The best road cycling routes around Mauna Loa

There are over 15 road cycling routes around Mauna Loa, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes, 5 moderate routes, and 8 difficult routes, offering diverse experiences across the volcanic landscape.

For an easier ride, consider the Two Step Beach to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park loop, which is 17.7 km long. Another accessible option is Crater Rim Drive, a 21.5 km route within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, known for its gentle gradients and scenic views.

Absolutely. Mauna Loa is renowned for its epic climbs. The Keauhou Bay to Hoʻokena Beach Park route is a difficult 55.7 km ride with substantial climbs and diverse Hawaiian scenery. Another demanding option is Miloliʻi Beach Park to Kahuku, a 76.5 km route featuring significant elevation changes along the coast.

Mauna Loa's routes offer breathtaking views. You'll encounter dramatic shifts from lush 'ōhi'a and māmane forests to stark lava fields, with impressive lava troughs and verdant 'kipukas' like Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park). Many routes provide expansive ocean views, and on clear days, you can even see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the Kilauea Crater. The Mauna Loa Lookout is a notable viewpoint. You can also explore natural monuments like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Ki'i Point Overlook near some routes.

Yes, several routes offer a loop experience. The Waiʻōhinu to South Point Cliff Dive loop is a difficult 43.7 km ride. For a moderate option, consider the Nāʻālehu to Pāhala loop, which is 45.8 km through the Kaʻū Forest Reserve, or the shorter Pāhala to Wood Valley Temple loop, a 20.5 km ride through macadamia farms.

While Mauna Loa offers cycling year-round, the best time generally depends on personal preference for weather and conditions. Higher elevations can be snow-capped in winter. Cyclists should always be prepared for intense sun exposure, unpredictable winds, and potential lack of shade, regardless of the season.

Mauna Loa offers some of the longest continuous bike climbs globally, with routes reaching high altitudes. Cyclists should be prepared for significant elevation gains and the effects of thinner air. The Saddle Road Crossing, for instance, navigates elevations between 6,000 and 6,600 feet. It's crucial to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and be aware of your physical limits.

While many routes are entirely paved, some segments, particularly on routes like the Saddle Road Crossing, may involve mixed terrain, including gravel and loose cinders. It's advisable to check route descriptions and be prepared with appropriate tires if you plan to explore these areas.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling around Mauna Loa, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the unique experience of riding through ancient lava fields, the smooth pavement on routes like Mauna Loa Road, and the unparalleled views from near sea level to high altitudes. The remoteness and silence of the upper sections are frequently highlighted as a unique draw.

Beyond the most popular trails, consider the Mauna Kea Access Road to Maunakea Visitor Information Station. This moderate 20.7 km route offers significant elevation gain and sweeping views as it ascends towards Mauna Kea, providing a different perspective of the island's volcanic grandeur.