Bike the Parks

Parks / Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Down Chain of Craters Road to the ocean, past decades of lava flows.

4/5
Great riding

Riders can descend Chain of Craters Road to the sea, and paved rim sections and old roads open to bikes make it one of the best Pacific parks to ride.

Riding here

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is a surprisingly good bike park. Crater Rim Drive skirts Kīlauea's summit caldera, and Chain of Craters Road descends through old lava flows all the way to the sea arch at the coast, a long, steady climb back. Paved sections of the Crater Rim Trail, Escape Road and several old roads are open to bikes too.

Where you can ride

Bikes may use Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road, all paved roads open to vehicles in the Kīlauea District and Kahuku Unit, paved Crater Rim Trail sections (Kīlauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna; Volcano House to the Resource Management road), Escape Road, Old Crater Rim Drive to Keanakākoʻi Crater, the gravel Chain of Craters–Kalapana road (experienced riders only), the Mauna Loa Stable service road and listed fuel-break roads, and several Kahuku Unit roads and trails.

Where you can't

Bikes are allowed only on paved parts of the Crater Rim Trail; all other frontcountry and backcountry trails are closed to bikes and e-bikes.

Rides

  • Chain of Craters Road

    • Road
    • Crater Rim Drive to the coast and back
    • Paved
    • Hard

    A long descent across lava flows to the coast, then the climb back. Hot and exposed lower down.

    Start: Crater Rim Drive junction

  • Crater Rim Drive

    • Road
    • Paved
    • Moderate

    Around the open sections of Kīlauea's summit caldera. Busiest 10 am to 3 pm.

    Start: Kīlauea Visitor Center

  • Escape Road

    • Gravel
    • Crater Rim Drive / Hwy 11 to Chain of Craters at Maunaulu
    • Gravel
    • Moderate

    A quiet gravel link through rainforest, away from traffic.

    Start: Near Thurston Lava Tube

When to go

Rideable year-round. The summit (about 4,000 ft) is cool and often wet; the coast is hot.

Closures and restrictions

Eruptions and volcanic gas can close roads and areas at short notice; check the park's current conditions.

Safety

Narrow, winding rainforest roads limit visibility; ride single file and let cars pass. Stay on designated routes to protect lava features, rare plants and archaeological sites. Bring water for the coastal descent.

E-bikes

E-bikes are permitted on every route open to bicycles.

Fees

Arriving by bike, you pay the park's individual (per-person) entrance fee, normally valid for 7 days, or ride in on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Amounts change, so check the park's Fees & Passes page. Non-commercial groups of more than 12 riders should call (808) 985-6027 first.

Rentals, tours and shuttles

  • Your bike shop hereSample listing

    This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.

    Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027

Run a shop near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes? Add it here.

Sources

Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.

  1. Bike in the Park — Hawaiʻi Volcanoes (NPS)

Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

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