マウナケアのおすすめツーリングルート

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and challenging experiences one can have on a bicycle and in the middle of the ocean! Setting off early in the morning from the quiet beach to reach the 4,207-meter summit of Mauna Kea is an immense satisfaction. The first part, from the city of Hilo up to a few kilometers before the Visitor Center at 2,700 meters, is relatively easy but also a bit monotonous. However, about a kilometer after taking the Mauna Kea Access Road, the gradient starts to rise steeply, often reaching double digits. Once you arrive at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, after the mandatory stop at the Ranger Checkpoint, you can enjoy a well-deserved break and stock up on water before facing the toughest section of the entire climb. Immediately after the VIS begins a long stretch of unpaved road with sharp gradients and a surface that often offers little grip, putting even the strongest legs to the test. After this grueling segment, the ascent continues on asphalt again, but the slopes remain steep and the altitude begins to take its toll, making the final conquest of the summit truly a feat within a feat. Once you reach the long-awaited summit sign, you can finally take a deep breath of relief and admire—with a huge smile—the breathtaking view that awaits you. I traveled 31 hours to conquer this gem, and every bit of effort was more than worth it!

A superb experience. The highest point should not be climbed out of respect for the local religions.

The water on the upstream side runs through an old lava tube. I'm told (but haven't seen myself) that when the water isn't too rough, you can carefully hike upstream through the tube to see two waterfalls. There's good parking for several cars just past the bridge in the direction away from Hilo (towards Pepeekeo).

The steep, short road down to Waipio valley itself is (February 2024) only open to Hawaiʻi residents with ID and driving 4WD. No hikers or cyclists permitted.

Laupāhoehoe Beach Park is on the Hamakua coastline, with Laupahoehoe Point as the main attraction. The name translates to “leaf of lava" and was formed by ancient pāhoehoe, or smooth lava, where the small town of Laupahoehoe was built. This park has ocean views, breaking surf, lava rocks, and lush plant life. On April 1st, 1946, there was an earthquake in Alaska that caused a tsunami with three tidal waves that hut here, wrecked a lot of Hilo, and killed 159 people, including 21 schoolchildren and three teachers in Laupahoehoe. Here it is. a memory for them.

The Kawainui Stream Bridge has become a little attraction around this rainforest because some people like to jump from the bridge into the water. Warning: Jumping off the bridge can be dangerous, as the river level can change and it can become too shallow. Jumping is not recommended.

Kawaiku'i Beach Park is a tucked-away park with rocky beaches, grass to play games, and benches for a picnic. The water is a bit shallow and murky, so swimming is not as good as other beaches, but that means less people will be here.

Laupāhoehoe Beach Park was destroyed by a tsunami in 1946, so there are a few memorials here. 20 students and 4 teachers were lost during the natural disaster. This Beach Park has amazing ocean panoramas, rocky surf, and lava rocks surrounded by lush vegetation.