Compare Hawaii A Tropical Adventure by LifeCycle Adventures vs Hawaii with Oahu & Maui, Small Group, 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Kailua-Kona to Hawi

The Intermediate ride starts with a van transfer to the resort town of Waikoloa. From Waikoloa, you leave tourist Hawaii and head north along the coast to Hawi: a relaxed Old Hawaii town. As you ride, lava fields give way to high grassland before the landscape becomes lush and tropical. En route you pass by Pu’ukohola Heiau where King Kamehameha’s temple sits majestically above the turquoise waters of the Pacific. Lapakahi State Historical Park is another good stopping off point with its ruins of a 14th-century fishing village.

Leisure riders will be transferred beyond Waikoloa to the Hamakua Macadamia Nut factory where you join the Intermediate route described above.

Challenge riders will start riding in Kona where you follow the full outward leg of the Ironman triathlon route. The first section of the ride parallels the coast as it crosses exposed lava fields to Waikoloa. From Waikoloa, you join the Intermediate route, described above.

On reaching Hawi, some riders do a scenic outand- back ride to the Pololu Valley Lookout and hike down to the black-sand Pololu Beach

Day 2: Hawi to Honoka’a

The Intermediate ride starts with a van transfer to Waimea; a charming country town surrounded by cattle ranches. From Waimea, you head east along the Old Mamalahoa Highway. This little-traveled road meanders across open ranchland, with views up to Mauna Kea, before descending through tropical woodland to Honoka’a. In places, the trees completely cover the road creating a verdant, magical tunnel.

Leisure riders will be transfered beyond Waimea, partway along the Old Mamalahoa Highway to join the Intermediate route described above.

Challenge riders will start their ride in Hawi climbing over the shoulder of Kohala Mountain to Waimea. The climb is up a quiet tree-lined road at the top of which there are exceptional views down the coast. Look back on the way up for glimpses of Maui in the distance across the Maui Channel. From Waimea, you join the Intermediate route, described above.

Day 3: Honoka’a to Hilo

Today you head south from Honoka’a down the east coast of the island. How much of the route you ride will depend on your appetite for miles. While we get you off the highway wherever possible, some of the riding is on the main highway and this stretch of road can be a little busy and sometimes rainy.

Despite the challenges, you are rewarded with some lush, tropical riding alongside the ocean, over rivers and past waterfalls. There are also several botanical gardens en route that make for pleasant stopping points.
The Leisure ride heads south from Honoka’a on a series of smaller lanes before joining the highway near the small village of Paauilo. After a further 10 miles, we collect you for your transfer to Hilo.

The Intermediate ride follows the Leisure ride out of town and then continues south (on-and-off the main highway). The ride ends at the Hakalau botanical gardens.

Challenge riders ride all the way from Honoka’a to Hilo. The ride is undulating rather than mountainous, but the heat and the risk of rain make this a challenging-but-rewarding 50-mile ride.

Day 4: Hilo to Volcano

The highlight of today’s ride is the 10-mile “Red Road” along the Puna coast. This is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the state of Hawaii. Being tucked away in the eastern corner of the Island, it is little-visited and you will see very few cars. The road hugs the rugged coastline: sometimes along cliffs, sometimes through dense jungle. Lava fields, coconut groves and beaches add to the beauty.

Leisure riders will transfer to the laid-back hippie town of Pāhoa. From here you ride down to the coast and along the stunning Red Road before being collected for your transfer to Volcano.

The Intermediate ride is similar to the Leisure ride with the addition of riding back up the hill to Pāhoa.

The Challenge ride follows the Intermediate ride but continues from Pāhoa all the way to Volcano- climbing over 3,000 feet in 30 miles.

There is also an Epic ride that takes you all the way from Hilo to Volcano including a side loop to Pāhoa and the Red Road.

Day 5: Volcano Loops

Today you visit Volcanoes National Park- one of the must-visit sites in Hawaii. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, the world’s most active volcano, and Mauna Loa, one of the world’s largest volcanoes. The park has dramatic landscapes as well as rare flora and fauna.

The Leisure ride heads into the Park for a circuit that takes in the Kilauea Visitor Center, steam vents and lava tubes. There is also some great hiking available.

The Intermediate loop heads a little further into the Park; riding partway down the famous Chain of Craters Road that goes from lush forest to lava desert in just a few miles.

Challenge riders follow the Chain of Craters Road all the way down to the ocean, where the road has been terminated by recent lava flows. The climb back up rises over 4,000 feet and has expansive views.

Day 6: Volcano to Captain Cook

The jewel in today’s ride is the stunningly beautifuland- deserted Cane Haul Road. This deserted back road takes you through woodland, sugar-cane fields, and meadows. You also get great views of cinder cones and the ocean.

Today’s Intermediate ride starts with a short van transfer over the first hill before enjoying a 20-mile rolling descent to the old sugar-town of Pahala. From Pahala, you ride the length of Cane Haul Road to Naalehu- an unassuming town with an excellent Hawaiian bakery. From Naalehu you will be collected for a van transfer to Captain Cook.

The Leisure riders will take a transfer to Pahala where they join the Intermediate ride.

Challenge riders follow the Intermediate route but add on an initial seven miles that includes a climb through Volcanoes National Park.

Epic riders start out following the Challenge route but eschew the van transfer in favor of riding all the way into Captain Cook.

NOTE: the mileage of this route varies depending where you stay- see Ride Options opposite and the Accommodation section.

Day 7: Captain Cook Loops

As well as scenic cycling, this area has great kayaking, snorkeling and hiking.

For a good Intermediate loop ride, you will head to Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park. This beautifully-situated park preserves the site where Hawaiians who broke the law could avoid certain death by fleeing to seek refuge.

A nice Leisure ride (or hike) is down to Kealakekua Bay. The clear waters here make it perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. It is also where Captain James Cook first landed on the island.

Challenge riders will extend the Intermediate loop to the lovely Ho’okena Beach. The swimming here is good and you have a reasonable chance of seeing dolphins and turtles.

NOTE: your mileage will vary depending on where you stay- see Ride Options opposite and the Accommodation section.

Day 8: Captain Cook to Kailua-Kona- Last Day

It is a relatively short distance from Captain Cook to Kailua-Kona; from a tiny hamlet perched high up in the hills to a seaside town busy with tourists. En route, you pass several coffee farms and a chocolate factory.

The Intermediate route heads north from Captain Cook following the ridge through Holualoa and the main coffee-growing areas. The route ends with a four-mile descent into Kailua-Kona.

On leaving Captain Cook, the Leisure route heads directly down to the coast from where you cruise alongside the ocean to Kailua-Kona.

Challenge riders follow the Intermediate route south but then take a detour up Kaloko Drive. Climbing 3,000 feet in just 7 miles This is some thing of a local challenge.

NOTE: your mileage will vary depending on where you stayed the night before- see Ride Options opposite and the Accommodation section.

Day 1: Aloha Hawaii

After your arrival at Honolulu Airport, the traditional lei greeting kicks off your Hawaii vacation. You are transferred to your oceanfront resort in Waikiki. The hotel was the setting for Blue Hawaii, Elvis Presley’s 1961 movie and it is the birthplace of the legendary cocktail of the same name.  Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.

Day 2: Pearl Harbour

Skip the line as you visit the Pearl Harbour National Memorial commemorating the tragic day of December 7th 1941. Walk through the Visitor Centre and take a short boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, the final resting place of 1,102 sailors and marines. Listen to the moving and award-winning audio guide and recount the events that led the US to join World War II.  From here head to the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. It honours all those who served in the US Armed Forces and lost their lives during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Return to Waikiki and spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 3: A trip around Oahu

Set out to explore Oahu on an exciting island tour. Take in the epic views from Pali Lookout towards the Kaneohe Bay and the Windward Coast. The valley below was the scene of a bloody battle in 1795 when King Kamehameha I extended his rule over the island with an army of 10,000 men.  Journey beneath the towering Ko’olau Cliffs and along the rugged coastline. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you join an eco-tour with your Local Expert in the Hawaiian Legacy Forest and plant a native Milo tree contributing to the healing of the local ecosystem.Delve into an al fresco, sustainably sourced Farm-to-Table lunch while enjoying epic views of the North Shore.Continue to Sunset Beach where in the winter months waves can reach 30ft making it a favourite spot among big wave surfers worldwide. Visit Haleiwa, the social and artistic hub of the North Shore. Grab some shaved ice and stroll among small boutiques and plantation-era buildings to soak up the laid-back ambiance. Finally, return to Waikiki after your eventful day and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 4: Maui, the Valley Isle

Take a short flight to Kahului on Maui. This slice of Hawaiian island paradise offers magnificent nature and a wide variety of activities. Visit the awe-inspiring Iao Valley State Park and see the 1,200-foot landmark Iao Needle. This green-mantled rock outcropping overlooks sacred lands and was used as a burial site for Hawaii’s chiefs for centuries.  Journey to Lahaina, once a busy whaling port and plantation settlement. Join your Travel Director for a walk through the Historic District before continuing to your oceanfront resort.In the evening you are invited to choose your own dining experience from a selection of restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Your options include a magical evening at the Wailele Luau for a taste of traditional Polynesian cuisine, dance and storytelling, or one of the resort’s other acclaimed restaurants.

Day 5: Upcountry Maui Relaxed Start

Stroll along Kaanapali Beach and lay by the pool or shop in the boutiques of Whaler’s Village. Later this morning, head to Upcountry Maui and discover a different face of the island. Indulge in a Farm-to-Table lunch at the Hali’imaile General Store. Originally a plantation shop in the early 20th century, the restaurant is known for its outstanding island cuisine. At its peak, Hawaii produced 75% of the world’s pineapples and the tropical fruit became a symbol for the state. Visit one of the last working pineapple farms with a fun and knowledgeable Local Expert. Discover the deep impact these plantations had on the islands and sample some of the extra sweet Maui Gold variant. Return to your resort and spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 6: Insight Choice in Maui

Explore Maui with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Haleakalā National Park offering an astonishing volcanic landscape. Hear the Hawaiian legends about the dormant volcano and see the unique Haleakalā Silversword plant. Alternatively, set sail to the crescent shaped Molokini island for a memorable snorkelling trip. Marvel at the colourful tropical fish and enjoy a light lunch on board.  Tonight, get together with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner. Toast to your fantastic Hawaiian holiday.

Day 7: Depart Maui.

You are transferred to Kahului Airport as your vacation comes to an end.