September 28 (Sun), 6:15 a.m. / Temperature about 25 °C
This year, the Honolulu Century Ride started at sunrise as always. From start to finish, it was a ride under summer-like sunny skies, and the brilliance of the sea and the sky felt like the ultimate gift. Many riders paused again and again to take photos. The newly added Hanauma Bay route, which returned this year, offered breathtaking coastal views that truly evoke “the great nature of Hawaiʻi.” With riders’ radiant smiles, cheers, and sighs, we present the full panorama of HCR 2025 in this photo album.
First, enjoy Part 1, covering the first half (up to 40 km) of the 80 km outward leg, showcasing the “Ike nani / ʻIke Nani” (Hawaiian for “good view”). The Photo Album — Part 2 is available here!
Text_Global Ride Editorial Team Photo_HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE / HM-A
01 Start Point
The start is at Kapiʻolani Park, along Waikīkī Beach. From just after 5 a.m., riders began to gather, and as the sun rose the energy gradually intensified.
On-site check-in tents. Volunteer staff joined from early morning to help run the event.
On-site check-in tents. Volunteer staff joined from early morning to help run the event.
On-site check-in tents. Volunteer staff joined from early morning to help run the event.
At the VIP tent beside the start, light refreshments and coffee were served.
At the VIP tent beside the start, light refreshments and coffee were served.
At the VIP tent beside the start, light refreshments and coffee were served.
Ran into a regular rider couple 🤙
Ran into a regular rider couple 🤙
Ran into a regular rider couple 🤙
The TOKINO team, looking cool in their matching jerseys.
The TOKINO team, looking cool in their matching jerseys.
The TOKINO team, looking cool in their matching jerseys.
Spotted the familiar team we met last year — riding together again!
Spotted the familiar team we met last year — riding together again!
Spotted the familiar team we met last year — riding together again!
A team that showed powerful, energetic riding!
A team that showed powerful, energetic riding!
A team that showed powerful, energetic riding!
The sun begins to rise.
The sun begins to rise.
The sun begins to rise.
Mr. Travis Counsell, Executive Director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, which organizes the event.
Mr. Travis Counsell, Executive Director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, which organizes the event.
Mr. Travis Counsell, Executive Director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, which organizes the event.
Opening ceremony speeches by Honolulu’s mayoral chief of staff, a Hawaii state House representative, the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu, and a vice president of Japan Airlines — a sign of the event’s local prominence.
Opening ceremony speeches by Honolulu’s mayoral chief of staff, a Hawaii state House representative, the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu, and a vice president of Japan Airlines — a sign of the event’s local prominence.
Opening ceremony speeches by Honolulu’s mayoral chief of staff, a Hawaii state House representative, the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu, and a vice president of Japan Airlines — a sign of the event’s local prominence.
The moment just before the start—
The moment just before the start—
The moment just before the start—
and from here, each rider begins their journey.
and from here, each rider begins their journey.
and from here, each rider begins their journey.
02_Diamond Head
Diamond Head is the first lookout point. Around this spot, the sun fully emerges over the horizon. No matter how many times you see it, it’s a moment you want to photograph.
Tandem bicycles spotted — enjoyable, or perhaps more challenging than they look?
Tandem bicycles spotted — enjoyable, or perhaps more challenging than they look?
Tandem bicycles spotted — enjoyable, or perhaps more challenging than they look?
03_Kahala
A quiet, coastal resort area lined with upscale homes. Riders pass between white fences and Tudor-style historic houses surrounded by tropical blooms.
04_kalanianaole HYW
In the first half, the incline is mild; in the second half, the slopes can be surprisingly steep. Every year, this highway is closed off to vehicle traffic and used only by riders, making it safe and enjoyable.
05_Hawaii kai
Next comes a serene residential area framed by sea and mountains. Marinas and beaches dot the landscape, conveying the peaceful rhythm of local life.
06_HanaumaBay_Kahauloa
At last, the awaited Hanauma Bay. After a slight climb, the descent reveals a breathtaking view—in a course like no other in the world. One hopes this ocean-adjacent route continues in future years.
The exposed rock face of Koko Head, reminding us of the power of time and nature
The exposed rock face of Koko Head, reminding us of the power of time and nature
The exposed rock face of Koko Head, reminding us of the power of time and nature
07_Sandy Beach
Riding along the shoreline toward the first aid station at Sandy Beach Park (approximately 20 km / 12.5 miles from the start). One hallmark of the Honolulu Century Ride is the warm smiles and friendliness of the volunteer staff.
One of the hallmarks of the Honolulu Century Ride is the volunteers’ warm smiles and friendliness.
One of the hallmarks of the Honolulu Century Ride is the volunteers’ warm smiles and friendliness.
One of the hallmarks of the Honolulu Century Ride is the volunteers’ warm smiles and friendliness.
(Some of) the members of the Tobu Top Tours team.
(Some of) the members of the Tobu Top Tours team.
(Some of) the members of the Tobu Top Tours team.
08_Makapuu
After refueling at the aid station, riders head to the second lookout, Makapuʻu Point. The climb can feel steep, but the view at the top makes the effort worthwhile. It was a bit warm this year.
Cyclists on small wheeled bikes descending with ease
Cyclists on small wheeled bikes descending with ease
Cyclists on small wheeled bikes descending with ease
09_Waimanalo
The sea was so blue it made me wonder what to do. The emerald-tinged gradient was so stunning that I couldn’t help but stop pedaling.
The sea was so blue it made me wonder what to do. The emerald-tinged gradient was so stunning that I couldn’t help but stop pedaling.
The sea was so blue it made me wonder what to do. The emerald-tinged gradient was so stunning that I couldn’t help but stop pedaling.
Then we entered the jungle area. The shade of the trees was cool, making it easy to ride.
Then we entered the jungle area. The shade of the trees was cool, making it easy to ride.
Then we entered the jungle area. The shade of the trees was cool, making it easy to ride.
10_Kailua Intermediate School
This marks the second aid station, located at the 40 km (25-mile) point. As always, participants enjoyed shaved ice from Matsumoto’s as they rested for a moment.
HONOLULU CENTURY RIDE 2025 PHOTO ALBUM 🌈 Part 2 is available here!
