enjoyed authentically made tacos and tamales and talkedstory at a 5-star Yelp reviewed Mexican Café near Pa‘auilo. The night was spent at a B&B near Waipio Valley, with breathtaking views, fabulous food, and plenty aloha. Honoka‘a to Waikoloa Village The last 40 miles were filled with rolling climbs on old Māmalahoa Highway through forested lands and a gradual descent to grasslands and pastures. Neighbors and friends spotted the intrepid riders as they traveled through Waimea in their signature jerseys. With only a few more miles left of their 239-mile journey, the cyclists traveled the long, wide-open stretches of Māmalahoa Highway and then made a speedy descent into Waikoloa Village. “No rain and no injuries and only two flat tires,” cyclist Lillian exclaimed to her fellow riders, while sipping a celebratory iced tea in Waikoloa Village. The Ka‘apuni group is not a formal cycling club—itʻs open to both visitors and residents who enjoy cycling. Their regular riders include residents of Hawai‘i Island and also Alaska, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Canada. Recent cyclists visiting from Girona, Spain have joined their rides, as well. The group has also joined together to go on cycling vacations including Catalonia, Spain and is planning future trips to Croatia, Japan, and/or Tahiti. ■ All photos courtesy of Ka‘apuni da Big Island
KeOlaMagazine.com | September-October 2021
For more information: Lillian Lim: LillianYLim@yahoo.com
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The Kaÿapuni group riding through South Kona.
