Riders in the Haleiwa Metric Century Ride and Honolulu Century Ride start in groups with similar riding styles and abilities. This allows all riders to enjoy the ride safely. In both rides, Group A begins first, followed by Groups B, C, and D. There are pauses between each group to allow groups to spread out on the course. Flags will be stationed at the start. Please stage behind these areas. Announcements will be made when to start.

Group A: Lua‘ole If your distance per month is over 300 miles (482 km), average more than 19 MPH (30 km/h), and you are used to riding in a group.

Lua‘ole (pronounced “loo-ah oh-leh”) is a Hawaiian word that translates to superior, unequalled, and second to none.​

Group B: ‘Eleu If you cover more than 125 miles (201 km) per month, average more than 13mph (20 km/h), and have experience participating in long rides.

​​The word ‘eleu (pronounced “eh-leh-ooh”) translates to active, energetic, alert, lively, quick, and nimble.

Group C: Holoholo If you average 6-7 MPH (14 – 17 km/h) and your goal is to ride slowly while enjoying the scenery.

Holoholo literally translates to a stroll or to go out for pleasure. The use of the word is used casually in everyday conversation and is synonymous with the slang word, “cruising.”

Group D: ‘Ohana For parents with keiki under 5 years old.

An ‘ohana is an immediate family, extended family, or even a group of close friends

The distance you choose to ride should be realistic and based on your level of health, training, and conditioning. Remember, Hawaii’s warm temperatures and sun can make for a more difficult ride. As your body fatigues, the ride back feels longer than the ride out – use good judgment in assessing your ability.

You should finish the ride feeling good, perhaps a bit sore for the effort, but without pain or being severely depleted.

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Check out these interesting ‘ōlelo no‘eau, or traditional Hawaiian wise sayings, that relate to each start group:

Piha‘ā moe wai uka.

Stones that lie in the water in the uplands.

Experts in in strenuous sports are compared to the stones that persevere—even the most powerful streams can not wash the stones down to the lowlands.

He pāo ‘o ka i‘a ‘a‘ohe kāheka lēhei ‘ole ‘ia.

There is no tide pool that a pāo‘o fish (Zebra Rockskipper) doesn’t leap into.

Much like the energetic fish, an active person is found everywhere. The Zebra Rockskipper is not bound by the limitations of water and can be found leaping from one tide pool to another.

Alahula Pu‘uloa, he alahele na Ka‘ahupāhau.

Everwhere in Pu‘uloa is the trail of Ka‘ahupāhau.

Said of a person who goes everywhere, looking, peering, seeing all. Ka‘ahupāhau is the shark goddess of Pu‘uloa (Pearl Harbor) who guarded the people from being harassed by sharks. She moved about, constantly watching.

‘Ike aku, ‘ike mai, kōkua aku kōkua mai; pela iho la ka nohona ‘ohana.

Recognize and be recognized, help and be helped; such is family life.

This saying recognizes that a family relationship requires an exchange of mutual help and recognition. In Hawaiian culture, family includes extended family and friends.

E kūlia i ka nu‘u!

Strive for the summit!

A saying to encourage people to strive for the highest— much like the expression, “shoot for the stars!”