If you want a more up close and intimate experience exploring Hawai’i’s natural wonders, then a bike tour is a great option. From the lush forests, vast oceans, and volcanic landscapes, there’s no shortage of sights to see on any of the Hawai’ian islands. However, safety must always be a priority when touring Hawai’i on a bike. Not only can the terrain be dangerous and unpredictable, but there is often traffic in tourist areas. If you’re thinking about taking a bike tour in Hawai’i, here are some safety tips you should consider first:
Choose the Right Bike and Gear
You must consider the features of the areas you want to explore when choosing a bike to use for your adventure. While some areas of Hawai’i might be fine to tour with a basic beach cruiser, more challenging areas, like Mount Haleakalā on Maui, will require something more substantial. Always use the proper type of bike for the terrain you will be traversing, and be sure that the bike is in full working order before taking off. This means testing the brakes, tires, gears, etc.
An equally important part of your bike tour equipment is safety gear. A certified, properly-sized helmet, along with gloves, clothing that is easy for drivers to see, knee and elbow pads, and protective eyewear, are all must-haves. You’ll also want reef-safe sunscreen and DEET-free bug spray to make the ride more comfortable.
Be Aware of the Weather
It is imperative that you check on the weather before beginning any bike tour, and keep a close eye on it throughout your ride. Hawai’i’s weather can change quickly, turning a bright sunny day into a wet, cold disaster. Wear proper clothing, dress in layers, and bring extra layers in case the temp drops off suddenly.
Wet roads are also a hazard for Hawai’i bikers, especially in more tropical areas of the islands. If roads are wet and conditions are rainy, consider rescheduling the ride. If that’s not an option, then be sure to bring a rain jacket, warm clothing, and an emergency kit just in case.
Know Your Limits
It’s normal to want to try new things while on vacation, but if you’re not at least a bit experienced with mountain biking, please do not attempt any of Hawai’i’s mountain bike tours without a proper guide. Some of these rides are very physically demanding, and inexperienced riders can get in trouble quickly.
Follow Local Traffic Laws
Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean that you can ignore traffic laws. In Hawai’i, traffic laws apply to bikers too, and they’re especially important when navigating steep and/or narrow roadways. Stay in designated bike lanes, use turn signals appropriately, and be sure your bike is outfitted with all the proper safety equipment.
Hydrate & Fuel Up
The physical exertion of a Hawai’i bike tour can leave even the fittest of riders exhausted, hungry, and dehydrated. Always bring plenty of water and healthy snacks with you on your ride, and take frequent breaks to rehydrate. Biking burns tons of calories, so without nutritious food and adequate water, you’ll be too tired to continue and possibly get stuck in a dangerous rural area.
Descend with Caution
While biking uphill takes a huge amount of effort, many people underestimate the difficulty of biking back downhill. The steep gradient can cause your speed to increase rapidly, causing you to descend the mountain much faster than you should. Using a customized cruiser outfitted with drum brakes will ensure that you descend at a slower, controlled pace while maintaining a stable speed.
Respect Wildlife and Nature
You will certainly encounter a variety of wildlife during your bike tour, but it’s important to not physically interact with any animals if possible. Never feed animals or try to get close to them to pet them or to take pictures. Stay on designated pathways and show respect to Hawai’i’s delicate ecosystem, which is robust yet fragile all at once.
Join a Guided Tour for Added Safety
A guided bike tour is a great option for riders without extensive experience biking in rugged, remote terrains like those in many parts of Hawai’i. On a guided bike tour, an experienced guide will lead you throughout the tour, offer insight into the surrounding area, and help out with any bike issues that may come up. Most guided tour companies also offer gear and bikes for their customers, taking the guesswork out of choosing your equipment.
Take Your Next Hawai’i Ride With Peace of Mind
If you’re planning a visit to Hawai’i and a bike tour is on your to-do list, then you have many options of places to go and things to see. One of the best bike tours on the islands showcases the breathtaking beauty of Mount Haleakalā in Maui, reaching the 10,000+ ft summit just in time for a sunrise show. However, it is challenging and for experienced bikers only, so safety measures must be a top priority. No matter where you choose to ride, Hawai’i offers sights and experiences like no where else on Earth.
Mountain Riders offers sunrise, pre-dawn, and daytime guided tours of Maui’s Mount Haleakalā which are designed to give riders an up close and personal view of Maui’s diverse landscapes and astonishing views. With over 30 years of experience and more than 700,000 satisfied customers, we are proud to offer Hawaii’s #1 visitor activity.