How do you explore Hawaii? A rental car is certainly convenient. You can drive from Waikiki to the North Shore in just half a day. But on a bicycle, the very same roads make you feel as though you’re discovering a completely different island. Scenery that flashes by in seconds from a car lingers with you at the pace of pedaling. You notice the scent of the trade winds, the sound of the waves, and the subtle rhythm of the island in a way that’s impossible behind the wheel. Perhaps that’s why the Honolulu Century Ride (HCR)—one of Hawaii’s signature sporting events—has attracted cyclists from around the world for more than 40 years. The real appeal isn’t simply co […]

With cherry blossom season being declared one after another across Japan, many of us are starting to think beyond spring outings and toward summer plans. At the same time, it’s understandable that some travelers may still feel cautious about going abroad. These days, as we gaze at the blossoms, we’re reminded that both travel and sport are privileges made possible by a peaceful world. This year’s Honolulu Century Ride (HCR) will take place on Sunday, September 27, following Japan’s Silver Week holidays (September 19–23). If you can manage an extended break, even better. The Global Ride editorial team recommends heading beyond Honolulu to the laid-back and distinctly local “North Shore” area— […]

Registration has opened once again for one of the world’s greatest ride events— the Honolulu Century Ride, which takes cyclists through the island paradise of Hawaii.The Honolulu Century Ride (HCR), which attracts many repeat participants from Japan, will celebrate its 43rd edition this year. Daisaku Kawase, Communication Director of Global Ride, is now a regular rider and will be taking part for the third time. How does he enjoy Hawaii before and after the event? The answer lies on the North Shore. Within easy reach for a day trip, this popular area offers a laid-back local atmosphere quite different from Honolulu. In this two-part series, we follow a seasoned HCR rider on a cycling trip to […]

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: […]