Mountain Biking the Hawaiian Islands
Bike Hawaii’s Founder and President, John Alford, is the author of the comprehensive guidebook entitled “Mountain Biking the Hawaiian Islands”. Born and raised here in Honolulu, Alford has also worked as an EMT on the local ambulance service and served as Ride Director for the Hawaii Bicycling League. Alford is a true nature lover and has made it his passion to share remote Oahu with others.
“Mountain Biking the Hawaiian Islands provides the essential information on where to ride and how to minimize impact by conducting yourself in an environmentally conscious manner.”
– Curt Cottrell, Assistant Administrator, State of Hawai’i, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks
“Since 1995, John Alford’s involvement with government land agencies and the Hawaiian mountain bike community has demonstrated a true desire to secure and maintain mountain biking in Hawai’i. In this book, he shares his genuine enthusiasm and knowledge of mountain biking on the islands. His work has truly benefited recreation in Hawai’i.”
– Aaron J. Lowe, Oahu Trails & Access Specialist Na Ala Hele, State Division of Forestry and Wildlife
“John Alford unveils the hidden Hawai‘i that most visitors and even residents don’t experience. A well written book for the beginner and veteran off-road bicycle enthusiast.”
– Wally Parcels, BikeFactory Sportshop
If you would like to purchase a printed book, please email us.
Foreword
Aloha! Mountain Biking the Hawaiian Islands- Anniversary Edition is a comprehensive look at cross-country mountain biking island-wide from a bikers perspective. The sub-title Anniversary Edition is because everyday, some- where, someone is celebrating an anniversary. So, get out there and celebrate yours or someones elses anniversary with a good long ride. If you already have an earlier version of this book, you will benefit by having this updated version, as well. The Anniversary Edition is not a full rewrite. A few trails have closed, some new trails have been added, however, most of the trail in- information has not changed.
This book lists only the accessible trails open to mountain bikes by the State of Hawai‘i’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawai‘i State Parks and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. It also includes a list of tour operators and some private pastures that may be ridden with approval from the land owners.
Since I began to write about Hawai‘i’s mountain biking trails during the spring of 1995, I have discovered beautiful biking routes. After the release of my second book in 1997, I began conducting my own bike tours under the name Bike Hawaii. In these pages you will find information on Bike Hawaii adventures, as well as other quality bike tour operators here in the islands. I encourage visiting riders to take full advantage of the various tours being offered.
Along with the digital elevation maps and trail descriptions, you will find important information on trail safety, etiquette and preservation. Riders are encouraged to pay attention to the facts about our islands’ fragile environment. With this information in mind, while using these trails, we can help preserve them for future generations.
Mountain biking has become increasingly popular here in Hawai‘i, and it is time that all of us who ride on the public trails recognize that it is a privilege.
All of our trails are unique and deserve our utmost respect and consideration. We need to educate other trail users, as well as the abusers, so that restrictions will not be placed against mountain biking on Hawaiian trails. I hope that with the information contained in this book, we can all work together to be a part of the solution and not the problem. It is the true “Aloha Spirit” that has inspired me to share this information with you, my fellow off-road enthusiasts. Together we can all create a world of shared trail use that works for everyone.