It all started somewhere around 1993. My first motorcycle was a very used Honda CB360T. I think it was a 1976 model, but to be honest, I'm not totally sure anymore. It was basic fun transportation in college until I wrecked it being over exuberant (read stupid) in an area where I should not have been.
I bought my Harley Davidson Sportster in 1997. I bombed around the near-home counties on it and trailered it on a few vacations, but never did more than that. Wanting to start to try touring, I bought a 2001 Harley Davidson Superglide T-Sport. That is where this touring journey really started. Other bikes followed, all with a touring bent: Harley Electraglide, Honda ST1300, Honda Goldwing, Triumph Trophy.
And now I have ridden a motorcycle in all 50 states! The previous 49 were all to and through on my own motorcycle, so Hawaii will always have an asterisk after it, but this has been a life goal for a long time.
We headed out to Kona in the morning. There are two places that rent motorcycles on the Big Island and the "other" place has a very unfriendly cancellation policy so Harley Davidson it is; too many things can go wrong during travel. Anyways, a Harley is what this whole touring adventure was started on so it is only fitting that the goal is completed on a Harley.
We dropped our car off at Big Island Harley Davidson and after a good breakfast down the street, we picked up a 2016 Electraglide to rent for the day. We left and headed north out of Kona. Riding through the vast barren lava fields north of KOA Airport was almost surreal. We tried to get pictures, but they didn't do the vastness justice.
Once out of the Kona area, traffic thinned considerably and most cars kept the pace up near the speed limit. We stopped a few times to take pictures of the bike and us with the bike to commemorate the 50-State milestone.
We rode about as far north on the island as we could. We also stopped at the Lapakahi State Historic Park. We only looked around for a short time. The shoreline was craggy with higher waves than the previous day. In addition to the black lava, there was considerable coral on the "beach" as well.
We looped around on HI250 going through verdant green ranch land into Wimea and on to Waipio Valley. We were not planning on taking the rented Electraglide down the treacherous Waipio Valley Road, but even if we wanted to, it was closed due to the local dengue fever threat. A police officer was even stationed there to prevent anyone from descending the 4wd road. The valley itself was very picturesque, but the vog was considerable making the view and pictures less than ideal. Perhaps we'll try to come back on a later day if it appears clearer.
Leaving Waipio Valley, we headed south. This part of the island has many gulches that were spectacular to ride through. Lush tropical foliage contrasts with the barren dryer western side of the island. Many rivers and streams also push out into the Pacific Ocean.
One of the streams forms the 442 foot Akaka waterfall which is now a state park. The park is done well, with about a half mile paved walking loop that brought us through what looked like a rain forest. Plants with enormous leaves, otherworldly trees and impossibly sized bamboo surrounded us on the short walk. Akaka Falls were spectacular, even if the volume of water is less than impressive.
We made our way down to Hilo and saw a sign for a scenic drive. Not being pressed for time, we went through the approximately four mile route. Again, the tropical foliage was impressive and was so thick that there was very little light in some places.
Getting through the rest of Hilo traffic was less fun, but eventually we stopped for gas, just as the rain started. The rain didn't appear to be too heavy at the gas stop so the plan was to head back to the Hideaway before venturing out later and eating early in the evening. But the rain continued and increased, the radar showing just a small shower directly over the southern part of the island. We got back to the Hideaway just as it turned into a deluge and continued for over an hour.
It isn't a real motorcycle trip without some rain.
It rained until near dark and neither of us felt like getting wet again or suiting up in rain gear, so instead of going out to eat, we just ate what we had before turning in for the night.
Going to sleep, it felt great to know that we've achieved a motorcycling touring milestone.
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