Oahu is the most populous Hawaiian island and features the bustling city of Honolulu, as well as the resorts and beaches of Waikiki. Not bad for some urban riding to engage with some new cultures.
But there are also quieter coastal areas and roads outside the city with lush greenery and sugar cane fields, very ideal for motorcycling.
This variation makes Oahu a great island for both entertainment and the opportunity for a tranquil escape from the action. There are some great places to ride and relax, along with plenty of places to relax for a drink and some food.
Following is your guide to renting a motorcycle through Twisted Road in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. We'll cover:
- Motorcycle Rental in Honolulu on Oahu
- Best Motorcycle Rides on Oahu
- Motorcycle hangouts in Honolulu and the rest of Oahu
- Honolulu, Oahu Weather & Riding
- Oahu Motorcycle Rules & Tips
- Preparing For Your Honolulu, Oahu motorcycle trip
Where to rent a motorcycle in Honolulu on Oahu
If you want to explore the island of Oahu on two wheels, Twisted Road has got you covered—so your Oahu motorcycle rental options are virtually unlimited. You can search our members’ motorcycles for rent in Honolulu (and surrounding areas) to find whatever you feel like riding during your trip; a touring motorcycle, a sportbike, a cruiser… our community of riders has all sorts of bikes listed. And no need to rent just one bike while you’re in town; you can check out a different one every day or two if you want to!
Best Motorcycle Rides on Oahu
Some of the most popular and best Oahu motorcycle routes are:
- Auloa Road
- Tantalus Loop (and Round Top Drive)
- Kamehameha Highway
- Makapu’u Point
Every Twisted Road motorcycle rental includes unlimited miles, so you can ride all over the island if you feel like it! (Check out our Twisted Road review page to hear from our riders and see why we’re your best source for a motorcycle rental in Honolulu on Oahu!)
Motorcycle hangouts in Honolulu and the rest of Oahu
Oahu is a perfect place to explore on a bike, and there are some great places to stop for a bite or a drink. Here are a few of our favorite places to stop for some sustenance and an aloha atmosphere.
If you want to check out a friendly neighborhood biker bar where you’re likely to run into locals and other riders, be sure the Creekside Lounge is on your list. They have a well-stocked jukebox and plenty of dive bar ambiance, and they frequently host bike runs and other motorcycle events.
For some great fish tacos—because it’s absolutely a requirement that you eat as many fish tacos as you can while you’re in Hawaii—make your way to South Shore Grill. They have some superb grilled fish, sandwiches, and salads in case you or your traveling companions tire of tacos. (Which seems sort of impossible, but… just in case.)
If you want to try your luck at celebrity spotting, you might want to go have a meal at the Pig & the Lady in Honolulu’s Chinatown. The place has some legitimately great food, with creative twists on Vietnamese classics, and they’ve hosted everyone from President Barack Obama to Ben Affleck.
Crispy chicken, Banh Mi dip sandwiches, and noodle soups are just a few of the interesting options on their menu… and you can finish it off with a soft-serve cone or a slab of matcha marble pound cake.
If you find yourself out riding the Kamehameha Highway and want a nice meal stop with a view, the Beach House is a great option. It’s the place to get Polynesian-tinged versions of classics like a spicy tuna club sandwich, Kalua pork grilled cheese, or lighter fare like salads or an Ahi poke bowl. They also have excellent milkshakes!
And if you’re into bike weeks, Honolulu hosts one that’s really worthwhile to time your trip around. The Hawaii Motorcycle Rally & Bike Show takes place in October and features some of Hawaii’s most unique custom baggers, cafe racers, bobbers, choppers, cruisers, sportbikes, and vintage motorcycles and cars. It’s Hawaii’s premier motorcycle event.
Honolulu, Oahu Motorcycle Touring Weather
Oahu is generally warm and humid, but in a pleasant way—it has a tropical feel that’s sort of relaxing instead of sweltering.
It does rain frequently—most days there will be a shower or two. The rain is warm, and usually passes quickly, but if you’re out riding you’ll want to take the usual precautions—try to pull over and sit out the first 15 minutes or so when the oils come to the surface and make roads the slickest.
Oahu Motorcycle Rules & Tips
As always, it’s important to ride motorcycles safely. On Oahu, that means watching out for things like potholes, distracted or lost tourist drivers, and cars turning from the middle lane.
Honolulu has quite a bit of traffic—especially in Waikiki, where most of the resorts are. Parking can be scarce in those areas, and in most areas, it’s enforced Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free on Sundays. Some of the resorts offer motorcycle parking, and parking is generally easier to find in the less busy areas outside of Waikiki.
Preparing For Your Honolulu, Oahu Motorcycle Rental Ride
Because Oahu has frequent (usually brief) rain showers, you’ll definitely want to bring waterproof clothing. The general climate—as with the rest of the islands—is warm and humid, so cooler gear will be your best choice to stay comfortable.
As you get ready for your motorcycle trip to Oahu, you might want to check out our guide to the best warm-weather motorcycle gear for women, and the best warm-weather motorcycle gear for men.
You’ll, of course, also want to bring your helmet, riding boots, and jacket, etc. (Make sure you check out our article on traveling with gear before you leave!) If you’re not traveling with your protective gear, please let us know, and we can work with the owner to try to find local options for you. Often, owners are more than happy to lend their gear to fellow riders to go with their Honolulu motorcycle rental.
