This series features trip notes from riders participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.
In this installment, we introduce Tats, editor-in-chief of the Japanese cycling media outlet LOVE CYCLIST.
Through his platform, he shares reviews of cycling brands from Japan and abroad, focusing on style, gear, and ride culture—while also leading a tight-knit community that enjoys weekly rides together.
This time, drawing from his perspective as both a rider and a photographer, he reports on his 100-mile journey with friends.
How did the Hawaiian wind, local atmosphere, and shared moments on the road come together? Here’s the story told from the unique viewpoint of LOVE CYCLIST.

Two Nights, Four Days: A Gentle and Beautiful Ride with Friends
Note by_LOVE CYCLIST

Date	Itinerary
Day 1	Travel	Night: Depart from Haneda Airport
Day 2	Travel	AM: Arrive in Honolulu
	Registration	PM: Pick up race bib
	Sightseeing	Evening: Waikiki Sightseeing
Day 3	Event	Participate in Honolulu Century Ride 2025
Day 4	Sightseeing	AM: Waikiki Sightseeing
	Travel	PM: Depart from Honolulu
	Travel	Night: Arrive in Haneda Airport

The Honolulu Century Ride is one of the largest overseas cycling events with a significant number of Japanese participants, so I had always wanted to experience it someday. This time, through a fortunate opportunity, three members from LOVE CYCLIST joined together.
Due to scheduling constraints, our trip was a short two nights and four days, but since our hotel was close to both the bib pickup site and the event venue, we still had time to stroll around Waikiki once we arrived.
If your schedule allows, I recommend spending at least three nights and five days—you’ll have a full extra day to explore Honolulu.
The time difference between Tokyo and Honolulu is minus 19 hours, but it didn’t feel too disruptive, so even with this short itinerary, we had no issues with fatigue or jet lag.

Team LOVE CYCLIST

We joined the event as a three-person team. Compared with Tokyo’s midsummer, the weather in Honolulu was much milder and less humid—perfect for cycling. Although the mornings were slightly cool, a short-sleeve jersey and bib shorts were more than enough.
As for gear, we kept it simple: a puncture repair kit and some energy food were all we needed. Everything else—drinks and snacks—could be picked up at aid stations or convenience stores along the way.

September 27 (Sat)

After an eight-hour flight from Haneda, we arrived in Honolulu—everyone in high spirits.

Our hotel, the Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel, was less than a ten-minute ride from the event venue, making it easy to reach the start line in the morning.

We attached our bib numbers to our jerseys and bikes, preparing everything for a quick departure. Excitement for our very first Honolulu Century Ride carried us into sleep that night.

September 28 (Sun)

0-40km

We woke up at 4:30 a.m. and set out early to make it to the opening ceremony at 5:30.

Our destination was Kapiolani Park, the start area located along the shoreline of Waikiki Beach.
Riders started in A, B, and C groups based on ability—the front A group was almost entirely Japanese. The opening announcements were given in both Japanese and English, which made us feel warmly welcomed by the local organizers.

Around 6:00, the countdown began, and the front group surged off faster than expected. Several pacelines formed quickly as riders raced through the city streets. It was exhilarating to ride at high speed through a foreign city—the excitement among everyone was palpable.

After leaving the urban area, a fairly steep climb awaited us. With our legs already warmed up, the lead riders ascended smoothly.

Beyond that was a newly added route overlooking Hanauma Bay, offering the most breathtaking view of the entire course. It was the kind of place where you’d rather ease off the pedals to fully take in the scenery than push your pace.

At the first aid station, we were treated to fried donuts and fruit—a relaxed breakfast with the morning sun rising behind Diamond Head. Suddenly, sprinklers around the area switched on, soaking several parked bikes in a comical, very “Hawaiian” moment.

40-80km

Makapu‘u Point lies ahead, once again after a climb. The course stretches all the way to the land across the sea…!

Although traffic is heavy, many sections have bike lanes, making it easier to ride.

After passing the second aid station, we continue at a high pace (there’s still energy left in the first half). In a short distance, the course passes along the coast, through jungle areas, and high-end residential neighborhoods—so many different landscapes appear that it never gets boring.

The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic, so the mountains have unusual shapes. Seeing the mountain ranges for the first time gives a real sense of being in a foreign land.

The highlight of the latter part of the course is the Kamehameha Highway. You can ride your bike right along the ocean. The color of the sea is so striking it takes your breath away. At this point, it really hits you: “I’m really in Hawaii,” with colors that make your heart leap.

The 80 km turnaround point. After pushing hard to get here, it’s time to take a longer break and enjoy the event atmosphere.

80-120km

From here, we turn back. I had planned to slow the pace a bit on the return to enjoy the local atmosphere, and immediately ran into a coffee wagon (just the moment I desperately wanted coffee…!).

A gentle space perfectly described by the phrase “an unhurried rhythm”—it’s wonderful. And it’s not just here; the whole of Hawaii has that kind of vibe.

Around a single coffee wagon, countless stories intersect. It’s so comfortable that I ended up staying for over 30 minutes.

The return route basically follows the same path as the outbound, but in some places you’re guided onto slightly different roads. Seeing the scenery from a different angle keeps everything feeling fresh (and as fatigue gradually builds, there’s no need to overexert).

Prominent signboards are set up along the course, so there’s no risk of getting lost.

120-160km

By the 120 km mark, fatigue was definitely showing on my face. The aid stations alone don’t provide enough salty food, so I stopped by a convenience store to add a hamburger. Thanks to infrastructure like this scattered along the route, there’s no worry about hitting the wall.

Seeing the signs for the aid stations is always a relief.

When I spotted the park at the start point, I thought, “I’m back!”

Safely across the finish line! The staff greeted us warmly.

I rode 100 miles! Once I started goofing around on the saddle, the 100 miles felt over in no time. Traffic along the course was generally heavy, but with well-maintained bike lanes and no need for two-stage left turns, it’s amazing how well cyclists and cars coexist.
One thing I’d reflect on is going too fast in the first half… but hey, it’s also fun to push hard when you’re enjoying yourself.

After returning to the hotel and freshening up, I headed out into Waikiki at night. Since it was the last night, I made sure to visit shops unique to Hawaii, have a drink, and leave no regrets.

September 29 (Monday)

The next morning was free in the late morning, so I enjoyed Waikiki Beach just a little. Although I felt the trip was coming to an end, everyone felt happy and uplifted by the open, sunlit atmosphere of Waikiki Beach during the day.

A gentle and beautiful riding experience you can only get in Honolulu.

My first 100-mile ride in Hawaii was incredibly calm, both in terms of the climate and the people, allowing me to enjoy the entire experience with complete peace of mind.
The event organization was meticulous, with well-stocked aid stations and clear guidance everywhere, making it clear that the priority is for participants to simply enjoy riding.
At the same time, island time flows slowly, and every moment was so beautiful that I wanted to capture it in a photo.

I feel that the Honolulu Century Ride is an event full of kindness that lets you purely enjoy cycling.
I hope our team can return to this island again next year.

Profile

Tats Shimizu
 A photo and videographer and editor-in-chief of the cycling media outlet LOVE CYCLIST. With 12 years of experience in the sport bike scene, he enjoys exploring the sports bike industry—mainly road bikes—from a marketing perspective. He has worked extensively on shoots for domestic and international bicycle brands, maintains a broad network of connections, and proposes various cycling styles through media channels. His main bikes are a Standert (road) and a Factor (gravel).

Post Date：2025.11.17