"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Hawaii and Bike Racing?

My wife and I always talk about how cool it would be to just pick up and move to Hawaii. Honestly, my one, big, main hold up is the cycling.

I know there is plenty of nice riding over there, but the racing is limited isn't it? Racing is my life. I absolutely love it and it would be one of the main things keeping me from moving.

Does anyone have any info on the cycling community over there. I know there are a few clubs and even a stage race, but seriously, how much racing and serious riding is going on over there?

Seems to be mostly tri's and running events, but there's a few RR's and crits..

http://runningroomhawaii.com/races/2009.html#top

contact donnie arnoult here: http://www.gocyclingmaui.com/background.html

I rode with him a few years back when visiting maui, he was a top notch guy and is dialed into the bicycling scene in that part of the world. however, I would suspect that racing is pretty scarce without taking a long plane ride.

I've known quite a few people that have moved there, none of them have lasted even a year... I guess locals give outsiders a pretty hard time.

contact donnie arnoult here: http://www.gocyclingmaui.com/background.html

I rode with him a few years back when visiting maui, he was a top notch guy and is dialed into the bicycling scene in that part of the world. however, I would suspect that racing is pretty scarce without taking a long plane ride.

Thanks. That is what I was afraid of. I just don't know if I am ready to give up racing as much as I do.

Goes to show how cycling can take over your life.

Yea, I'd give up near perfect weather, white beaches, blue water, great surfing, laid-back relaxed lifetyle, fresh seafood, awesome fishing, and being the envy of everyone on the mainland so I can do the local Tuesday nighter and the occasional road race... COME ON!

^ I would. Seriously.

I would. Fishing doesn't interest me. I don't know how to surf. And it's difficult to ride a bike on the beach.

I've known quite a few people that have moved there, none of them have lasted even a year... I guess locals give outsiders a pretty hard time.

Yeah that Kill ***** Day thing doesn't sound so much like the Aloah spirit.

Yeah that Kill ***** Day thing doesn't sound so much like the Aloah spirit.

I lived on Grand Cayman for a year. At times I miss it, but at times I'm glad to be back on the mainland.

Yea, I'd give up near perfect weather, white beaches, blue water, great surfing, laid-back relaxed lifetyle, fresh seafood, awesome fishing, and being the envy of everyone on the mainland so I can do the local Tuesday nighter and the occasional road race... COME ON!

LOL. Those are the main reasons we would actually consider moving. We love Hawaii but there are some down sides.

I know it sounds crazy, but I do love racing/riding that much. We have a good life where we live. A nice home, good jobs, lots of riding and lots of racing close by. Cycling and racing is my biggest hobby and it has taken over my life. I think I would really miss racing.

Is there any Hawaii riders/racers on here?

One guy on our team Lives in HI year round, but comes back to Ohio June-August to get crit racing season in.

My wife and I always talk about how cool it would be to just pick up and move to Hawaii. Honestly, my one, big, main hold up is the cycling.

I know there is plenty of nice riding over there, but the racing is limited isn't it? Racing is my life. I absolutely love it and it would be one of the main things keeping me from moving.

Does anyone have any info on the cycling community over there. I know there are a few clubs and even a stage race, but seriously, how much racing and serious riding is going on over there?

If you want variety and safe routes good luck. I've taken my bike to Oahu, the Big Island, and Maui, and while there are a few spectacular routes to ride, the islands aren't bike friendly given narrow roads, unfriendly traffic, and for the most part a limited set of ride options on any given island.

I think you'd be better served going there on vacation than living there if cycling is your religion.

Check out Mike Zagorski's blog and email him. There is racing in Hawaii:
http://www.mikezagorski.com/

I think you'd be better served going there on vacation than living there if cycling is your religion.

I agree. Planning a trip as we speak!!!


Jrennie: Thanks for the link.

Hawaii person here. The road racing scene is only decent on Oahu. Lot of riders in Kona too, but mostly triathletes. I haven't done any road races in many years, but when I used to compete, I had a blast. However, if you're coming from a location that has a large amount of races and a lot of teams, you'll probably be disappointed with what Hawaii has to offer.


I've known quite a few people that have moved there, none of them have lasted even a year... I guess locals give outsiders a pretty hard time.

Not necessarily true. Of course, there are certain neighborhoods that outsiders should be wary of, but that's true about practically every major city. If you mingle with and live among people who are more educated and are financially better off, you won't find as much prejudice based on your place of origin or your race. Most of the people here, including myself, have no problem with people moving here from out of state.

Most people who leave Hawaii do so because it's so damn expensive to live here. Back in 2007, my wife and I paid nearly $1 mil. for a 15 year old, 4 bed, 2.5 bath home with a little over 2,000 sq. feet under roof. In most places in the continental U.S., you'd probably pay about half that for something comparable. Also, we pay probably 20% to 40% more for food and gasoline.

And Hawaii's pay scales are screwy compared to the mainland. Our blue collar workers are paid much more than their counterparts on the mainland, and white collar workers, particularly professionals, are paid much much less. My next door neighbor is a stevedore - he unloads ships for a living. He didn't attend college. He pulled in over $200k last year (I do his taxes). He's not even 30 years old and he owns a million dollar home and drives a brand new Lexus. Meanwhile, my eye doctor attended some very prestigious mainland schools for his undergraduate and medical school degrees, but he can't afford to buy a home. He told me if he didn't get a tuition waiver for his daughter to attend Punahou, he wouldn't be able to afford the tuition there.

Most people come to Hawaii with pictures of paradise in their head, but quickly learn that Honolulu is a big city, just like almost any other big city on the mainland. The only difference is that our weather is a little nicer and you have to work twice as hard just to be able to afford the roof over your head and put food on the table. Think long and hard before you decide to come here, and be prepared to arrive here with a lot of money. You're going to need it.

I lived on Oahu for four years (off and on - Navy). I have returned several times on occasional visits. What is posted immediately above is the truth. If I had a bunch of money I would probably live somewhere in the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately I don't so I don't.

I wouldn't want to pick up and just leave the mainland. Why leave everything behind?

Imagine how expensive it would be to visit family. Yikes. And what a long plane trip too. I'm sure there are plenty of beautiful places on the mainland that would not sacrifice racing that would meet your needs.

I know it's "Hawai'i" but don't let a romantic notion rule in a very important decision. When you live there, it's not a permanent vacation, just a different backdrop for your regular life.

Thanks for all the replies. I was just interested in what people thought. We will just keep visiting and enjoying it.

On the other side of the Pacific, we have nice weather, surfing, and slightly less expensive houses...in San Diego. Plenty of racing, lots of great roads, and a more normal economic situtation in terms of jobs and salaries. I moved here 30 years ago for racing, riding, and oh yeah a new job.

+1 for san diego. Especially north San Diego County.

On the other side of the Pacific, we have nice weather, surfing, and slightly less expensive houses...in San Diego. Plenty of racing, lots of great roads, and a more normal economic situtation in terms of jobs and salaries. I moved here 30 years ago for racing, riding, and oh yeah a new job.

We are from Manhattan Beach before we moved to Nevada. Cali wouldn't be happening agian.

We just thought Ha sounded fun. I am 36 (tomorrow as a matter a fact..LOL) and my wife is 32. Sometimes we get that wild hair and talk about packing up everything and just leaving ya know.