HAWAII BICYCLE TOUR
The Big Island.

Hawaii offers sunshine, hills, warm rain, good shoulders, light traffic, incredible vegetation, and of course volcanoes. Hope you can join us for some good riding through lava fields, dense vegetation, great volcanic climbs and descends to Hawaiian magic towns.

Photo Gallery
View entire photo gallery

Hawaii, Big Island. Courtesy LH Wilson

GETTING THERE AND BACK:
Riders need to get themselves to our hotel in Kona on the Big Island on the afternoon of Friday November 12th. All the taxis at the airport are vans, so can easily accommodate a bicycle. In 2008 it was a $30 taxi ride to our hotel. Our first day of riding is Saturday November 13th.

THE RIDING:
We average a casual 50-90km (more or less) per day (see itinerary). The terrain is up and down with the occasional long climb. You are given a map and road log each day. Bike at whatever speed you like. Odds are there will be someone that likes to bike at your speed. Our van will transport your gear from hotel to hotel van does not follow up behind riders, but will return to get riders if need be.
A couple of days we are at the same hotel for two nights. People may choose to take a day off or go for hike or snorkel, or take part in a out and back ride. People are expected to bike the full distance, though if your knees are sore or if your legs need a day of rest, arrangements can be made for a shuttle.
The roads are in good shape. Most cyclists choose to bring a road bike, though a Mtn. bike with slicks would work. Most of the riding is along a highway that circles the island. The highway, for the most part, offers a 3 foot shoulder (sometimes 8 feet). There is the odd stretch with minimal to no shoulder. A couple of the days there are very quiet side roads which parallel the highway. The island is not flat, but grades are typically gentle.

WEATHER:
You will ride through about 12 different Climatic Zones. Parts of the island receive less than 6 inches of rain a year (Kona side), the other side of the island receives over 200 inches a year (Hilo side). Day time temperatures last year were high twenties and into the thirties, and not much of a drop in the evenings. The couple of days in the past we have had rain, it was almost a blessing. When it rains (often in the evening or late afternoon), it is not cold, but refreshing. Winds can blow on the headlands. For our two nights up near the volcano, evenings can be cool due to the elevation (4000 ft).

MEALS:
No meals are included in this package, though a couple of the hotels include a continental style breakfast. Bananas & PB sandwiches will be available for your rides. Some happy hour snacks will be provided most days. There are typically a choice of restaurants near our hotels. Food is a little pricier in Hawaii than what you might be accustomed to. Expect to pay 15-20% more than Canadian norms.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nothing terribly fancy, basic, clean friendly. Two of our nights we will sleep in a Bed and Breakfast. Rooms are booked with double occupancy; if traveling solo, we’ll try to find you a same sex roommate, if this is not possible, due hotel pricing we’ll collect 50% of the single supplement fee on the final payment, ($150) if a roommate is found we’ll refund you the supplement fee. Nights from November 12th to Nov 21st are included in the package.
Note, if you are arriving early or staying a few extra days and want us to book you into the same hotel we use (Kona Seaside Inn), please give us lots of notice.

COST:
$1395 Cdn per person. Based on double occupancy.
$1695 Cdn per person. Single occupancy. If wishing a room to yourself.

HOW TO RESERVE:
$100 non-refundable deposit reserves a spot. Full payment is due 90 days before the tour start. (August 12th). We are not required to collect GST on this trip (tour is outside Canada). Please make cheques payable to GABRIOLA CYCLE & KAYAK. We are not able to process credit cards. Thank you.

Cancellation fee 31-90 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 20% final payment.
Cancellation fee 1-30 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 40% final payment.

WE PROVIDE:

10 nights in basic/moderately priced hotels (double occupancy)
support vehicle to carry luggage
some snacks
Bike Log / Maps
2 guides

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare to and from the trip
Airport pick-up/drop-off
Accommodations before and after the trip
bicycle rental
alcoholic beverages (we keep a cooler full, everyone chips in)
Incidentals during the trip.

Note: Minimum 10 to run the trip. Please check for availability.

Click here for Hawaii photos courtesy of Larry Wilson

Tour Dates

November 12-21, 2010

9 riding days / 10 nights

COST: $1395 can (based on double occupancy), $1695 can for single occupancy.

There is no GST charged on trips outside Canada.

Please check for availability and make sure to send in your deposit to secure your reservation.