6 Awesome Bike Routes on O‘ahu

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on Sept. 9, 2022; it was updated on May 26, 2023, to include more bike routes on O‘ahu.

It’s National Bike Month, so we’re dusting off our two-wheelers and visiting some of our favorite places to ride on O‘ahu. With so many great spots across the island, there’s something for everyone, including kiddos on training wheels and folks just looking for someplace scenic and safe. You can even explore the sights with visiting friends and family on a self-guided tour. And if you don’t have a bike, you can get a rental from Biki, a bike rental company with stations in many popular areas. Here are our favorite bike routes—with some convenient Biki stations included—that get you outside and interacting with our neighborhoods in a fun, more eco-friendly way.

Photo: Natalie Schack

Waterfront Waikīkī – Biki

If you don’t want to fight for parking, you can find plenty of bike rentals in Waikīkī with Biki bikes practically on every street. Start at Biki station 328 right next to the Duke Kahanamoku statue, where the stretch of hotels on Kalākaua Avenue opens up to reveal oceanfront views. From there, the dedicated bike lane will take you on a ride along the bustling Waikīkī shoreline. Follow it east to the end of Kalākaua, past the San Souci grassy waterfront park areas. When you get to the Waikīkī Aquarium and Biki station 518, dock there, visit the aquarium and have a quick bite at the excellent Barefoot Beach Cafe.

Then head back the way you came, this time taking a right on Kapahulu Avenue. A few streets up, snag that left onto Ala Wai Boulevard for a different waterfront experience along the canal. This route also boasts a dedicated bike lane along the walking path. Across the water, you’ll see the green fields of the Ala Wai Golf Course and the Ko‘olau Range beyond, and watch for canoe paddlers practicing their strokes in the canal’s waters.

Follow Ala Wai Boulevard to the very end, where you’ll hit Biki station 300. Dock here, then head to the Prince Waikīkī on foot, where you can treat yourself to sunset cocktails and a gorgeous view of the marina at the hotel’s rooftop Hinana Bar.

SEE ALSO: Is the New Wayfinder Waikīkī Hotel Your Next Staycation Spot?

Historic Honolulu – Biki

Start at Biki station 402 near Thomas Square. Check out the Sovereignty Restoration Day monument commemorating the end of the five-month occupation of Hawai‘i in 1843 by a rogue British captain before heading downtown on the King Street protected bike path.

Take in the brutalist Frank Fasi Municipal Building and shady tree-lined paths (perfect for biking) that take you past the enigmatic Sky Gate by Isamu Noguchi, The Liberty Bell of Aloha, The Bell of Nagasaki and the Hawai‘i Law Enforcement Monument. Take a moment to walk your bike around the front of Honolulu Hale and visit the September 11th Eternal Flame monument.

Cross at the crosswalk to the boulevard that threads between the unique dichotomy of architecture at the state Capitol and ‘Iolani Palace; along the way, you’ll pass the Queen Lili‘uokalani statue. Turn left at Richards Street to circle the palace, then left again at King Street to pass the King Kamehameha statue. From there, turn right onto Punchbowl Street, ending at Biki station 125 right in front of historic Kawaiaha‘o Church and cemetery.

Photo: Natalie Schack

Magic Island – Biki

Hop onto a Biki to appreciate the beachside and pathways at Ala Moana Beach Park—and skip any parking hassles at the same time. You can start right in the park itself, which has Biki stations just off the tennis courts and McCoy Pavilion, about halfway down the beach and near the Magic Island parking lot. Or if you’re stopping first at Ala Moana Center to shop or dine, Biki station 236 is at the corner of Pi‘ikoi and Waimanu Streets.

Bike in the street along the water and take in the ocean views, then move to the paths and circle around to Ala Moana Boulevard. These paths are pretty underused compared to the beach side of the park, so enjoy those shady trees, old bridges and calm, open grassy spaces.

Once you circle back toward the water, take a detour up to Magic Island, which has a network of paths that lead up to the little lagoon at the tip of the peninsula. Pro tip: Start near sunset so you can end at the water’s edge and take in the view from one of the many benches there.

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens

Soak in the panoramic views of the Ko‘olau Range at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens, the largest of the city-run botanical gardens. This sprawling space is more park than anything else, with rolling lawns, expansive jungle vistas and multiple camping grounds.

Enter and take a lush route through a Jurassic Park-like rainforest setting to get to the visitor parking area—the low-traffic, paved road that leads farther into the property and to the various campsites is also the perfect terrain for bikes. Load them into your vehicle, park at the main lot and explore the rest of the gardens on two wheels. And don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy next to the beautiful manmade lake.

SEE ALSO: We Tried It: Kualoa Ranch’s E-Bike Tour Was The Dream Escape We Needed

Photo: Natalie Schack

Mililani Ravine Park Walking Trail

If you’re not from the area, you probably haven’t heard of this hidden gem nestled out of sight behind a few residential housing pockets in the sleepy central town of Mililani, but it’s a great spot for peaceful family biking. The trail runs alongside the gulch far off from the main road, so other than crossing a couple of perpendicular side streets, you won’t have to deal with vehicle traffic at all.

The paths are flat, paved and well-maintained, and you’ll ride past pleasant suburban homes and complexes, a couple of expansive parks and even an edible garden of fruiting trees. Little ones will love a quick detour off the path to visit the Ku‘ulako park and playground halfway up the trail; it boasts some unique equipment, including swinging poles, a swinging hammock and a little climbing hill.

Photo: Rachel Breitweser

Kaka‘ako Mural Tour – Biki

Kaka‘ako is a living, urban art space thanks to its multitude of murals. They’re all over the neighborhood, on major roadways and tucked away in little alleys alike—and the range of styles is huge, from cartoon-y to edgy street style to realistic to retro-inspired.

So go where your whims guide you—you just might find your favorite mural on the most random of streets—and stop for snacks and drinks at the cool Kaka‘ako businesses along the way. We like to start at Biki station 203 at the intersection of Halekauwila and Keawe Streets, then head makai, then along Salt at Our Kaka‘ako, making sure we hit Mother Waldron Park along the way. Thanks to the many Biki stations in the area, you’ll be able to stop and go as much as you like for lattes, artisan chocolate, local beers or anything else that catches your eye.

SEE ALSO: $40 Pau Hana for 2: Moku Kitchen in Kaka‘ako