Biking in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Bikers at Kilauea Overlook. Bicycles are only allowed on paved portions of Crater Rim Trail. (NPS Photo/J. Wei)

 

Planning to bicycle in the park?

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers adventurous bicyclists dramatic views of volcanic landscapes. Protect the fragile lava features, rare plants, and archeological sites by riding only on designated bike routes. All areas in the park that are open to bicycles are also open to e-bikes.

Here are the locations where you may ride your bike in the park:

• Crater Rim Drive
• Chain of Craters Road
• All paved roads open to vehicles in the Kīlauea District and Kahuku Unit
• On the paved portions of Crater Rim Trail between Kilauea Military Camp and Uēkahuna
• The “Escape Road” from Crater Rim Drive and Highway 11 access points to Chain of Craters Road at Maunaulu
• Old Crater Rim Drive between Chain of Craters Road intersection to Keanakāko‘i Crater
• The gravel portion of the Chain of Craters-Kalapana Road (along the coast; recommended for experienced bikers only)
• On Crater Rim Trail between Volcano House and the Resource Management road
• The Mauna Loa Stable Service Road which starts on the Tree Molds Road.
• The fuel break road which branches east from the stable service road and ends at the Volcano Winery fence, and the section of the fuel break road that branches west and ends at the Kīpukapuaulu Picnic Area
• Visitors may dismount and walk their bikes between the Volcano Golf Course (at the cell tower) on the short section of trail that leads to Tree Molds access road.
• The fuel break roads on Mauna Loa Road, from the Keauhou Ranch fence to the Kapāpala Ranch fence
• The power line road across from the Keauhou Ranch fence to the Kapāpala Ranch fence

In the Kahuku Unit:

• Kahuku Road from Highway 11 to the upper junction of Palm Trail
• Palm Trail
• Old Mamalahoa Highway spur road

All frontcountry and backcountry trails not listed here are CLOSED to bicycle and e-bike traffic.

Follow the Rules

• Always ride single file on the right side of the road. Do not weave in and out.
• Adjust your spacing to allow motor vehicles to pass safely.
• Stop at stop signs and don't exceed the speed limit.

 

Plan Ahead

Planning is important to ensure a safe bicycle trip. Most visitors travel in cars and buses. Traffic is heaviest between 10am and 3pm especially on Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. Be alert! Narrow winding roads through the rain forest limit visibility and pose hazards to bicyclists.

 

Fees and Permits

Park entrance fees apply to vehicles and bicycles and are valid for seven consecutive days. Commerical groups need a commercial use permit before entering the park. Non-commercial groups of more than 12 bicyclists should notify the park with trip details - call [phone].

 

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