Big Island of Hawai'i

Seven days of cycling reveal the full scale of Hawaiʻi Island, from lava-lined coasts and plantation towns to rainforest roads and active volcano landscapes. Starting and finishing in Kailua Kona, riders warm up along the Ironman World Championship course before visiting Puʻukohala National Historic Park and Lapakahi State Historical Park, taking in views of the King Kamehameha statue and Pololū Valley on the way into the historic town of Hawi.

A scenic, non-cycling drive along Kohala Mountain Road leads back to the bikes in Waimea, from where riders descend the historic Old Mamalahoa Highway past the Waipio Valley overlook, staying at a 1930s sugar plantation home. The route then follows the Hamakua Coast through former plantation villages to Hilo, with a stop for smoothies along the way and free time to explore the town.

Day five swaps bikes for boots, walking through the lava tubes of Kaumana Caves before a picnic and hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park along the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail. A thrilling downhill return to Kona follows, crossing the Kaʻū Desert and macadamia groves, with a stop to see sea turtles at Punaluʻu Beach and a visit to Mark Twain's famous Monkey Pod tree.

Overnights are spent in a mix of boutique lodges, inns and resorts, including the Royal Kona Resort, Kohala Village Inn and Kilauea Lodge near Volcano Village, with meals ranging from loco moco and kalbi ribs to fresh ahi poke and coconut-crusted mahi mahi.

Highlights:

• Ironman World Championship course and historic Hawi village
• Pololū Valley and Waipio Valley overlooks
• Old Mamalahoa Highway and Hamakua Coast plantation villages
• Kaumana Caves lava tubes and a hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
• Sea turtle viewing at Punaluʻu Beach and Mark Twain's Monkey Pod tree

Surface and terrain:
Paved highways, some with shoulders, generally light traffic. Route crosses open country, sagebrush hills, ranch country and river valleys, with small climbs rather than long sustained ascents. The bigger climbs near Togwotee Pass and South Pass are partially shuttled. Daily distances 38-74 miles (61-119 km).

Weather:
Fall in Wyoming is typically cool, clear and well suited to riding. Mornings can be chilly enough for tights and arm warmers, though many days warm up enough for short sleeves by lunchtime. Layering is recommended.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a "moderate" difficulty tour, covering varying terrain and some climbing, without extreme technical demands.