| 1. |
Circle the Rim
1-2 hours
Moderate
11 mi (17.6 km) loop
400' elevation change
|
Crater Rim Drive encircles Kilauea Caldera.
Travel from lush forest to a seemingly barren desert. Stop at Jagger
Museum for a spectacular view. Park bike at pullouts and parking lots
to take short hikes to volcanic features including Halema'uma'u Crater.
The smell of sulfur reminds you that you are at one of the most active
volcanoes in the world. Paved hiker/biker trails are located on the
rim between Jagger Museum and KMC (1a) and along Waldron Ledge Trail
(1b). Stay alert when cycling in the rain forest because the road
is narrow and winding with limited visibility. The best time to ride
is early in the morning and late afternoon. |
| 2. |
Escape to Mauna Ulu
2-3 hours
Challenging
12.5 mi (20 km) loop
800' elevation change
|
The Escape Road descends through dense rain forest,
across a 1973 lava flow to the Mauna Ulu parking lot. Suitable only
for mountain bikes, this unpaved rough road is the "escape route"
for evacuation if lava should cover the main roads. Start either at
Thurston Lava Tube or one mile east of the park entrance on Highway
11, opposite Old Volcano Road. Close all gates to keep pigs from entering
the rain forest. Return via Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive.
A toilet is located at the Mauna Ulu parking lot. |
| 3. |
Overlook Hilina Pali
3-4 hours
Moderate
18 mi (29 km) round trip
1400' elevation change
|
This narrow paved road winds downhill over small fault
scarps and old lava flows through the Ka'u Desert to the Hilina Pali
Overlook. The overlook at road's end offers views 2,000' down to the
coastal flats. This area can be hot, dry, and windy. The road is sometimes
closed to most cars due to high fire danger, making it more attractive
for biking. Watch for traffic on blind curves. Vigorous return uphill.
Toilets but no water are located at Kulanaokuaiki Campground and at
the overlook. |
| 4. |
Ride Ainahou Ranch
1-2 hours
Challenging
5.7 mi (8.8 km) round trip
800' elevation change
|
Four and a half miles down the Chain of Craters Road
turn onto a service road and pass through the locked gate. Stay on
the signed route. The rough road descends 800' in 2.7 mi (4.4 km)
toward the Keauhou hiking trail, with great views of the coastal plain.
This route can be very hot and dry. Vigorous return uphill. Check
at the Kilauea Visitor Center on the status of this route. |
| 5. |
Summit to Sea
2-6 hours
Challenging
40 mi (65 km) round trip
3700' elevation change
|
Descend 3,700' (1128 m) through remnants of native forest,
across vast lava flows from the eruption of Mauna Ulu, to the coastal
plains. The road ends at the 2001 lava flows. Be aware of gusty winds
and volcanic air pollution along the Chain of Craters Road. Ascent
is challenging because it is hot, windy, and steep; consider arranging
transportation back up. A toilet, but no water is available at the
end of the road and at Mauna Ulu parking area. |
| 6. |
Ups and Downs
of Mauna Loa
2-4 hours up, 45 min. down
Challeging
27 mi (43 km) round trip
2600' elevation change |
The Mauna Loa Road climbs 2600' (790 m) up the slopes
of Mauna Loa volcano, through koa woodlands, and over prehistoric
lava flows. The road ends at 6,662' (2031 m) elevation where, weather
permitting, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Kilauea.
Watch your speed as you descend the narrow curvy road as cars often
cut blind corners and it is difficult to negotiate hairpin turns at
high speed. A gated road spur on Crater Rim Drive between KMC and
Kilauea Overlook provides a shortcut to Mauna Loa Road. Parking is
available at Kipuka Puaulu, 1.3 miles (2 km) up Mauna Loa Road. Toilets
but no water are located at Kipuka Puaulu picnic ground and at the
end of the road. This road may be closed to most cars during times
of high fire danger. |
| •6a |
Mauna Loa Corral
1.5 mi (1.3 km) one way |
This bike route begins with a left turn off the road
to Tree Molds. Take the left fork at the horse corrals and continue
to Kipuka Puaulu picnic area. Return the same way, or via Mauna Loa
Road. |
| •6b |
Spur Road
0.8 mi (1.3 km) each way |
The Spur Road starts at the boulder-lined pullout 4
miles (7 km) from Hwy 11 (0.5 mile past first cattle guard). The dirt
and rock road meanders through shady koa forest. The route ends at
the Kapapala Ranch fence (private property). |
| •6c |
Six Tanks Road
0.3 mi (0.5 km) each way |
Short but sweet, this difficult-to-find spur begins
0.4 mi (0.7 km) from 6b Spur Road. Look for grassy truck tracks that
climb a small knoll in the dense koa forest. It ends abruptly at the
Keamoku 'a'a lava flow from Mauna Loa. |
| •6d |
Powerline Road
1.5 mi (2.4 km) each way |
The Powerline Road intersects the Mauna Loa Road at
the second cattle guard (5.8 mi, 9 km from Hwy 11). The south spur
is a 1.5 mi (2.4 km), rough, bumpy up-&-down road that ends at
Kapapala Ranch (private property). Vigorous return uphill. The north
spur is 1/4 mi (.4 km) long and ends at the Keauhou Ranch fence (private
property). |
Ruby: 1.8.7, Rails: 1.1.6