A bicycle ride to remember

Just the other day I was excited to be the first person EVER to experience a new Waikiki "Sunset & Snack Bicycle Ride" package. It literally said 001 on my ticket -- after making my way into Waikiki, parking at the Zoo and heading down Lemon Road for my first-ever Waikiki bike ride package event. 

Hawaiian Style Rentals rents mopeds, bikes and scooters that allow you to explore Oahu from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay on two wheels. The recent launch of a new package lets you rent a new bike on the outskirts of Waikiki, pick up a healthy meal and then explore the area on your own. You can enjoy a self guided tour of Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head, etc using the convenient bike provided. Here's a look at my experience:

You pick up your bike from the office then head over to Tucker and Bevy to get your generous sized snack, they provide a helmet, that you don't have to wear, lock and bag attached to the bike.

Once you lock your bike, you head in to Tucker & Bevy picnic to grab a wrap, chips and a drink. They had a choice of caesar, smoked ahi, vegetarian and vegan wraps.

I grabbed the kale and butternut vegan wrap, which was terrific but you have to like vegetables and kale, Maui Onion chips and Waiola coconut water. YUM! There is no charge, this is included in the package. Time to head out.

I opted to head over to Diamond Head. There is a bike lane, but it is apparent that this isn't a bike friendly island because the bike lanes are a bit inconsistent and sometimes you have them and sometimes you don't. I found that motorists don't share the road with bikes. It was still fun though.

Riding along made me feel like a kid again. I used to ride my bike everywhere.

You know that little park at the base of Diamond Head that doesn't have parking and if you blink while passing you'll miss it? Well I thought this is my one chance to visit Makalei Beach Park and I did! It was so cute and quaint. I didn't realize there was a nice beach there, surfers, segway riders and passersby all gathered here to see the amazing ocean view and relax.

Great view!

Coming back down and toward Waikiki again I went past Kapiolani Park. There isn't a bike lane on this side so I rode on the asphalt path along the park and sometimes on the dirt trail beside the path. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to, but other bikes were riding along the path too. It was fun to see the characters in the park and the various types of people walking and running by.

The staff at HSRS is friendly, well informed, and eager to offer any help or assistance. If you are headed over from Kapahulu area they are located at the end of the street, you will see the bikes and mopeds on the road on the right hand side.

Overall, I had a wonderful time! The package is around $37 and includes the bike, meal and sunset -- of which I wasn't able to hang out and see because I am co-chairing the 2015 AIDS Walk in April, so I had to rush off to a board meeting. I know the sunset experience would be an awesome one. This would make for a great adventure, date or just something different to do with friends, solo or with a group. I rarely have the chance to relax, get some light exercise on  bike and take in the beauty that is Hawaii. I would do this again for sure and thought the meal you get a Tucker & Bevy was a nice touch! The guys told me you can even bring the bike back after hours so you don't feel limited on time. 

Here is a link to Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales:  http://www.hawaiianstylerentals.com