Destinations

DESTINATIONS

Chain of Craters Road

Hawaii

IT'S ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR WHEN every dreamer's thoughts turn to Hawaii. At least they do if the dreamer is sick and tired of winter weather. When my wife Michelle and I honeymooned there, we chose the "Big Island" of Hawaii. What we found was warm, balmy weather perfect for motorcycle riding, a terrific stretch of road that begged to be rid-

den, and, right across from our hotel, Ciao! Rentals, an agency that offered a variety of motorcycles. Talk about paradise.

After inspecting a fleet that included several Harley-Davidsons, a number of Yamaha Viragos and several scooters (available for prices between $85 and $150 per day, including insurance), we selected a BMW K100RS and took off.

Of all the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island-the largest, southernmost and easternmost of the eight islands that make up the 50th state-is the one best suited for motorcycles. It is not densely populated, and is laced with outstanding roads. The best of the bunch, I think, is Chain of Craters Road, a series of slow bends and fast straights through an unearthly landscape of hard black lava and volcanic craters. From the road's end it’s just a short hike to a place where magma flows into the Pacific ocean, producing billows of sulfuric steam. The heat, and the scent of brand-new Earth, is overwhelming, and the perfect end to a day of awe-inspiring riding. —Edward Murayama

Information Ciao! Rentals 75-5663 Palani Road Kailua Kona, HI 96740 808/326-2426

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