Planning on Riding in Hawaii...which island? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

rick8728 · 01-05-2009, 12:57 PM

Just wondering if anyone has any experience riding in the Hawaiian islands? Wifey and I are planning a trip for our 20th anniversary this summer. Would like to ride at least one day while we're there. Just starting to plan. Not sure what island(s) we'll be on. Is there one that's better for riding? Thanks.

mark_bert · 01-05-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick8728

Just wondering if anyone has any experience riding in the Hawaiian islands? Wifey and I are planning a trip for our 20th anniversary this summer. Would like to ride at least one day while we're there. Just starting to plan. Not sure what island(s) we'll be on. Is there one that's better for riding? Thanks.

If you go to Maui, you can take the road to Hana. Imagine Deal's Gap but 50 miles long.

EasyWider · 01-18-2009, 01:05 AM

I've only done Maui. Road to Hana, and Haleakala volcano are incredible rides. Hana hwy from Paia to the O'heo gulch and the seven sacred pools is about 60 miles with about 50 or so one lane bridges and more hairpin curves than you can count, with waterfalls around just about every other turn. Haleakala was a trip. It's over 10,000 ft, and just an awesome ride with an even more incredible view once you get to the top. Word of caution though. There's no helmet law, so use plenty of sun screen on your noggin. At 10,000 ft the sun is pretty intense. I fried the hell outa my forehead and scalp, and had to use a bandana to cover up for the next few days.

Sarge7 · 01-18-2009, 02:02 AM

Oahu has a great round trip hiway -takes about 4.5 hours - people there are very friendly- Renting a HD FXD or Dyna will set you back a little cash. But there are other rental places cheaper on the island they just don't advertise on the internet like HD does. We didn't find that out until after we got there. Almost every Sunday there a run from one of the dealers that goes around the island. And like the man said wear plenty of sunscreen or be prepared to get fryed good.

Cooldaddygroove · 01-18-2009, 03:01 AM

Maui for sure, buit avoid the road to Hana. Waaaay to frustrating with all the slow drivers and poor attention to the road.

A good day ride si from Kehei where we stayed, North through Napili, then around the North side of the island. No cars.

Ron Williams · 02-01-2009, 06:25 PM

I live on Oahu and there is some good riding here. It's hard to beat traffic here. If you don't mind stop and go you would be OK. If like highway cruising the Big Island would better. There is plenty of road over there and the traffic is not bad at all. There are two HD shops there. A large shop in Kona and smaller shop in Hilo. There is more rain on the Hilo side so Iwould try to stay on the Kona side. Many of the groups on Oahu do a ride on the Big island at least once a year.

I've not been to Maui yet but there is a ferry that will carry vehicles so i plan to do that someday. Maui does have some good riding according to many of the guys I hang out with and traffic is minimal.

Have a good vacation.

ajfortin · 02-14-2009, 09:01 AM

I'd go for the Big Island but Maui is great especially the road to Hana. I did it a month ago (Maui) and the it was terrific. The Big Island (Hawaii Island) has multiple landscapes including volcanoes which is a must see if you have not been there. I live and ride on Oahu.

hdwoman48 · 02-14-2009, 11:02 AM

Another vote for Maui. Maui has varied terrain and great riding. Despite the advice not to do it, I would ride the road to Hana. It's indescribably beautiful. The Big Island is just that. Really big. The roads are more open, but I don't think the terrain is as spectacular as Maui. That said, the hiking on the Big Island can't be beat especially to see the lava. Oahu's north shore is beautiful, but you have to ride through a lot of traffic to get there. We're going to Maui in July to get married. Can't wait!

EasyWider · 02-17-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge7

Oahu has a great round trip hiway -takes about 4.5 hours - people there are very friendly- Renting a HD FXD or Dyna will set you back a little cash. But there are other rental places cheaper on the island they just don't advertise on the internet like HD does. We didn't find that out until after we got there. Almost every Sunday there a run from one of the dealers that goes around the island. And like the man said wear plenty of sunscreen or be prepared to get fryed good.

I rented an Electra Glide Classic from Island Riders. Ran me about $380 for 2 days with insurance. I just looked at thier website and they upped the price a little, but its still cheaper than HD.

http://www.islandriders.com/harleys.html

BigHarleyDog · 02-17-2009, 09:03 PM

If you do Oahu, make sure you stop and get garlic shrimp on the north side of the Island, close to north shore, it's awesome.

Motopsycho · 02-18-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick8728

Just wondering if anyone has any experience riding in the Hawaiian islands? Wifey and I are planning a trip for our 20th anniversary this summer. Would like to ride at least one day while we're there. Just starting to plan. Not sure what island(s) we'll be on. Is there one that's better for riding? Thanks.

I was just there in November and was on the island of Oahu. I easily made a day trip out of riding around the island. Oahu is the most populated and I believe has the most roads. I would highly suggest Oahu.

03flstfi · 03-11-2009, 02:25 AM

Chiming in from Hawaii....

I live on O'ahu, and while you may think Hawaii an island paradise, remember that the island of O'ahu has a population fo 900,000. Lots of people in little space.

MOST drivers respect riders, others dont.

I've used the ferry to travel to Maui twice last year and had a blast. We will be travelling to Maui once again this summer for the Annual Chili Cookoff (Fathers day weekend)

Maui has some nice roads and has more land mass than Oahu... as has been stated, Hana and Haleakala are great rides... even this local boy got burned good at Haleakala last year so yes... wear your sunscreen.

I'd be glad to hook up with you and have you ride as a guest of the chapter(s) while you are here, OR... on a weekday if my schedule permits, I'd be glad to show you the little nooks and crannies of O'ahu (Be ready to ride from 7am till sunset.)

03flstfi · 03-11-2009, 03:43 AM

OCDeluxe · 04-17-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHarleyDog

If you do Oahu, make sure you stop and get garlic shrimp on the north side of the Island, close to north shore, it's awesome.

Oh man! That garlic shrimp is awesome! Nothing like it...

capkirk · 04-19-2009, 05:44 PM

Just got back from Maui and I have to say this is one of the nicest place I've ever visited. Rented a street glide from Island Riders (great people) and spent a couple of days riding the roads of Maui. You should take at least 2 to 3 days to spend on the bike and this should give you time to see most of the beautiful sites the island has to offer.