Best Clothes for a Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour

When visitors book their Haleakala sunrise tour, many ask what they should wear on the summit of Haleakala at sunrise. And it is good that people ask because the answer may be different than some might expect.

When packing for a trip to Maui, who would ever think to pack a sweater or even a coat? But that is exactly what you might need on the summit of Haleakala at sunrise. At 10,000 feet above sea level, the temperature can get pretty cold and windy. At sunrise, temperatures generally are in the 40-degree range. On the peak of this Maui volcano, the weather can be unpredictable too so we provide wind/rain gear with your Haleakala sunrise bike tours including jackets, gloves, and pants.

So as to what you should wear on the Haleakala sunrise bike tour, we generally recommend that visitors wear the warmest clothes they have with them, especially during the winter months. But it will be pretty cold even in summer. Some also bring hats, scarves, and even blankets, but make sure you bring a hat that won’t easily be blown off.

We also recommend that Haleakala sunrise bike riders wear several layers of clothing that can be taken off as they make their way down the mountain into warmer temperatures. When you get all the way down to Paia, you’ll probably only need a T-shirt and shorts. Long pants are provided with the rain/wind gear included in the biking equipment if you need them. Of course, closed-toe shoes are recommended for all of the Haleakala bike rides. We have also heard that visitors who wear contact lenses may want to bring sunglasses or eye gear of some kind to protect their eyes and contacts from getting too dry in the cold, dry early morning air.
But then you may be thinking, ‘where will I put all these clothes as I ride down the volcano?’ Well, for that very reason, we provide backpacks for our Haleakala bike riders to carry their clothes. If you bring a blanket to the summit, you can leave it in our tour van when you start the bike ride. Then you can pick it up at our shop when you get back.

There is no food for sale in Haleakala National Park, but on the ride down the mountain there will be many opportunities to stop for breakfast or lunch at restaurants along the bike route. For your early morning sunrise, you may want to bring some water and light snacks. It’s recommended that those at high altitudes such as at the summit, drink plenty of fluids, basically doubling their intake of water, refueling their electrolytes and eating plenty of carbohydrates to avoid altitude sickness.

If you take our Summit Tour at 9 a.m. instead of the Sunrise Tour, you may only need to bring a sweatshirt for the time you’re at the summit of Haleakala as it will most likely be a little warmer after sunrise. Normally shorts are okay for both the Summit and Express Tours because most of the bike ride will be during warmer temperatures in daylight hours.

The sunrise above the clouds at Haleakala’s 10,000 ft. summit has been said to be one of the most memorable things you can experience, and we would have to agree. But just remember that at sunrise, the summit will be cold. It will be beautiful and worth the chilly temperatures, but bring warm clothes, particularly layers of clothes for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

First image courtesy of M – Pics at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

See Paia After Your Maui Bike Ride!

The Maui volcano bike ride from the peak of Haleakala down to our little shop in Paia offers bike riders the chance to explore even more of this beautiful area. After their Maui volcano bike ride, many guests stay in Paia for the rest of the afternoon to see all that this unique town has to offer.
As one of the “Coolest Little Towns in Maui,” Paia is full of exciting and unique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques that have something for everyone. In this “shopper’s paradise,” you can stop into the Biasa Rose clothing store or Moonbow Tropics for some of the latest fashions or browse through the Paia Trading Company for some eclectic antiques to take home. For some great home décor pieces, you might visit Pearl, a lovely home furnishings boutique located in the same shopping area as us on Baldwin Ave. So after your Maui volcano bike ride, you can quickly get to shopping and sightseeing in our fascinating little town.

Over the years, the art scene has really grown so much that it has attracted some big name attention. The New York Times did a piece on our little surfing town a few years back, “Where Wetsuits and Art Meet in Maui.”

“. . .the chill surfer vibe has been joined by a buzzing art scene, with a half-dozen new galleries representing artists like Mary Mitsuda, David Ivan Clark and Udo Nöger,” the NY Times wrote. “Their works have not only attracted the attention of the international art-collecting crowd, who come here on spending holidays, but also that of major institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.”

So if you want to check out some of these great artists, you might visit the Art Project Paia or the Paia Contemporary Gallery located along the Hana Highway.

And of course, you will probably be looking for somewhere to eat after your Maui volcano bike ride, so there’s some delicious places to eat along the town’s shopping district. The Paia Fish Market is always a fan-favorite with its large-portioned seafood plates. Café Des Amis is renowned for its great Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. And for a fun and interesting dining experience, try the Dazoo Restaurant where you can pick your own flavors, mixing and matching, to add to the main dish along with having one of their award-winning cocktails.

While the in-town shops and restaurants of Paia have much to offer, the beaches near Paia also boast some exciting attractions. Known as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” Paia attracts professional windsurfers, kitesurfers, and board surfers from all over the world. So stop by Ho’okipa Beach to catch a glimpse of some pro windsurfers testing out their latest tricks.

This once bustling plantation town is now a laid back venue for local residents and visitors to enjoy the more authentic Hawaii. Here, away from the more crowded resort areas, you can relax and enjoy this charming little village still surrounded by fields of sugar cane and the gorgeous beaches of Maui.

Places to Stay in Maui - West Side vs. South Side

Are you planning a vacation to Maui? If you’re thinking of vacationing on the Valley Isle, of course one of the first things you’ll want to research and plan is where to stay in Maui. There are two main areas of the island where most guests stay – West Maui and South Maui. Both areas have great hotels and condominiums to stay at, so which area you choose may depend mostly on what you want to do while you’re in Maui and the atmosphere you favor. So we did a little comparison of each region to give you an idea of what to look for.

West Maui 

This side of Maui includes areas like Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, and Kapalua. The West side of Maui is more developed but can be more crowded also. This area of the island is very green and picturesque with lush mountains and tropical scenery wherever you look. Ka’anapali is the main resort area of West Maui with a number of luxury resort hotels and luxury vacation rentals located along its beautiful beach. Along Ka’anapali Beach, there is a paved walking path that connects all of the major hotels along with various restaurants, golf courses, the Whaler’s Village shopping mall, and several Maui beach activities like snorkeling.
A short shuttle ride from Ka’anapali is the historic whaling town of Lahaina. This charming town boasts the famous shopping and dining area known as Front Street, full of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and souvenir stores. There are also numerous historic sites and buildings to visit in this old whaling village. Here, you can catch a boat to go whale watching, have a dinner cruise, go snorkeling, or experience numerous other boat tours from the Lahaina Harbor. Lahaina has a small number of older, restored hotels as well as bed and breakfasts and condos.
Up the coast a little, just north of Ka’anapali is Napili and Kapalua. These areas offer a number of less expensive condominium vacation rentals, many right on the beach. This residential area may be a little quieter than the hustle and bustle of the Ka’anapali resorts and offer some great bargain spots while still being close enough to all the action.
However, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time exploring Haleakala National Park, taking a Haleakala sunrise bike tour, or traveling the famous Road to Hana, staying in West Maui will make the drive to Haleakala and Hana much farther.

South Maui

The southern coast of Maui features the communities of Wailea and Kihei. With its luxury resorts and vacation rentals, Wailea offers what Frommer’s called a “Beverly Hills by the sea” resort experience with great shopping and dining amid the picture perfect tropical area. This Maui resort area is a little quieter than the Ka’anapali resorts because the hotels are a little further apart, but Ka’anapali offers the convenience of easy walkability to area shopping and dining.

South Maui will be a little drier and sunnier than the western coast, so if you’re primary activity is sunbathing, South Maui may be the place for you. But almost everywhere you go in Maui will have plenty of sunshine and warm weather.

North of Wailea is the little community of Kihei. This area has been called “Maui’s best kept secret for budget/affordable accommodations.” Here you’ll find a plethora of nice and often more reasonable vacation condo rentals, but some may not have air conditioning or a daily maid service, so be sure to check. Most of these condos are also across the street from the beach, but there is less traffic in this part of Maui than in the resort areas. Because of its great beaches, the numerous Maui ocean sports available, abundant sunshine, and affordability, Kihei is a favorite spot for vacationers on a budget who still want a great Maui paradise experience.
Staying at South Maui’s Wailea or Kihei will also put you a little closer to Haleakala, our Haleakala volcano bike tours, and the Road to Hana.
Wherever you decide to stay on the beautiful island of Maui will give you a memorable Hawaiian experience. Everywhere you go will be an exciting tropical adventure. Whether you stay in West Maui or South Maui, be sure to visit Maui’s Upcountry and the wonders that surround you in beautiful Haleakala. Take a Maui bike ride down this amazing volcano and explore all that Maui has to offer.

Become An Explorer At Haleakala National Park

On your Haleakala sunrise bike tour, you’ll delight in a land tour of Haleakala National Park’s Summit area as well as Haleakala Crater with incredible views at 10,023 feet along with the unique cinder landscape and flora found uniquely on this Maui volcano. In fact, the National Park Service (NPS) noted that if the weather is favorable when you visit the Summit, you can amazingly see 5 other Hawaiian islands from the top of Haleakala.

But there’s really so much to explore at Haleakala National Park that the land tour around the Summit and Crater that comes with your Haleakala bike tour may just whet you appetite to come back later and discover more of this amazing volcanic park. This park is so full of national wonders and breathtaking beauty that you’ll definitely need more than one day to check out all that this volcano has to offer. No wonder the National Park Service makes admission to Haleakala National Park valid for 3 days.

So now the question is, what will you see in your 72 hours? Well, we’ve taken note of some interesting things you may want to see or do while you’re exploring this spectacular park.

The NPS generally divides Haleakala National Park into 3 different areas: the Summit Area, the Wilderness Area, and the Kipahulu Area. Of course, you’ll see part of the Summit on your Haleakala sunrise bike tour, but you can also hike through this “high-elevation ecosystem” along over 30 miles of hiking trails. See native Hawaii here with its “rare and endemic species” like Hawaiian honeycreepers or the Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel. Haleakala National Park staff members are on-hand each day in the Summit area to provide education talks and answer questions about this interesting ecosystem. Or come back to the Summit at sunset and be amazed at the number of stars you can see in this brilliantly clear sky, viewed at 10,000 feet!

With numerous microclimates and the differing landscapes on the Haleakala volcano, the Wilderness Area affords a world of adventure. “Your steps will take you from brown and red cinder cones, towering hundreds of feet tall in dry, cold desert air to cloudforests dripping with red and green native ferns,” the NPS worte. If you enjoy camping, there are two Wilderness campgrounds where you can enjoy the wilderness in a tent. And for those who want a little more of the comforts of home, you can reserve one of three historic cabins along the trails. Overnight camping will require a permit and a reservation is required for the cabins. You could also just simply take a day hike through this beautiful terrain. Be careful hiking at these high altitudes, however, and remember to bring food and water along for the trip.

Similarly beautiful but visually very different, the coastal area of Kipahulu offers visitors another angle and view of the mountain. Lush rainforests lead visitors to gorgeous waterfalls and the famous freshwater pools of Ohe’o Gulch. Visitors can swim in this area of Kipahulu, but only when conditions allow as dangerous flash flooding does occur. A number of hiking trails lead through this tropical rainforest region of Haleakala National Park, and a drive-up campground is available. The magnificent coastline of the Kipahulu area has several nice overlooks where you might see dolphins, monk seals, or sea turtles playing along the ocean coastline. Hawaiian culture can also be found in the hills of the Kipahulu area as cultural demonstrations and archaeological sites give you a glimpse into the native culture of Hawaii. You can access the Kipahulu area by driving 12 miles past the town of Hana on Hana Highway on the northeast coast.

Your admission ticket to the Haleakala National Park will also allow you access to the Kipahulu entrance as well.

So after you’ve been wowed by the amazing views, restaurants, and shops along your self-paced Haleakala bike tour down the volcano, the next day you could camp out in the wilderness or hike through the rainforest. The Haleakala National Park offers a world of adventure and beauty. Why not explore soon all the wonders that can be found at the Haleakala volcano?

Best Beaches In Maui

From all over the world people visit our beautiful Valley Isle just to enjoy its gorgeous beaches. Hanging out, being a Maui beach bum for the day, is definitely a must-do on a vacation here. Many kick back at the beach after their Haleakala sunrise bike tour, or guests can simply use our Maui bike rentals to explore Maui’s best beaches on their own.

You might not want to just stay at the beach by your hotel, with so much to see why not venture out to some of the other beaches on Maui’s pristine shores? Maui has so many wonderful beaches. You have to visit at least a few on your excursion here.

So to help you with your beach exploration, we’ve made a list of some of best beaches in Maui and some of the Maui activities you can do while you’re there.

Baldwin Beach

Located approximately mile from our shop in Paia is the white sand Baldwin Beach. This is a great beach to go to after your Haleakala bike tour. There is actually a good bike trail down to Baldwin Beach from the town of Paia. Based on availability, we offer daily Maui bike rentals for those who want to just enjoy biking around for the day. Noted as one of Maui’s most beautiful white sand beaches, Baldwin is a favorite for locals with protected swimming areas and lifeguards on the east and west ends of the beach. At Baldwin Beach Park, there are open air tables, grills, showers, and a covered pavilion if you would like to have a picnic at the beach after your Haleakala bike tour.

Ho’okipa Beach

Also close to Paia along the Hana Highway on the North Shore is Ho’okipa Beach. Known as the “windsurfing capital of the world,” Ho’okipa is a exciting place to stop and watch world-class windsurfers and surfing professionals on the large winter waves from either the beach or close by picnic areas. Also a popular spot among locals, Ho’okipa has pavilions, grills, tables, showers, and restrooms where you can enjoy a nice picnic lunch and watch all the action, even possibly a thrilling windsurfing competition. You may even see some Hawaiian green sea turtles make their way up the shore. So stop by on your way home from your Haleakala sunrise bike tour and watch the sunset at this stunning Maui beach if you can.

DT Fleming Beach

Here is an awesome spot for relaxing in the sun, located in West Maui – DT Fleming Beach Park at Honokahua Bay. This beautiful long, sandy beach offers a great view and a great place to go body boarding or boogie boarding. With picnic tables, grills, restrooms, etc., this park is perfect for enjoying a sunset picnic or a full day at the beach. Although there is a nice shoreline that gets gradually deeper as you walk out, there can be some pretty powerful waves and strong rip currents so be careful in the surf. Interestingly, the DT Fleming Beach is named for David Thomas Fleming who introduced pineapple to West Maui as a commercial crop.

Big Beach (Makena)

In the southern part of Maui, you’ll find a beautiful sandy beach known as Big Beach or Makena Beach that’s a little less much-frequented than other Maui beaches. South of Wailea, Big Beach is one of Maui’s biggest beaches with long and dramatically wide shorelines, making it a great spot for sunbathing amid awesome views of Molokini and Kahoolawe. The waves can be pretty strong with on-shore breaks, so swim with much needed caution if you are inexperienced, especially in high surf, fortunately there is a lifeguard on duty. Big Beach offers a spectacular sunset view, beautiful blue/green water, and a more out-of-the-way beach location than some of the well sought after Maui beaches.

Ka’anapali Beach

Maui’s most well-known beach is Ka’anapali Beach found in West Maui. A mile-long pristine beach lined with resorts, shops, and restaurants, Ka’anapali Beach is one of the premier tourist purposes in Maui. This signature white sand beach is home to the famous cliff area at north end known as Black Rock, where a cliff diver nightly lights a ceremonial torch and dives off the cliff into the Pacific. Along with the chance to cliff jump, this Black Rock area offers some great snorkeling and diving along its underwater reefs. The water here in some places can experience strong currents so caution is needed. For those who just want to enjoy the view, there’s a nice paved walking path along the beach passing in front of the resorts and shops.

Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu)

If you’re still up for a little more adventure after your Haleakala bike tour, you might travel on the Hana Highway just south of Hana Bay to the oasis of Red Sand Beach on Kaihalulu Bay. You’ll have to take a short hike to get to this unique cove beach filled with deep red-black sand. The distinctive red sand comes from the cinder hill surrounding the secluded beach. Be careful when hiking to the beach as the path can be steep, narrow, and a bit slippery so good shoes are a must. Swimming is not advised here because of the strong currents (Kaihalulu actually means “roaring sea”), but the amazing scenery is worth the journey to this exceptional beach.

These are just a few of Maui’s best beaches. Others you may want to visit include the Black Sand Beach on the Hana Highway, Kapalua Beach, Hamoa Beach, and Wailea Beach. Check out some of these awesome Maui beaches on your way home from your Haleakala volcano tour!

Great Places to Eat On The Ride Down On Your Haleakala Bike Tour

Visitors to Maui can bike the incredible volcano, Haleakala, downhill from the summit all the way to the beach on our self-paced bike tours that give vacationers a relaxing and fun way of checking out Maui’s amazing Upcountry.

Because it’s a self-paced bike tour, you can at your whim, stop along the way for breakfast or lunch at the many great shops and restaurants along the road. On our narrated van tour driving up Haleakala, our expert guides will tell you about great places to eat at along with various points of interests and history about Haleakala. But we thought we might go ahead and outline some places to stop and grab a bite on the bike ride down to help you prepare for your Haleakala bike tour a little more. . .

Maui Lavender Café

A quaint lavender farm and café will be the first place to stopover along your bike ride down Haleakala. Located right along the bike path on Crater Road in Kula, the Maui Lavender Café
serves a full breakfast including delicious banana pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, French toast, breakfast tacos, ‘biker’ burritos, bagels, and even breakfast pizza. They also have a variety of teas and coffees (many of them with a lavender theme such as lavender ginger lemonade, lavender iced or hot tea, etc.) as well as snacks like scones and cookies. The Maui Lavender Café has an amiable gazebo with a great view that’s perfect for outdoor dining as well as a garden of lavender and a eucalyptus forest you can walk around to really embrace the unforgettable landscape of Upcountry Maui.

Fruit Stands

As you continue your biking down Haleakala, you’ll see a number of small stands selling a variety of fresh fruit along the bike route. Many of these roadside stands operate on the honor system, where those biking in Maui down the volcano simply can leave money and take the fruit they want. This fresh fruit is often a much-needed energizing treat along the Haleakala volcano bike tour.

Kula Lodge and Restaurant

A little farther down the Haleakala volcano tour at about 3,200 feet, you’ll come to the Kula Lodge and Restaurant. This quiet spots is among a gorgeous garden of flower farms of carnations, protea, and other beautiful tropical plants that make the perfect backdrop for a picture to remember your Haleakala sunrise bike tour. The Kula Restaurant is open all week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can enjoy a delicious meal in the outdoor garden terrace that overlooks the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. A wood-burning pizza oven creates delicious pizza dishes by the Kula Lodge and Restaurant’s Executive Chef. Stop by the Kula Lodge and Restaurant on your Haleakala bike tour for wonderfully romantic views and delightful dishes.

Makawao Town

In Paniolo Country, there is a small town called Makawao found along the slopes of Haleakala. You’ll run into this charming town on your Maui volcano bike tour. Take your time here and see all the rich paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage that Makawao is well known for. Along with annual rodeos and country western dancing, Makawao is home to a number of art galleries, boutiques, and shops that you’ll want to explore. Also, there’s a number of excellent places to to eat. T. Komoda’s Store and Bakery is famous for their amazing donuts as well as their cream puffs and butter rolls. If you want to stop for lunch, Polli’s Mexican Restaurant makes home-style quesadillas, fish tacos, tostadas, and other authentic Mexican dishes. If you’re feeling more like Italian, the Casanova Italian Restaurant and Deli is a good choice. Makawao Sushi and Deli offers some tasty rainbow sushi rolls, ahi poke, and other seafood favorites. For some grab and go food items, you can stop by the Rodeo General Store in Makawao. Along with being a great little grocery store, they also have a small deli with different kinds of sandwiches and salads for your enjoyment.

Lumeria Maui

On the bike ride through Haleakala in between Makawao and Paia, you’ll find the Lumeria Maui eco-luxury educational retreat. Along with their yoga and meditation classes set in a beautiful resort location, Lumeria is home to the MuBu restaurant that features fresh Farm to Table foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner served amid beautiful tropical gardens and amazing views.

One Love Farmer’s Market

You’ll find the One Love Farmer’s Market just before you get to Paia on your Haleakala bike tour. Located in a former train depot, this intriguing farmer’s market offers a variety of all local fruits and vegetables. Tropical smoothies, fresh juices, and other great snacks are served here as well.





Paia Town

At the end of your Haleakala volcano biking tour, you’ll come to the town of Paia. Here there are numerous great restaurants to try, including the Paia Fish Market, Dazoo, Café Des Amis, Flatbread Company,  Rock and Brews, Anthony’s Coffee Company, and many more. These boast a variety of delicious treats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So after your Haleakala sunrise bike tour, take a little time to check out all the great shops and restaurants in our little Paia Town.

Enjoy Haleakala National Park On Your Maui Bike Tour

Are you all ready for your Maui volcano bike tour? To help you get mentally well-prepared for this amazing journey and get even more delight out of it, we thought we might give you a little history about Haleakala itself and what you're likely to see on your Haleakala sunrise excursion.

As you may already be aware, Haleakala is Maui’s biggest volcano, and Haleakala National Park is home to the tallest peak in Maui, the summit of Haleakala at 10,023 feet. Many native Hawaiians consider the summit area of Haleakala to be a special place, “the wilderness of the gods.” It’s said that when the Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii more than a thousand years ago they regularly went up to the summit of Haleakala and its majestic beauty. There are many of important cultural places and sites that can be found in the Haleakala National Park.

Established in 1916, Haleakala National Park comprises more than 30,000 acres of public lands – the most famous part of which is the Haleakala Crater. Visitors can hike through this richly-colored volcanic landscape from the summit of Haleakala. There are two main trails into the crater: Halemau’u and Sliding Sands trails. The Haleakala Crater area is home to rare and endemic species of wildlife and plants. You may see Hawaiian geese or “nene” looking for food in their natural habitat amid the crater’s cinder desert.

Another neat aspect of the Haleakala National Park is the diversity of landscapes that it has. From hiking across the Haleakala volcano desert in the Summit Area to traversing tropical coastal environments and waterfalls in the Kipahulu Area, the Haleakala National Park offers a wide array of views and activities.

“You pass through as many ecological zones on a two hour drive to the summit of Haleakalā as you would on a journey from Mexico to Canada,” the Haleakala National Park Service noted.
Along with hiking, visitors can also go camping, swimming in the freshwater pools at Ohe’o Gulch (only when conditions allow), and sky watching at the top of this Maui volcano.

The Haleakala sunrise is the often the highlight of a visit to Haleakala National Park. Many can’t imagine how amazing the sunrise looks from the summit of Haleakala. It’s one of the most unforgettable things you can do on your Maui vacation. On our Haleakala sunrise bike tour, you can see this memorable sunrise and then bike down the Maui volcano all the way to sea level at your own pace. As part of our Haleakala volcano tours, we take our Maui biking guests on a narrated tour of the Haleakala National Park area they will be biking through.

Our tour guides provide Haleakala bike tour guests with the best and most extensive narration of the Haleakala National Park – explaining points of interest along the route, the history of the area, interesting aspects of Hawaiian culture, and also tasty dining options at restaurants along the bike route. With our Maui volcano tours, guests are driven by van to the summit on the same route they will bike down the volcano. Maui biking guests can then enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable self-paced bike tour through the Haleakala National Park down to sea level.

So have a blast on your Maui volcano bike tour and enjoy all the thrilling sights the Haleakala National Park has to offer.

Best Places In Maui For Bike Rides

Biking enthusiasts  often delight in Maui for its beauty and diverse scenery. Biking trails in Maui can vary, from challenging singletracks up Maui’s majestic mountains to laid back rides by the beach. No matter which Maui biking trail you take, you’re sure to see some stunningly beautiful sights. So if you’re scheduling a visit to the island soon, plan some time to take a ride in this biker’s oasis and perhaps test your Maui mountain bike skills in the places listed below.

Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour

In our honest opinion we feel that every cyclist should bike Haleakala at least once. Our Haleakala sunrise bike tour starts at the summit of this 10,023 ft. Maui volcano at sunrise. This sunrise above the clouds amid the mountains and with the ocean in the distance is simply an spectacular sight! Then see the unique Haleakala Crater with its pumice stone landscape and desert cinder. Wind downhill through the beautiful Upcountry of Maui and take breaks at little shops and towns all the way down to the ocean. Our downhill Haleakala bike tours are self-paced and can either start at sunrise on the summit or a little later in the day at the peak of Haleakala.

Only the most advanced mountain biker may want to traverse Haleakala uphill, or maybe just part of it really. “One of the most difficult bike climbs in the world” is what biking all the way up Haleakala has been called, with gradients reaching up to 18% over 36 miles. Every year the toughest of mountain bikers climb Haleakala in a race famed as the Cycle to the Sun on the “longest, steepest paved road on the planet.”

But for most of us, biking down Haleakala is the best choice for a Maui bike ride. The downhill Haleakala bike tour is unquestionably an absolute must-do bike ride for those who want to see all the unique beauty that Upcountry Maui has to offer.

Kahakapao Loop

This singletrack bike ride in the Makawao Forest winds through “stands of eucalyptus, cook pines, and tropical ash,” the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition mentioned. It perhaps is better for mountain bikers who want a more rigorous Maui bike ride. Starting on the east side loop and going clockwise, this steady climb has an average grade of 7.7%. “As a climb, the trail can be challenging or easy depending on the speed at which you ride,” the Coalition said. “As a descent, this trail gives cyclists speed and flow.” This singletrack through dense forests has roots and tight corners to look out for, and it’s not suggested to ride in wet conditions as it can get very slick.

West Maui Loop

The West Maui Loop bike ride is another great Maui bike ride to take on your vacation. Along with the Haleakala bike tour and Hana Highway, West Maui is one of the most scenic bike rides in Maui. This challenging ride runs along the beautiful shorelines of northwest Maui. Because it is a loop, you can start and stop almost at any point along the bike ride. If you did ride the entire West Maui Loop, it would be about 60 miles all together. On the northern side of the loop, the road turns from a two-lane paved road into a one-lane meadering road along cliffs, so great caution is highly recommended. Because it gets windier as the day goes on, it’s best to start out early, but be careful because the roads can also be slick from dew or rain.

Along your bike through West Maui, you’ll see beautiful Honolua Bay, which is a good surfing break where many professional surfers come to ride the waves. Then stop to see the Nakalele Blowhole just outside Honokohau Bay. Further on at the Kahakuloa Village, you can stop and have a bite to eat at the local banana bread stand before you continue on the bendy path. With its picturesque stops at every turn, the West Maui Loop is definitely another not-to-be-missed Maui bike ride.

If you really enjoy biking and want to explore a little more in Maui, we have bike rentals in Maui in addition to our self-paced bike tours. With our daily Maui bike rentals, you can rent the bike and equipment, along with a vehicle bike rack, and then you can enjoy biking for the entire day. Be mindful though that you will need an extra driver, and our Maui bike rentals are based on availability. Call for more details.

Experience some of the most thrilling and enjoyable mountain bike rides on earth by taking one of these amazing Maui bike rides through this gorgeous island.

How To Stay Energized On The Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour

One of the most extraordinary things you can do while on the Valley Isle in Maui is the sunrise bike tour from the peak of Haleakala. Seeing the Haleakala sunrise is nothing short of absolutely amazing. The night sky is covered like a blanket with stars and then turns into a beautiful medley of colors as the sun glistens through the clouds and over the mountains of Upcountry Maui.

The Haleakala sunrise is an experience that simply should not be passed over. But to get a glimpse of this awe-inspiring sunrise view, you’ll have to get up pretty early – around 3 a.m. – to travel to the summit of Haleakala at 10,023 feet. What can you do to get ready for this incredible journey?

Since Maui sunrise bike tour guests meet us at our shop in Paia at 3 a.m., some guests have found it helpful to schedule their Haleakala sunrise bike ride for the first full day of their vacation. This is helpful for the early excursion because jet lag could actually work in your favor in this instance. Coming from the mainland U.S., there can be as much as a 7-hour time change traveling to Maui, and around twice that for those traveling to Maui from Europe. Because of this time difference, most Maui visitors naturally wake up early the first few days of their vacation. So what better way to use those early morning hours than to see the majestic sunrise from the atop Haleakala?

Also, visitors often want to know what they should wear on the Haleakala sunrise bike tour. The summit of Haleakala is at a tremendous 10,023 feet above sea level. At this high elevation in the mountains, temperatures can get pretty cold and windy, and even more so during the winter months. So really warm clothes are definitely needed at the summit, preferably worn in layers that you can take off as you bike down the volcano to warmer Maui temperatures. Backpacks are thoughtfully provided as part of our Haleakala sunrise bike tour for guests to carry their extra clothes and supplies on the ride down. You might even want to bring a blanket for viewing the sunrise on Haleakala’s summit. Then, when you start the Maui bike tour down Haleakala, you can leave the blanket in the tour van and pick it up at our shop when you return.

At this high of elevation, proper nutrition and hydration is essential. In order to prevent altitude sickness, you’ll need to drink plenty of fluids, and be mindful to refuel your electrolytes. It’s recommend that those at high altitudes basically double their intake of water. This includes drinking lots of water before you ascend Haleakala, during your Maui bike ride, and after you’ve returned to sea level. Also, you might want to pack some snacks to take for your bike ride down Haleakala. Experts recommend eating a high-calorie diet with plenty of carbohydrates in high altitudes to keep your body filled with energy. Eating foods high in iron like spinach and other dark greens can also help to prevent altitude sickness.

However, you should limit your consumption of sodium and fat as well as avoiding tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and sedatives that can affect your respiration and hydration, especially at high altitudes. In fact, it’s recommended that those traveling to high altitudes avoid alcohol for 48 hours before they ascend. It’s always good to check with your doctor about any additional recommendations or health considerations that you in particular may need to stay mindful of.

When you partake in this incredible Haleakala sunrise bike tour in Maui and see the sunrise above the clouds after viewing such a clear night sky literally packed with stars, you’ll be so glad you got up early, drank plenty of fluids, and prepped well for this unforgettable adventure.

Can't Miss Maui Activities - Volcano Bike Ride, Molokini, Road to Hana...

Are you planning a vacation to beautiful Maui soon? This delightful Valley Isle has so many treasures, so many adventures that it can be very hard to narrow down your vacation list of Maui activities. You may have to move to Maui to see all the wonders of this island. But for now a vacation may have to do. So for your vacation, we’ve created a list of some of our own favorite Maui activities – in addition to the thrilling volcano bike ride of course. These Maui activities are sure to provide a vacation full of breathtaking experiences.

Dinner and Shopping on Front Street
Close to Lahaina Harbor is captivating Front Street – a quaint blend of restaurants, charming boutiques, jewelry shops, art galleries, and a hint of historic Old Town Lahaina. There’s also numerous historical buildings in this area of Lahaina including the Old Courthouse with its large banyan tree in the town square known as Banyan Tree Park. Have dinner alongside a panoramic oceanfront view of the sunset at the Lahaina Fish Co. This historic whaling village has so much to see and do. No vacation to Maui is complete without an afternoon of shopping and dining in this picturesque part of Lahaina on the west coast of Maui.

Whale Watching
From the Lahaina Harbor you can venture onto a whale watching tour to see one of the ocean’s most splendid creatures, the humpback whale. These remarkable mammals make Maui their home during the winter months, from December to May with the peak season from January through March.  There are a number of Maui whale watching tours available including charter boats, passenger rafts, and catamarans that offer guided tours. Seeing these marvelous creatures in person is another Maui activity that should not be missed.

Snorkel Molokini
When you see the beauty of Maui’s mountains, rainforests, and beaches, you may think that this is the most beautiful place on earth, and arguably it's at least one of the major contenders. But beneath the surface of Maui, lies another world of brilliance that’s equally, if not more amazing. Molokini is a small, moon-shaped island about three miles off the southwest coast of Maui. This crescent-shaped island is in reality a partially-submerged volcanic crater and was named a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District. Molokini Crater is home to a plentiful array of vibrant coral reefs and more than 250 species of tropical fish and marine life including whitetip reef sharks and manta rays, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Maui. The clear, tranquil waters of Molokini make for a great day of snorkeling with visibility of up to 150 feet. Because of the unbelievable marine life you’ll see around this stunning island crater, snorkeling Molokini is certainly a must for your Maui activities list!

Road to Hana
Then you’ll need to spend a day on the legendary Road to Hana. This rugged, exhilarating drive from Kahului to the little town of Hana is one of the most beautiful scenic drives you’ll ever take, in addition to your Maui volcano tour biking down Haleakala. This road, however, is not for the faint of heart to drive (there are van tours available). With its endless curves and one-lane bridges, the Road to Hana offers a ride into another world through fascinating rainforests where you can stop and hike to incredible waterfalls and glorious pools. On this world-famous drive, you’ll see spectacular views of the ocean, its coastlines, and beaches, all from awe-inspiring cliffs. Stop along the way at a local fruit stand for a snack. Take your time at each scenic spot to take in the awe-inspiring beauty, but be sure to keep track of the time so that you don’t have to drive this winding road at night. So if you’re up for even more adventure after your Maui bike tour, plan a day to travel the Road to Hana.

Maui Volcano Bike Tour
The Haleakala sunrise bike tour is undeniably a not-to-be-missed Maui activity. Seeing the sunrise above the clouds at the summit of Haleakala volcano is indescribable. The sunrise on Haleakala is truly mesmerizing. See the dynamic Haleakala Crater and its volcanic cinder desert. Our self-paced Maui volcano bike tour is an ideal way to bike down Haleakala and see all the gorgeous sights of Upcountry Maui. Bike at your own pace from the top of Haleakala volcano all the way to the sea to the quaint town of Paia. Along the way you can stop at delightful restaurants and shops, see protea farms, paniolo cowboys, and breathtaking views stretching out over the hills out to the sea. The Haleakala sunrise bike tour is one of the most memorable things you can do in Maui.