The Big Island Gran Fondo, presented by the Hawaii Cycling Club, returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026, to the scenic landscape of Kawaihae, Hawaii. This event serves as the club’s primary fundraiser, with donations benefiting the Hospice of Kona Foundation. Riders will depart from Spencer Beach Park to tackle a variety of courses that showcase the dramatic elevation and coastal beauty of the Big Island. From the grueling vertical gain of the Century ride to the accessible "Just for Fun" route, the event offers a professional cycling experience for athletes of all levels in a world-class setting.
| Category | Distance | Elevation Gain | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Island Century | 104.2 miles | 8,833 feet | 8:00 AM |
| Super Metric Century | 72.5 miles | 5,993 feet | 8:00 AM |
| Big Island Fifty Three | 53.2 miles | 4,131 feet | 8:00 AM |
| Big Island Forty Five | 45.0 miles | 3,808 feet | 8:00 AM |
Diverse Routes and Landscapes
The 2026 routes are designed to test endurance while providing stunning views of the North Kohala coastline and the slopes of Mauna Kea. The premier 104.2-mile Century ride is a significant undertaking, featuring over 8,800 feet of vertical climbing. For those seeking a mid-range challenge, the 45-mile and 53-mile loops travel from Spencer Beach Park up Waikoloa Road and through Waimea, returning via Kawaihae Road. The event is also inclusive of modern cycling trends, offering a dedicated category for E-Bike participants on the 45-mile course, as well as a "Just for Fun" ride for those who prefer a flexible distance south toward Waikoloa.
Community Support and Logistics
Beyond the physical ride, the Big Island Gran Fondo is a community-driven effort. Volunteers support the event starting from 7:00 AM, managing logistics and safety across the various courses. Participants have the opportunity to make additional donations to the Hospice of Kona Foundation during registration, supporting essential local healthcare services. The event has a total registration limit of 100 participants to ensure a high-quality, boutique experience on the road. Online registration remains open until the evening before the event, with all rides starting simultaneously at 8:00 AM from the Kawaihae Road location.
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 85.6K
Type — Cycling
08:00
$50.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 72K
Type — Cycling
08:00
$50.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 167K
Type — Cycling
08:00
$75.00
Apr 18, 2026
Distance — 116.7K
Type — Cycling
08:00
$75.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Kawaihae.
Learn more about the host city, Kawaihae.
Kawaihae is an unincorporated community on the west side of the island of Hawaiʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaiʻi, 35 miles (56 km) north of Kailua-Kona. Its harbor is one of only three on the island, together with that of Hilo and Honokohau Harbor.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Kamuela, Hawaii, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
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