We present the second half of the fifth and final installment in our series, “Trip Notes from Five Riding Duos.”What kind of event is the Honolulu Century Ride? This 160 km ride diary that unpacks the experience comes from photographer and cyclist Eigo Shimojo. Enjoy it together with a rich collection of locally flavored, atmosphere-filled photos. 4 Nights, 6 Days / Kamehameha Road on the Southern Isles — the Classic Route Was Even More Classic Than ImaginedNote by_Eigo Shimojo DAY_4／September 28 (Sun) At 5:00 a.m., riders begin gathering at Kapiʻolani Park under a pre-dawn sky shaded deep purple. At last, it’s HCR day. Even though it’s a fun ride event, the tension before the start fills th […]

This series brings you trip notes from riders taking part in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.In this final fifth installment, we present a photo report by Eigo Shimojo, whose work—including The Japanese Odyssey and his Rhône River ride journals—has long connected him with cyclists and cycling routes around the world. The collection is filled with quintessential “Hawaii” and “America” ride photos. We’d love to share even more, but page space is limited… or is it? That will have to wait for another occasion. This is a true gem of a photo report—perfect for fueling your daydreams of the 2026 Honolulu Century Ride. Note by Eigo Shimojo One sweltering midsummer day in 2025, a request arrived from […]

On the morning of September 27—the day before the 2025 Honolulu Century Ride—Ala Moana Park lay beneath a beautifully clear blue sky and gentle sunlight. But instead of cyclists astride their bikes, it was dignified figures mounted on splendid horses who waited on the park’s lawn. The horses, like the people gathered around them, were adorned with flowers in a riot of colors. At 9:00 a.m., the perfectly synchronized drums of a marching band echoed through the air, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd. This was the Floral Parade, an event that began in 1946 and marked its 77th edition in 2025. Celebrating Hawaiian culture, fostering its transmission to younger generations, and sharing its […]

This series presents Honolulu ride trip notes from riders participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.In this fourth installment, we feature Daisaku Kawase, Communication Director of Global Ride and a television producer, who is taking part in the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) for the third time. With extensive experience in ride events across Japan, Kawase prefers to travel with his own bike whenever possible, relishing the freedom of exploring destinations by pedaling through them. He delights in local cuisine just as much as riding, seeking out great neighborhood spots along the way. On race day, his approach to HCR feels less like a competition and more like an extension of a cycling j […]

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: […]

This is the second installment in our series featuring trip notes from riders participating in the Honolulu Century Ride 2025.Our guest this time is Kinuyo, a passionate cyclist who has joined the HCR many times and loves Hawaii so much that she often visits with her family. As a tour support staff member for Tobu Top Tours, she is admired by many riders for her wealth of cycling knowledge and warm communication.Every year, she rides the full HCR course on her road bike—but this year, she decided, “I want to ride with my daughters!” Her plan: to place her 7-year-old on the back seat of an e-bike and have her 12-year-old pedal on her own. Joined by her husband, who would tackle the full round […]

To everyone still basking in the afterglow of the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), and to those cyclists who couldn’t join this year—this month we bring you a special series of first-hand ride journals written by the participants themselves. Five groups of riders, each crossing the finish line in their own style, share their experiences of the HCR along with stories from the days they spent in Honolulu before and after the event. How did they make the most of their stay? What did they eat, see, and feel throughout their trip? The first story comes from Naohiko Matsumoto, who is approaching seventy and has completed the HCR 100-mile course—160 km—seven times.A former classmate and long-time frien […]

As early summer vibes start to make their way across Japan, I can’t help but think of Hawaii—especially after covering the Honolulu Century Ride.There’s just something about that place… Don’t you think Hawaii has a way of resetting you, just by being there? Sure, fancy restaurants and lively shopping can be fun, but one of Hawaii’s greatest charms is how simply spending a day there can lift your spirits and make you feel light and free. That said, I want to hike up mountains, swim in the ocean, go on a fun ride, and eat at delicious restaurants too.I mean, it is Hawaii, after all! (Can’t have it both ways, huh?) Registration is now open for the Honolulu Century Ride, which takes you through […]