I’ve been debating getting a bicycle to use on the Big Island while I’m visiting. My folks live there so I spend several weekends a year there and often wish I could get in some riding time. I’d take my BF NWT with me but getting it too and from the airport is the problem. Generally I’m leaving from work and need to stay as late as possible to avoid using up vacation time. In addition I often ride my moped to the airport because I can park it cheaply and avoid a $35 cab ride. So…
I decided I’d keep my eyes open for a used bike while I was in Hilo last weekend. No luck. I couldn’t find anything on Craigslist that even came close to what I want and I couldn’t find any used bike stores. I recall one used to be able to buy used bikes at actual stores, but no longer it seems.
That leaves me with sending one of my bikes over to Hilo and leaving it, which would be okay, or doing the same with a new bike. I’m not really up for giving up one of my bikes in Honolulu so now I’m thinking I should be looking for an inexpensive bike I wouldn’t mind leaving in Hilo.
Luckily it seems I can get a bike to Hilo for only about $35 if I fly Hawaiian…I’ll check both GO! and Mokulele next, but here’s Hawaiian’s current policy:
# Bicycles and Attachable Parts
1. Bicycle Characteristics
Carrier will accept non-motorized touring or racing bicycles with single seats and bicycles with tandem seats.
2. Conditions of Acceptance
1. Bicycles must have the handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed or pedals and handlebars must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar material.
2. Bicycles and any attachable parts must be adequately packed in a box or hard case.
3. Passenger must sign a waiver of liability upon airport check-in for HA to transport bicycle and any attachable parts. HA will not be responsible for damage to or loss of inadequately/unsuitably packed, uncrated or unprotected bicycles or attachable parts.
4. Acceptance of Bicycles and attachable parts is subject to availability of space and conditional on aircraft size and load conditions.
Exception: If the bicycle only is less than 62 dimensional inches and weighs less than 50 lbs, the above condition does not apply.
5. HA shall not be responsible for the ground delivery of bicycle or any attachable parts that are not accommodated on the flight on which the bicycle or any attachable parts were accepted as checked baggage.
6. Maximum weight for bicycle and attachable parts and container is 70 lbs and 115 linear inches.
3. Charges
Bicycles and any attachable parts will always each be subject to a charge, whether or not presented as a single piece:
1. Between points within the State of Hawaii: $35.00 USD
2. Between Hawaii and points in the Continental USA: $100.00 USD
3. Between points within the Continental USA: $100.00 USD
4. In addition, items exceeding 50 lbs (not to exceed 70 lbs) will be subject to the following excess weight charges:
Between points within the State of Hawaii $25.00 USD
Between Hawaii and the Continental USA or wholly Within the Continental USA $50.00 USD
Note: Excludes unicycles, break-apart bicycles or any other type of cycle which can be packed into a standard suitcase. When in excess, each suitcase will be subject to the excess baggage charge.