right |
Turn right to stay on HI-11/Mamalahoa Hwy |
Then go 34.39 mi |
| 94.70 mi |
Turn Left |
Turn left |
Then go 0.09 mi |
| 94.80 mi |
Stop |
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Namakani Paio Campground
Location: 19.425953°, -155.294505°
This ride begins at the Namakani Paio Campground. Restrooms and water are available here. The first 25.9 miles of riding wind steadily downhill, dropping you from 3,940 feet to sea level. © Russ Stevens
HI 11/Mamalahoa Highway
Location: 19.418617°, -155.308292°
Hawaii 11 features serviceable shoulders and moderately-light traffic. Signs urge road users to look out for the Nene, Hawaii's state bird. © Russ Stevens
Coasting Downhill
Location: 19.263943°, -155.437478°
The marathon-like descent averages a 2.8-percent grade. © Russ Stevens
Punaluu Beach
Location: 19.135585°, -155.504887°
Your descent drops you down to Punaluu Beach. This black sand beach is home to hawksbill and green turtles (both endangered species). © Russ Stevens
Punaluu Beach Pavilion
Location: 19.134728°, -155.505236°
Water, restrooms and electrical outlets are available at the Punaluu Beach Pavilion. © Russ Stevens
Climbing
Location: 19.094564°, -155.545635°
Push away from the sea and back toward higher ground on the 10-mile ascent culminating at 1,970 feet. The climb averages a 3.5-percent grade.
Heading Upward
Location: 19.064917°, -155.571427°
© Russ Stevens
Nearing Naalehu
Location: 19.063659°, -155.574861°
Nearly halfway through your climb, you'll reach the town of Naalehu ("volcanic ash"), the southernmost city in the United States. The town's population sits just under 1,000. © Russ Stevens
Punaluu Bake Shop
Location: 19.061388°, -155.585761°
If you're hungry, fuel up at the Punaluu Bake Shop, which serves delicious Malasadas (a popular Portuguese confection consisting of deep-fried dough balls coated in sugar). © Russ Stevens
Tree in Punaluu
Location: 19.061793°, -155.586019°
© Russ Stevens
Foraging for Macadamia Nuts
Location: 19.060333°, -155.616381°
Macadamia nuts that fall from trees and land on the roadside are fair game. © Russ Stevens
South Point Road Junction
Location: 19.034625°, -155.659425°
Turn right. The road to the left travels through South Point Park to Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States. Researchers believe that Ka Lae was where Polynesians first landed in Hawaii. Some estimates allege that humans first reached Ka Lae in 124 A.D.
Ocean View
Location: 19.076517°, -155.751629°
Ocean View marks the turnaround point of the ride. The return trip to Volcano National Park culminates with the 25.9-mile stretch of climbing.
Malama Market
Location: 19.084426°, -155.776391°
Fuel up for the ride back to Volcano National Park at this large grocery store in Ocean View.
Junction
Location: 19.059826°, -155.662794°
Stay straight on HI 11 near mile 56. After about 10 miles of downhill coasting, you'll pedal at sea level for 4.5 miles before beginning the grueling 25.9-mile final ascent.
Home Stretch
Location: 19.139766°, -155.516700°
Stay on HI 11 to begin the seemingly endless climb back toward Volcano National Park. Overall, the climb averages a manageable 2.8-percent grade. During its steepest sustained sections, it clocks in at a 4.3-percent grade.
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