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Some notes from JB Friday: We have a bus system that crosses the island. Also, there's no problem riding back. The northern route through the town of Waimea is probably easier than the southern route. Waimea itself is about 2800 feet elev so it will be quite a climb to get there. Coming from Kona, you can either travel the coast road to Kawaihae or the upper road. The coast road has wide shoulders and lots of cyclists (triathletes, as it's where they hold the Ironman.) The upper road has no shoulders at times. I've never ridden it and I never see cyclists on it. Both roads have traffic at 55 mph +. The highway through the windward side has wide shoulders. Lots of climbs in and out of gulches. All in all more traffic than the southern route but not as much climbing (the climb Hilo to Volcano is 4000 feet.) On the windward side you can try to find the old road through Ahualoa coming out of Waimea going to Hilo and certainly the "scenic drive" from Pepeekeo to Papaiko near Hilo. For a longer ride you could ride up the coast all the way to Kapaau on the northern tip of the island and ride the Kohala Mountain Road back into Waimea. Kohala and Waimea are the center of ranching here, but "ranching" has largely become real estate development. (Don't let they cowboys hear that...) Lots of small farms have sprung up on the Hamakua coast after the demise of sugar ten years ago. More as you approach Hilo. Hilo has the best farmers markets in the state, Saturday and Wednesday. Honokaa has transformed from a plantation town to a viable diverse community. A nice ride would be out to see the Waipio valley lookout 7 miles north of town. Akoni Pule highway (270) runs up the coast. It is hot and windy and cars are going by at 55 mph + but there are broad shoulders. It stays near the coast and there are no big hills. I think you could do it in a day. There are few communities on the way to stay in: this is the region of the 5 star hotels. If you're up for a nice hotel, then by all means pick any one. We just stayed a night at the Hilton Waikoloa Mariott. The only real community on the way it at Puako and I don't know if there are B&B's there. You could look. Hawi is a real nice community and you could spend a day there. Lots of galleries. Go all the way to the end of the road and look out over Pololu valley where the road ends. The road from Hawi to Waimea is a big climb but do able, with rests. It is a beautiful road and not too busy. I'd have to check a topo map but I'm guessing 3500 feet. Waimea is 2800 feet so you're in for a climb any way. Waimea has farmers markets, galleries, ranch tours, etc. It can be cool and rainy, as can Volcano. Bring a lightweight fleece and rain gear. We don't use road numbers here in Hawaii. If you were in Hawi and asked about route 250 no one would know what you were talking about. Locally it's the Kohala Mountain Road. I would not recommend Saddle Road unless you're a real adventurer in top shape. A 6,700 foot climb and a road with fast traffic and no shoulders. Be prepared for rain on the windward (East) side of the island.
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