The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Waikiki: Top Routes, Rentals & Safety
Renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning views of Diamond Head, and vibrant culture, Waikiki is also a paradise for cycling.
By pedaling the Honolulu neighborhood’s top bike routes, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastal scenery, seeing more in less time than you could if you were on foot, all while getting some fun exercise at the same time.
Of course, if you’ve never been cycling in Waikiki before, you’ll want to know which bike routes are the best and where to find rentals to ensure the most memorable rides.
Living and working here in Waikiki, we’ve explored many of them allowing us to put together this guide based on local insight, with valuable tips included to help you confidently navigate those scenic paths.
Among these top bike routes in Waikiki, you’re sure to find one that inspires you to pedal!
Best Bike Routes in Waikiki
The Waikiki Beachfront Path
Spanning approximately two miles, the Waikiki Beachfront Path is a great place to start your pedaling.
It runs parallel to the sun-kissed shores of Waikiki Beach, starting near the waterfront Duke Kahanamoku statue, and it travels toward Diamond Head.
You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the beachfront with the crater in the backdrop, with scenic beauty at every turn.
Flat and paved, the path is ideal for a leisurely ride with non-stop views of the golden sands and the Pacific.
Plus, there are many enticing eateries along the way if you want to stop for a refreshing drink or enjoy a bite.
Ala Moana Beach Park
Cycling from the streets of Waikiki to Ala Moana Beach Park can bring you through Waikiki’s shopping and dining districts in Waikiki where you can soak up the atmosphere and perhaps pick up a souvenir before enjoying a stunning ocean-view biking route.
Just over a 10-minute ride, 1.7 miles from the Waikiki Business Plaza, once you reach the park you can hop on the well-paved path that starts from its eastern end near Magic Island.
Following the beautiful shores westward while showcasing breathtaking views of the Pacific, it covers about 2.5 miles.
There are public water fountains and trees for shade if you want to stop and relax while enjoying a break from the sun.
Insider tip: When you reach the half-mile stretch of golden sands along the promenade, you’ll be in a great spot for capturing a selfie with Diamond Head in the background.
The Waikiki Loop
To take in nearly everything that Waikiki has to offer, ride the 4.3-mile Waikiki Loop.
You’ll follow the flat and easy paved roadways and bike lanes, starting from the Duke Kahanamoku statue.
Ride along Kalakaua Avenue toward Kapiolani Park.
After passing the Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain, you’ll turn left on Paki Avenue, riding the shared-use path along the park side.
Passing the Honolulu Zoo, you might catch a glimpse of the giraffes.
After gawking at those long-necked creatures, you’ll reach Kapahulu Avenue, crossing to access the designated bike lane running alongside the Ala Wai Canal where views of the Koolau Mountains are revealed in the distance.
Continue to Olohana Street, turning right onto Kuhio Avenue, walking your bike across to Waikiki Gateway Park.
From there, you can roll through the bike lane down Kalakaua Avenue, passing Fort DeRussy Beach Park, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and the International Marketplace.
Queen Kapiolani Regional Park
Enjoy an easy but scenic route by following the 1.5-mile loop around the oldest and largest public park in the city, Queen Kapiolani, providing an oasis of tranquility among Waikiki’s bustling cityscapes.
A crown jewel tucked between the famous neighborhood and the stunning silhouette of Diamond Head, it lies next to the white powdery sands of Queen’s Beach, popular for swimming and snorkeling with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The smooth, paved path will bring you through lush landscapes while leading to notable statues such as the Queen Kapiolani statue, with vast lawns for picnics providing the perfect break from pedaling.
There are often concerts, cultural activities, and local events here to catch too.
Waikiki to Diamond Head State Monument
For more experienced riders, you might pedal the approximately three miles from Queen Kapiolani Park to the Diamond Head State Monument and then hike to the top for that epic panoramic view of Waikiki and the coastline.
Riding the bike lane along Kalakaua Avenue next to the park, you’ll continue straight from the water fountain riding by the historic homes on Coconut Avenue to Diamond Head Road.
By turning right and climbing to the top, you’ll enjoy an exceptional view of the 57-foot-high Diamond Head Lighthouse nestled on the cliffs.
After taking in that vista, continue on Diamond Head Road which winds along the crater leading to the Diamond Head State Monument entrance.
Once inside the crater, park your bike and hike to the top with your reward the vista of Waikiki and the southern coastline and the endless blue of the Pacific.
Now that you know where to ride, you’ll want to know where to pick up that rental bike in Waikiki.
Where to Rent a Bike in Waikiki
Biki bike-sharing program
Biki bike stops can be found throughout Waikiki, just look for a row of aqua-blue bicycles.
There’s one located right between the Waikiki Business Plaza and the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping mall in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza making it especially convenient for those staying at FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII HOTEL
But you’ll find many other pickup and drop-off access points through the neighborhood and Honolulu, making it incredibly convenient to cycle here.
Download the Biki app to find the stations and then simply follow the prompts on the screen, swiping your credit card to unlock a bike.
You can return it to any bike stop, simply pushing the bike into an empty dock which will secure it.
GoGo Rental
Located in the heart of Waikiki just a mile from the Waikiki Business Plaza, GoGo Rental is one of the most highly rated options for bike rentals in Honolulu.
It offers a wide range of rental options, including both standard bikes and e-bikes with add-ons available like kids’ seats for families.
All rentals include a lock, helmet, and mount.
The Bike Shop
It has a reputation for outstanding service and includes a lock and helmet with every rental.
Of course, you’ll need to understand the bike laws and ride safely before starting your ride.
Waikiki Bike Laws & Safety Tips
You’ll find the biking regulations for the city and county of Honolulu here. It’s a good idea to review all the rules, but one of the most important is not riding on the sidewalks in the business districts. That includes Waikiki and the downtown area.
Ride in designated bike lanes or on bike paths whenever possible. When they aren’t present, travel on the roadway.
Always yield to pedestrians, use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, walk your bike through crosswalks, and obey all traffic signs and signals.
Be sure to come to a complete stop at stop signs just like a motor vehicle is required to do.
Stay safe by always wearing a helmet (required for those under 16 but highly recommended for everyone).
Don’t ride while wearing noise-canceling headphones and always be mindful of your surroundings.
Follow Your Whims and Look Forward to Unforgettable Adventures!
While we’ve provided plenty of options for cycling in Waikiki, you can always follow your whims, which can bring some of the most unforgettable adventures.
You might just discover your favorite mural, a spectacular viewpoint, and out-of-the-way gems for everything from a latte or a local beer to artisan-made chocolates.
