What Is the Honolulu Century Ride and How Can I Participate?
The Honolulu Century Ride is Hawai‘i's largest cycling event, held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at Kapi‘olani Park. It is a ride, not a race, open to all skill levels, with route options of 25, 50, 75, or the full 100 miles. You participate by registering in advance; an optional "Bike and Bus" add-on lets you ride one way and take a bus back to the park. As the Hawai‘i Bicycling League's largest fundraiser, registration fees support advocacy and education efforts across the state.
Event Basics
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, September 27, 2026 |
| Start location | Kapi‘olani Park |
| Format | Ride, not a race |
| Route options | 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles |
| Skill level | All skill levels welcome |
| Add-on | Bike and Bus (ride one way, bus back to the park) |
| Purpose | HBL's largest fundraiser, supporting advocacy and education statewide |
What the Route Offers
According to HBL, riders travel a car-free Kaiwi Coast, the backroads of Waimānalo, and up the beautiful windward coast. The car-free section along the Kaiwi Coast is a notable feature for riders who want to focus on the scenery and their own pace rather than traffic.
How to Participate
- Choose your distance. Decide between 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles based on your fitness and experience. Because it is not a race, there is no pressure to hit a specific time.
- Register. Registration is handled through HBL's event page. HBL notes that registering helps support advocacy and education efforts across Hawai‘i, since this is the organization's largest fundraiser.
- Consider the Bike and Bus add-on. If you want to ride only one direction, this option lets you bike one way and catch a bus back to Kapi‘olani Park.
- Prepare for the day. The event draws thousands of riders, so plan your arrival at Kapi‘olani Park accordingly and come ready for a full day on the bike if you choose a longer route.
Why It Matters Beyond the Ride
The Honolulu Century Ride is more than a personal challenge. As HBL's biggest fundraiser, it funds the organization's advocacy and education work across the state. If you care about safer streets and bike-friendly infrastructure in Hawai‘i, your registration directly contributes to that mission.
Other Ways to Get Involved
If you are not riding, HBL also seeks volunteers for the event, with help especially needed on ride day (Sunday 9/27). Volunteering is an alternative way to support the event and the organization.
Common Questions
Do I need to be an experienced cyclist? No. The event welcomes riders of all skill levels, and the multiple distance options let you pick a route that matches your ability.
Is it timed or competitive? No. HBL describes it explicitly as a ride and not a race.
Can I ride only part of the way? Yes. You can select a shorter route (25, 50, or 75 miles), and the Bike and Bus add-on supports one-way riding with a return bus to the park.
Where do I register or find more information? Registration and full event details are available through HBL's website, hbl.org, on the Honolulu Century Ride event page.