Riding Into the Headwind
— Editor M’s Honolulu Century Ride 2026 Story —

The Honolulu Century Ride 2026 has come to a close.

After leaving behind Japan’s lingering summer weather, I had hoped to report back with an enthusiastic, “So this is Hawaii…!” But this year, with Hurricane Nolo approaching the islands, we were greeted by winds strong enough to make us wonder whether the event might be canceled. According to the data, average wind speeds at the start were around 18 m/s.

Pedaling somewhere between feeling discouraged and refusing to give in, I found myself contemplating both the forces of nature and the value of a little self-discipline. Still, on my second HCR, I managed to complete the 120 km course—setting a new personal distance record for a fun ride. Once again, mahalo to Hawaii and the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) 🫶

Strong winds, lack of training, and every other excuse that came to mind—I replaced them all with a simple thought: “This is Hawaii, and this is me.” And somehow, I made it through all 120 km.

What follows is my account of that ride—though I went so slowly that it was practically a leisurely pottering tour—for cyclists who dream of taking it easy and enjoying a ride overseas.

After all, that’s the beauty of a fun ride: enjoying it at your own pace!

The start area without the usual inflatable arch due to precautions against the strong winds. Temperature: 26°C; average wind speed: 18 m/s.
The light at dawn was simply beautiful. After riding halfway around Kapiolani Park, we headed toward Diamond Head.
Can you hear the wind?
“See you at Diamond Head!” For the first time ever on a fun ride, I actually arranged to “meet up” with someone along the way. I usually ride alone, so I was genuinely thrilled. With HCR regulars Mr. Noda and Mr. Matsumoto.

Climbing into a headwind, I spent quite a bit of time taking photos and chatting along the way. Next up was Hanauma Bay, often considered the biggest highlight of the HCR. From the highway, there are views of the mountains and residential neighborhoods, while the ocean remains constantly on your right as you ride east.

Following a father-and-child duo flying along at full speed… and there it was—Hanauma Bay!

It’s the kind of view that makes you gasp in awe. Most riders passing by are either shouting with excitement—or simply left speechless.

Rising dramatically straight ahead on the course is Koko Head. Like Diamond Head, it was formed during renewed volcanic activity tens to hundreds of thousands of years ago. The countless grooves etched into its slopes were created as layers of volcanic ash were gradually eroded by rainwater over many years.

After spending about 30 minutes at Hanauma Bay, I got back on the bike and kept pedaling, already feeling so satisfied that I could almost have turned around and called it a day.

Refueling with taro malasadas and other treats.

At 20 km (12.5 miles) from the start, after taking about one and a half times as long as I did last time thanks to all the photo stops and the headwind, I arrived just before 8:00 a.m. at Sandy Beach Park, home to the first aid station. And I discovered there’s even a bus back from here! A great option for complete beginners 🚌

I was so blown away by the natural beauty of Hanauma Bay on my first visit that, for the remaining 100 km, I found myself leisurely pedaling along with that scenery still playing over and over in my mind.

Makapuu Point, one of the course’s best photo spots. I kept the brakes firmly engaged on the descent, making sure the powerful winds didn’t blow me right off the road and into the ocean.
Flying along Kalanianaole Highway, I headed into the jungle area—my second-favorite part of the course after Hanauma Bay. Here, you catch glimpses of everyday local life in the suburbs and along the mountainside. Next time I’m in Hawaii, I’d love to explore this area more.
Already on your way back!? Have a great ride!
There are neatly planned residential neighborhoods, as well as homes that seem almost hidden among the trees. Reminiscent of Derek Jarman, the local gardens and entrances—each shaped according to its owner’s own sense of order—are endlessly fascinating.
What a relief to see those yellow course signs!
A hint of blue sky ahead.
Just after 10 a.m., the sun finally came out.

At 40 km (25 miles) from the start, I reached the second aid station at Kailua Intermediate School. Our guest riders—Taro Shirato, Alan Abe, and Daisaku Kawase—had arrived long before me, and just look at those smiles! (Photo courtesy of the team.)

The famous Matsumoto Shave Ice, banana flavor. Delicious!

From here, I headed toward the next aid station, KEY Project, 60 km (32.5 miles) from the start. Along the way, I realized I’d forgotten to turn on Ride with GPS. The moment I switched it on, the battery started draining at an alarming rate. Even with a portable battery for backup, I knew it wouldn’t last all the way to the finish, so I gave up on recording the ride. Such a basic mistake!

After getting lost, I turned around just before reaching KEY Project and found myself riding endlessly along a highway, wondering, “Where am I?” I managed to get lost again on the way back, so in the end, I certainly covered the distance—even if not quite as planned.

And then, suddenly, the ocean came into view.
What a sight—the sea sparkling in the sunlight!

At Waimanalo Beach. Starting to feel the fatigue setting in, I hauled both myself and my bike over to the beach on the other side to take some photos.
This, honestly, was the Hawaii I had been hoping to find. Thank you!
This looks just like a Hiroshi Nagai illustration! Suddenly, I can hear an Eiichi Ohtaki song playing in my head. Along the beach, other riders stop their bikes to take photos, too.

…And that was when my portable battery died.

From there, I somehow dragged myself up the climb to Makapuu Point, battled through far more ups and downs in the residential neighborhoods than I had expected, and eventually joined the OSTROY team’s paceline for the final stretch. I made it safely to the finish.

It was probably a little after 4 p.m.

I’m happy to find that, with each fun ride, I’ve been gradually adding a little more distance to my rides.

Hair a mess, kit covered in dirt—and finally, the finish! A commemorative photo with HCR regulars Kenji and Keiko. I never realized how nice it feels to have someone waiting for you at the finish… 🥹
This year’s ride made me appreciate one of the real joys of an event like HCR: meeting friends and fellow riders out on the course.

After the cloudy skies of the morning, the blazing Hawaiian sunshine felt like an even greater blessing than usual at HCR 2026.

I’m sure this year’s ride brought plenty of memorable moments and stories for everyone. We’ll be sharing more of them here on Global Ride in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned!

Text_Mayumi Kamura
Photos_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A

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Mayumi Kamura
I’m a Global Ride editor. My expertise lies in visual expressions like design, art, fashion, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to focus on my physical and mental health. I started playing tennis and resumed taking contemporary dance lessons. Considering that bicycle-related accessories often boast high design quality, I have a feeling I might become a fan during this experience.