jrn

Hi folks,
I've been reading this forum for a long time and just now decided to do an intro. I have learned so much from ya'll and greatly appreciate the knowledge everyone here shares with everyone! Anyway I just got a job in downtown honolulu and did a dry run on my commute this weekend - it's a ten mile commute each way with about half of it on a MUP and half on a street with no bike lane. I hope to start doing it regularly this week after I work out the kinks - where to shower, how to convince my wife that it's not really dangerous, where to secure the bike, etc.
Biking has been my favorite activity since I can remember. I commuted for 5-6 years and raced for a few and am now just getting back into the full swing of biking regularly after being in the army for a while and not really living in places where it was safe to bike. Anyway, I am very excited to get back into my passion and also am very excited to join the online community of bikers.
Thanks,
Murphy

East Hill

Hello jrn, it looks as if you have successfully found your way around the board, so enjoy your commute in HNL. It's certainly one way to help overcome the high cost of living in Hawaii . Take photos of your commute--I'd love to see pictures of an Oahu commute.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

jrn

Thanks for the welcome East hill! Are there any others in HI that want to give a shout out?

East Hill

There's actually a few here...I'm surprised they haven't stopped by yet. There's at least five members who are located in Hawaii.

East Hill

jyossarian

Check out the commuting forum and welcome to BF!

Sprocket Man

Aloha from Honolulu! Good luck on your commute. At that distance, you'll probably be getting to your destination faster than if you were in a car. Have fun!

geekaleek

aloha

jrn

Thanks for the welcome! Any of you commute from ewa side to honolulu? I'll be coming from Aiea and once off the MUP take dillingham to king st, which seems a little crowded with traffic. I was wondering if there is a better way to get downtown.

crtreedude 

Hi,

I am actually down around the 10th parallel but I hear our climates are similar.

McDave

Is there still a Dole pineapple processing plant in Honolulu? Man, talk about a wonderful smell. Bakeries can't even come close. Friends just don't get my affinity for grilled pineapple.

I hope your route takes you by the plant if it's still there. Aloha!

jrn

Hmmm...I'll have to look into that!

McDave

It's been 35 years since I've been there but I remember it was on that main road (Nimitz?) a couple miles west of the Ala Moana shopping center. Sure brings back fond memories.

Sprocket Man

I don't commute from that side, but I'm very familiar with the area. If I had your commute, here's what I would do:

After you pass the airport, cross over to the other side (Makai side) of Nimitz at Lagoon Drive. The bike path continues along Nimitz and eventually narrows to a sidewalk. Turn right on Sand Island Access Road (after Aloha Power Equipment) and continue until you pass the strip mall on the left then make a left at Auiki St.. Continue on Auiki until it turns into Libby St. which reconnects with Nimitz. This will take you a little out of your way, but you bypass the most congested part of Nimitz. And take Nimitz all the way up to the Aloha Tower Marketplace then turn into downtown.

I would avoid Dillingham altogether. The roads are pretty bad and extremely narrow - especially when you get closer to Eki Cyclery.

I envy you. I'd love to commute by bike but I have a little one I drop off at school so I need that car. Good luck!

Sprocket Man

The cannery closed a while ago (I'm guessing 15 years or so) and has been converted into a shopping mall, theatres and commercial office space. They eventually took down the pineapple-shaped water tower too.

I agree - it was a wonderful smell!

Central_Rider

Howzit? Welcome to the forums. I have to agree with Sprocket Man. Dillingham can be a little sketchy. Unless you'll be commuting early in the morning. The bypass suggestion is good, but watch for delivery trucks. They drive a bit too fast through there. I wish I could commute to work, but I'm in Mililani and I'd have to pass through Kipapa Gulch at around 3:30am.

jrn

Wow! Thanks for the advice with the route guys. I was spockin it on a map and it looks promising, can't wait to try it. My wife works in downtown also so I think I can have her carry my junk in her car and then I'll throw my bike in the trunk, get my junk out and then walk to work and shower. Sounds like a nice plan, until someone throws a wrench in it

bac

Many welcomes, Murphy!

... Brad

crtreedude 

I think the pineapples made their way here - being behind a truck hauling pineapples to processing can cause you to start drooling on yourself.

jrn

Edit - I almost forgot, I tried the route you guys suggested. It was a huuge improvement! The only problem is Nimitz has an @ssload of road debris and I actually got a flat I'll have to be really careful on the way to work.

Hey guys,
I thought I'd post a few pics of my most prized possesion! Take a look -

(click to make bigger)