When Phillip Kikukawa launched Molokai Bicycle in 1994, he’d sell at least two dozen children’s bikes every Christmas. That number started to decline in the mid-2000s, and he now counts himself lucky if he sells three.

“What are kids into these days? Video games, cellphones and social media,” Kikukawa said. “When I was growing up on Molokai, I’d play with sticks and mud puddles. Being fixated on a screen keep kids from going outside, enjoying nature and experiencing great activities like biking.”

So passionate is he about the sport, he runs Molokai Bicycle as a full-service shop (renting bikes, doing repairs and selling bikes, parts and accessories) in addition to working full-time as the student services coordinator at Molokai Middle School. He bikes at least 20 miles three times a week.

According to Kikukawa, Molokai is ideal for cycling. First, because the island is largely undeveloped, there’s not much traffic. Roads are in good condition, there are wide shoulders and drivers are usually courteous.

If you like hills, you can pedal up 1,700 feet in 9 miles on Kalae Highway to the Kalaupapa lookout in Pala‘au State Park. From Kaunakakai (20-foot elevation), you’ll reach Maunaloa town (1,400-foot elevation) on the west side in 16 miles.

Heading east from Kaunakakai, it’s a 900-foot ascent between mile marker 21 and Pu‘u O Hoku Ranch at mile marker 25. About half of those 4 miles is uphill.

Top riders can do all three of these climbs in one day.

“Be aware prevailing tradewinds blow out of the east, so you’ll be against the wind riding to Pu‘u O Hoku,” Kikukawa said. “You won’t hit a lot of wind until you’re about 8 miles from town. It’s a hard workout, and wherever you decide to turn around, you’ll probably be tired, but the tailwind will blow you back really fast.”

With or without hills and winds, biking’s benefits are numerous: It is low-impact, builds muscle, burns calories, alleviates stress, raises your heart rate, provides an aerobic workout and improves your mental state.

KIKUKAWA OFFERS the following tips for a safe, memorable excursion:

>> Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright, fluorescent clothes so car drivers can easily see you. Putting reflectors and flashing lights on your bike is also recommended.

>> The bike should be in top-notch condition. The tires should have enough air, the brakes should respond quickly and the chain should be free of rust and move smoothly and quietly.

>> It’s also important that the bike fit your body well (leg inseam, torso length and arm length are key measurements). That will help you pedal more efficiently and reduce the chance you’ll get sore during or after your ride.

>> Don’t wear earphones or headsets. You may want to listen to music or an audiobook while you’re pedaling, but you need to focus and hear everything around you.

>> If you’re in a group, ride in single file on the right side of the road and go in the same direction as vehicles. Obey all road signs and traffic laws.

>> Keep your eyes peeled for objects and obstacles that could cause you to lose control of your bike, including roots, rocks, cracks, potholes, puddles and storm-drain grates.

>> Bring lots of water and, depending on how long you’ll be out, snacks or lunch.

>> It’s best to start your ride early in the morning, before 7 a.m., when it’s cool. Have fun!

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MOLOKAI BY BIKE

Dixie Maru Beach/La‘au Point

>> Rating: Easy to moderate

>> Round trip: 6 miles

Kapukahehu (nicknamed Dixie Maru) Beach is in a small, sheltered cove. It’s a popular swimming spot, but high surf can generate strong, dangerous currents.

Park at Dixie Maru’s lot and head down the rocky path, going south through kiawe trees and tall grass. The trail, which parallels the coast, is straight ahead. When you get to Molokai Ranch’s old Kaupoa Camp, continue going south on the trail; take a slight left in the camp to find it.

There are some rocky sections where less experienced riders should dismount and walk instead of ride. Most of the trail is flat and easy to negotiate, but keep an eye out for sharp kiawe thorns. You can usually spot a monk seal along the way, and Oahu can be seen in the distance 30 miles away.

Maunaloa/Hale O Lono

>> Rating: Moderate to difficult

>> Round trip: 12 miles

If you bike down to Hale O Lono from Maunaloa town, expect a steep climb back up for 3 miles. If you transport your bike to the beach on a truck, you can skip the uphill part and enjoy a short, easy ride to the shoreline.

There are lots of prickly plants on the route; other than that, your attention will be drawn to the spectacular views of Oahu, Lanai and La‘au Point on the way down. Axis deer often can be seen in the morning or late afternoon.

Homelani Cemetery/ Waikolu Valley

>> Rating: Difficult, for experienced bikers only

>> Round trip: 20 miles

Start this challenging ride at Homelani Cemetery — the earlier, the better because the first 5 miles are in the open sun. The challenging 10-mile ride to the Waikolu lookout at the 3,200-foot elevation is up, up, up.

When you get to the Molokai Forest Reserve sign, you’re exactly halfway to the valley and in the shade of a pine and eucalyptus forest. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of Waikolu, waterfalls, the ocean and Okala Island, which was featured in the opening scenes of the 1997 blockbuster “The Lost World: Jurassic Park.”

Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi is a Honolulu-based freelance writer whose travel features for the Star-Advertiser have won several Society of American Travel Writers awards.