Some things can only be seen in Hawaii, and some things can only be appreciated by bike. With that in mind, think of what a combination of the two can offer. Roll together Hawaii's stunning tropical scenery multiethnic culture, and prime natural attractions, then add them to all the advantages of bicycle travel: the flexibility to travel in the direction and pace of your choice, freedom from restrictive schedules and high costs of conventional travel, and a close understanding of your host land.

The reasons for choosing Hawaii as a travel destination are many. Hawaii offers the best of two worlds as a Pacific island that is also a part of the United States. Visitors need not deal with money, language, or border confusions, or worry about mysterious tropical diseases. At the same time, they can experience the most exciting aspects of an exotic island destination by cycling remote coasts, hiking volcanic ridgelines, or simply relaxing by turquoise waters on a white sand beach.

Hawaii is a fascinating blend of native culture, immigrant influences, and modern movements. In a single bicycle tour, one can explore historic village ruins, step inside a pristine missionary church, and watch the children of a small town fly colorful kites in a brisk seaside breeze. Cyclists can pedal miles along scenic, unpopulated coastlines, then stop to sample Hawaiian wine and spend the night at a beachside campsite.

Bicycling is a fitting means by which to travel Hawaii for several reasons. First, the slower pace of a bicycle approximates the pace and mellow attitude typical of Hawaii. Instead of being another frantic mainlander speeding to cram sights into a short vacation, you can linger over each newfound treasure or view. Your bicycle immediately sets you apart as a motivated, interesting visitor who demonstrates a true interest in Hawaii. Many locals approached me on their own initiative, offering advice, help, cold drinks, or directions to a secret local spot simply because of my wheels. Cyclists who set out to discover the"real" Hawaii will find it more easily than they ever imagined.

Unlike motorized travel, cycling emphasizes the journey, not just the destination. Cyclists are better equipped to see, learn, and experience throughout their travels because they move in such close contact with the land. Bicycle travel delivers more subtlety of detail than does a blur framed by a car window. Along with the most spectacular scenery, cyclists notice the most modest: children at play, dogs snoozing in the shade, or roadside fruit stands that operate on an honesty system.

The islands teem with life and hidden delights, offering limitless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts with open minds and strong legs. Invest just a small effort in exploring Hawaii and you will be pleasantly surprised at the numerous rewards. Meeting kind people, seeing beautiful scenery, and collecting lasting memories are just the most obvious prizes of a Hawaiian bicycle tour.

Other reasons for traveling Hawaii by bike have as much to do with how much the islands offer off two wheels as on. Cyclists do not have to pedal marathon distances before coming across a tempting opportunity to hike, kayak, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. For this reason, Hawaii is not simply a good choice for cycling enthusiasts, but for any lovers of the outdoors who wish to challenge themselves, enjoy Hawaii's air and waters, and go to bed pleasantly weary from the day's adventures.

Having said that, it is time for a warning: Do not fool yourself into believing that bicycling Hawaii will be an idyllic endeavor. There is plenty to challenge—and perhaps even discourage—the traveler in Hawaii. Towering volcanoes have a nasty habit of putting thousand-foot ascents between you and your chosen destination, setting up a battle of wills: Cyclist vs. the Mountain. When a fair tropical breeze blows, all is well, but full-scale ocean storms can also roar by, blowing a fierce headwind in your face or turning trails into swamps.

While Hawaii makes a good cycling destination, the sport has yet to sweep fanatically through the islands. Therefore facilities like repair shops and lack of alternative means of transportation leave gaping holes in your support network. Some islands, for example, do not have a single bicycle shop, leaving cyclists to their own devices. Many roads are in poor condition and prices are inflated. Finally, cycling can be a tiring and uncomfortable exercise at times. Many cyclists can sympathize with Mark Twain's complaint after spending the day in another type of saddle: ". . . to tell the honest truth, I have a certain delicacy about sitting down at all."

No place is perfect, and for all its disadvantages Hawaii can come surprisingly close to the ideal if your attitude allows it. While many tours in this book are extremely challenging, a number of shorter, easier tours give beginners a chance to meet Hawaii as well. Recognize your limits and set reasonable goals, but trust in your capabilities— and a little bit of luck as well. With that in mind and this guidebook in hand, you are ready for an exciting tour.

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