Great Stops on the Maui Volcano Tour - Kula Lodge and Restaurant

With our Maui volcano tour, you get to to see a unique side of Maui – Upcountry! Along the slopes of Haleakala sits a uniquely beautiful world, bursting with crisp mountain air and amazing mountain to ocean views. This world is quite different than the golden beaches of Maui featured on postcards, but it’s just as beautiful and engaging.

Biking through Upcountry provides an opportunity to experience this gorgeous landscape up close. The great part about our Maui volcano tours in particular is that you can experience all of this beauty at your own pace. Because all of our biking tours are self-paced, you can stop and go as you please. Stop to pick a flower or shop at a unique boutique. You can pick where you want to stop along the biking route.

One of the most popular stops along the route is the Kula Lodge and Restaurant. At about 3,200 feet on the western slopes of this dormant volcano, the charming lodge provides an awesome place to stop and relax, take pictures, or enjoy a nice lunch.

Kula Lodge Garden Terrace

“Kula is the Undiscovered Maui, a place only the adventurous discover. You won’t find tourist traps or snorkel shops. Instead there will be birds singing from Jacaranda trees and flowers that grow to startling sizes and beauty,” Kula Lodge noted on its website.

This lodge sits amid a beautiful garden of flower farms with protea, carnations, and tropical flora. Panoramic views from the West Maui Mountains to the Pacific Ocean await you at this lodge. Situated on the hills of Haleakala, it is the perfect place to stop along the Maui volcano tour and snap a photo. But, you can also stop and enjoy a bite to eat too!

The restaurant at the Kula Lodge is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant features an outdoor garden terrace “cradled” amid the trees overlooking the entire west side of Maui. On the garden terrace, a wood-burning pizza oven creates delicious pizza dishes. The Kula Lodge and Restaurant has its own Executive Chef that oversees all the culinary dishes at this delightful restaurant. The Kula Lodge really offers amazing views and an unforgettable setting to enjoy relax and enjoy a nice meal on your Maui volcano tour.

Kula Lodge filled with paintings by local artists.

Located in the heart of Upcountry, Kula Lodge is also a nice place to stay the night if you want to spend a few days in the Upcountry Maui. This “romantic hideaway” has 5 rustic lodges available for overnight stays. “Imagine spending a few days in a lush garden that overlooks an endless horizon,” the Kula Lodge noted.

If shopping is a must on your Maui volcano tour, the Kula Marketplace and the Curtis Wilson Cost Gallery, both located at the Kula Lodge, have a variety of unique island gifts available for purchase. These shops feature one-of-a-kind art by local Maui and Hawaiian artists and craftsmen as well as homemade jellies, jams, and pastries.

With its sweeping views of the lush green countryside to the ocean, the Kula Lodge and Restaurant is a hidden gem in Upcountry and definitely a must-see on your Maui volcano tour.

(Garden Terrace photo by Bill Abbott via Flickr)

(Last photo by Belindah via Flickr)

How Many Miles is the Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour?

 

One of the most popular things to do in Maui is the Haleakala downhill bike tour. It’s thrilling and relaxing all at the same time and provides a unique view of Maui. But many wonder how far the bike tour is. And will the bike ride be too strenuous?

From where you begin the Haleakala downhill bike ride at the staging area to our Maui Sunriders shop in Paia, the entire bike ride is about 27 miles. If you take the Haleakala sunrise or summit bike tours, you will first be driven to the Summit of Haleakala to explore the Summit area and Haleakala Crater. If you choose for the express tour, you’ll be taken directly to the staging area outside of the park at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

Is the Haleakala downhill bike tour an intense 27-mile ride? Because the bike ride is all downhill, it is a fairly easy bike ride. Although this Maui volcano has an average grade of 5 percent, there are many switchbacks on the first portion of the Haleakala downhill bike tour that eliminate any extreme steepness.

Our Haleakala downhill bike tours are self-paced offering bikers the opportunity to take their time and stop as they want along the way. Without stopping, the bike tour takes about an hour and a half. However, many bikers prefer to stop to eat at the various restaurants along the route or sightsee and shop at the many shops and art galleries in the quaint towns on the tour.

For those who take the sunrise tour, the average return time for bikers with a stop for breakfast is around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. On the summit tour, the average return time including stopping for lunch and sightseeing around town on the way down is around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. On the express tour, the average return time for bikers is around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. including stopping for lunch and to see the town on the bike down.

Whichever option you choose, you have until 4:30 p.m. to make your way back to our shop in Paia.

Liability insurance requires that bike riders only ride on the official Haleakala downhill bike tour route, which ends at our shop in Paia. Biking around Paia after returning to our shop is not allowed.  However, Paia and its beautiful beaches are really better experienced on foot anyway.

The self-paced feature of our Haleakala downhill bike tour really makes it easy to ride, more enjoyable, and more family-friendly, we feel. Although a 27-mile bike ride down a dormant volcano may seem daunting, the fact that it’s a downhill bike ride and that our bike tours are self-paced provide a fun and relaxing way to see the incredibly beauty of Upcountry Maui.

Unique Wildlife You Might Spot On The Haleakala Sunrise Volcano Tour

The Haleakala sunrise volcano tour has so many amazing things to offer its guest. The sunrise tour especially boasts spectacular views of the sun rising above the clouds at the peak of this dormant volcano. Then, there’s the Haleakala Crater and its unique landscape that will make you feel as if you’re on another world.

In the summit area as well as in the entire Haleakala National Park, there is also some incredible wildlife. The park is noted for having a number of unique endangered species. So to better prepare you for your bike tour, we’ve gathered some information from the National Park Service about the wildlife you’ll see on the way down Haleakala.

Hawaiian Goose – Nēnē

World’s rarest goose, the nēnē

You will only see the nēnē in Hawaii. As the world’s rarest goose, the wild nēnē nests on Haleakala and, as the NPS noted, may fly around neighborhoods on Maui and Moloka’i. The last survivor of several other endemic geese, the nēnē is an endangered species and is the State Bird of Hawaii.

The nēnē has strong feet, short wings, padded toes, and reduced webbing which helps them walk over the rough terrain of the Haleakala volcano. Nēnē often monogamous and at 14 weeks old, the young goslings can fly and join the rest of the flock.

Although park biologists protect “the island’s most noticeable large native animal,” they often travel through roadways and parking lots where they’re sometimes killed by cars. Thus, there are often warnings alerting motorists to watch out for the nēnē.

Of course, to protect the nēnē, the NPS urges visitors to “keep them wild” by not giving them any food or water, not getting too close to the nēnē, and keeping pets away.

Hawaiian Petrel – ‘Ua’u

The ‘ua’u are an endangered species of migratory seabirds. According to the NPS, their largest known nesting colony is at the top of Haleakala, so look out for these birds at the summit of Haleakala on your volcano tour!

NPS photo of ʻUaʻu at 9000 ft. elevation on Haleakalā

At 16 inches long, these seabirds have a three-foot wingspan and are dark grey on top and white underneath. The young ‘ua’u reportedly leave their nests for the first time in November and fly out to the ocean at night in search of food. But sometimes these seabirds can sadly become grounded.

“They fly over land at night and are believed to navigate by stars. These and other seabirds that fly at night sometimes become confused by lights. The seabirds fly around the lights, become tired and fall to the ground,” the NPS noted.

On the NPS website, there are instructions for what to do if you find a grounded seabird. These birds, the NPS said, also make a variety of calls, one sounding just like its name: oo-AH-oo. So if you hear this sound on your Haleakala sunrise volcano tour, it may be an ‘ua’u.

Haleakala Silversword

With the variety of climates and elevations on Haleakala comes a variety of unique plant life.

The beautifully unique Haleakala silversword

“Over 850 species of plants are found within the bounds of Haleakala National Park. Of these, over 400 species are native, or arrived without human intervention; over 300 species are endemic to Hawai’i, found only in the islands,” the NPS noted.

The silversword is one of the unique endemic species to Haleakala. Living among the desert cinder landscape of the Haleakala Crater and Summit area, silverswords are easily recognized by the silvery hairs on their sword-like succulent leaves and their low-growing rosette. They can live up to 90 years.

If you see a flowering silversword on your Haleakala sunrise volcano tour, this is a truly a unique experience as the silversword only flowers once and then dies soon after.

The silversword is one of the many rare and unique plants that you can see on your bike tour of Haleakala, many of which can only be seen in Hawaii.

The NPS has downloadable guides you can take along to help you identify these distinctive plants and bird species.



(First photo by Eric Chan)

Why Its A Great Idea to Take A Maui Downhill Bike Tour On Your Island Vacation

When thinking about your island getaway, you may just envision lying around on the gorgeous beaches of Maui all day reading a book and soaking up the sun. That of course would be a nice vacation. But there are many reasons to add a Maui downhill bike tour to your island plans! Here’s a few . . .

Great way to see (or experience) Upcountry. Our downhill bike tour takes you through the mountainous landscape of Upcountry Maui. Starting out with a land tour of the Summit area of the volcano Haleakala, our bike tours offer a unique chance to really experience the scenery of Upcountry firsthand. Because our particular self-paced Maui downhill bike tour allows guests to ride at their own pace, on their own timetable, and without the unwieldy large groups of guided bike tours; you can stop to pick a flower or take a picture at a unique spot along the way. The world is yours! As you bike down, you can stop at one of the charming small towns or restaurants along the route. The quaint towns in Upcountry have a variety of unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries to explore. But more than just driving through Upcountry, taking a downhill bike tour through this picturesque countryside lets you be a part of the land, and really take in the distinctive beauty of this area – an area that many Maui tourists never get to experience.

An unmatched biking experience. If you enjoy biking or want a little adventure on your trip (but not too much), then the Maui downhill bike tour is the activity for you. It’s really the ultimate biking experience. Think about it, what could be a more exciting biking adventure than to bike down a volcano? What a great story to tell! Plus, while this bike tour offers a great sense of adventure, it is downhill so you don’t have to be a professional cyclist to go on this bike tour. The adventure is really in the incredible scenery of Haleakala and Upcountry.

See an unforgettable sunrise – a great bucket list item. One of our Maui downhill bike tour options is the Haleakala sunrise bike tour. On this tour, you’ll see the sun rise above the clouds at the peak of Haleakala. This is definitely something that should be on everyone’s bucket list! Everyone agrees that seeing this sunrise at an elevation of 10,023 feet above sea level is really one of the most unforgettable moments of their entire vacation. Instead of driving up to Haleakala only to view the sunrise, our Haleakala sunrise bike tour combines this unforgettable experience with the opportunity to see more of Upcountry, up close and personal!

Easy and fun exercise on vacation. Many like to get some exercise in while they’re on vacation. So instead of just riding a recumbent bike in a hotel gym, why not ride down the captivating Haleakala volcano? You’ll be able to get some light exercise in the fresh mountain air and beautiful hillsides of Upcountry.

Really, there are so many benefits to taking the Maui downhill bike tour while you’re here on vacation! Our bike tour will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip. Book your downhill bike tour today!



(First two photos by PV Photography)

Haleakala Sunrise or Sunset - Which is Best?

Going to the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s largest volcano, is one of the most popular things to do in Maui. The cinder landscape of this active Volcano  (just kidding its dormant) with its unique wildlife is truly a sight to behold. But when should you go? Many travel early in the morning to see the Haleakala sunrise. Others wait to travel in Upcountry to the Summit area in the evening to see the sunset. Which is better? Both are truly amazing sights, but here are a few points to consider.

Haleakala sunrise. Viewing the sunrise from the Summit offers you the chance to see and do a great many different things you might not get to do if you went there in the evening. For instance, on our Haleakala sunrise bike tour, not only do you get the chance to see the incredible sunrise and the landscape of Haleakala Crater, but you can also see more of Upcountry Maui up close as you bike down all the way to sea level. On this bike tour – from the mountain to the sea – you’ll see a variety of different wildlife and picturesque countryside landscapes that stretch out to the ocean; you can stop to eat at a restaurant nestled on the slopes of Haleakala; or you can spend a while in one of the charming small towns along the way to shop, eat, or browse one of their numerous art galleries. The Haleakala sunrise bike tour offers a unique opportunity to see a side of Maui many tourists never see – all while seeing the gorgeous Haleakala sunrise first!

A lot of visitors to Maui are jetlagged the first few days they are here. So why not take advantage of automatically waking up early and check out the unforgettable Haleakala sunrise. If you’re at the Summit a little before sunrise, you can also see the amazingly clear sky filled with stars. Then you really have a chance to see and do everything – stargaze, see the sunrise, and experience biking down Upcountry!

Watching the Haleakala sunrise, seeing the explosion of colors as the sun rises above the clouds at 10,023 feet above sea level, is truly awe-inspiring.

Haleakala sunset. Of course, the main perk to waiting until the evening to venture up Haleakala is that you can sleep later. This may be the ideal to some. However, if you do experience jetlag on your trip, you may want to wait until the end of your Maui vacation when you get adjusted to the time.

The sunset on the peak of Haleakala is also a gorgeous sight. Many like to visit Haleakala at night not only to view the picture-perfect sunset but also to afterward see the night painted with bright twinkling stars.

“Temperatures immediately before dawn and immediately after dusk are regularly below freezing,” the Haleakala National Park Service warns, so both sunset and sunset will be pretty cold, and you’ll thus need to dress pretty warm.

Overall, many visitors will say that the Haleakala sunrise is hands-down the best of the two to see. Being above the clouds when the sun rises over the mountain is awe-inspiriing. But the convenience of not getting up early may appeal more to some. If you have the chance while in Maui, you should see both of these amazing natural phenomenon.

(First photo by Courtney Collison via Flickr)

(Second photo by Divya Thakur via Flickr)

Must See On The Maui Volcano Tour: Makawao Town

 

You can see so many things on the Maui volcano tour, many things that you might not otherwise have seen during your vacation in Maui. This downhill bike tour through Upcountry Maui offers a chance to see this unique part of Maui up close. Of course you can drive through Upcountry, but that’s like taking a boat when you could go surfing! You’ll get to “experience” the adventure that is Upcountry and Haleakala when you take the Maui volcano bike tour.


Although on our self-paced Maui volcano bike tours, you can stop as you want along the way, there are a few major stops that everyone should take on their volcano tour. One of these stops is Makawao Town. The little town of Makawao is the heart of what’s known as “Paniolo Country.” One of the last paniolo or Hawaiian cowboy towns in Hawaii, Makawao has its own unique atmosphere and feel. As the “biggest little town” in Upcountry, “Makawao has one foot in its plantation past and another in its thriving arts community,” the Hawaii Tourism Authority noted. Yes, Makawao is a little bit of the old mixed with the new, and this is what makes Makawao one of the must-see stops along the Maui volcano tour.

Makawao is where the paniolo still roam and rodeos are still a major part of life and the culture of Upcountry. Held every year on the Fourth of July, the Makawao Rodeo is Hawaii’s largest paniolo competition with all the traditional rodeo events like calf roping, bronco riding, and barrel racing as well as a parade through Makawao. Paniolo is still such a large part of the town’s life and heritage that you just might see a cowboy riding through town on horseback.

This eclectic town is jam-packed with charming boutiques and art galleries, all with an authentic, not so touristy feel, but more of a ‘this-is-life-in-a-small-Upcountry-town’ vibe. Once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States, Makawao is home to many working artists. From watching glassblowing at Hot Island Glass to shopping for Polynesian jewelry, clothing, and home accessories to browsing numerous fine arts galleries and wood sculptor shops, Makawao offers a world of diversity in its shopping.

An array of restaurants also calls Makawao home, including the well-known T. Komoda Store & Bakery. This small bakery that has been a local tradition since 1916 is legendary for its pastries including its cream puffs and donuts on a stick. And as Mitchell commented on Yelp: “The best way to hit this spot is to take the Maui Sunriders sunrise bike tour. It is a great stop with 7 miles left to go in a 26-mile downhill mountain bike bomb. . . It looks like a bodega/convenience store, but the secret (well not that much of a secret) is that they make the most amazing fresh bread and donuts.”

So don’t miss Makawao Town on your Maui volcano tour! This eclectic little paniolo town has a lot of character and a cool story to tell.


(First Photo by “Allie_Caulfield“)
(Rodeo photo by “Travis“)
(Gecko Trading Co. Photo by “Allie_Caulfield“)
(Fourth photo by PV Photography)
(Komoda Store Photo by “Too Tall Paul“)

Maui Downhill Bike Ride and Other Top Maui Activities

Maui boast a wonderland of activities. From sea and land excursions to even air tours, Maui is certainly  the place to go if you love adventure.

One of our favorite activities of course is the Maui downhill bike ride. Offering much excitement, but not too much, this bike tour is something almost everyone can do – you just need to know how to ride a bike. Starting with a tour of the Summit of Haleakala (and the Haleakala sunrise if you opt for that bike tour) as well as Haleakala Crater, our Maui downhill bike ride is an exciting land excursion with so many things to see along the way. The numerous towns, restaurants, and fruit stands along the route offer a variety of places to explore and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing. Because our Maui downhill bike ride is self-paced, guests can ride at their leisure, not at the pace of the tour guide or the fastest biker. You can stop and go along the bike route as you like and really take in all the beautiful scenery of Upcountry Maui. This bike tour offers a relaxing and invigorating way to explore a side of Maui that many tourists never see.

Sea excursions are also a highlight in Maui. You can ride on sailing catamarans and enjoy an elegant sunset dinner cruise or take a snorkeling tour around Molokini. Snorkeling is a great water activity for a variety of ages and skill levels. Always a favorite, whale watching tours offer an opportunity to see the majestic humpback whales up close. The Pacific Whale Foundation offers a nice whale watching tour from both the Lahaina and Maalaea harbors. For a little more adventure, you can take a kayak tour, scuba diving tour, or go deep sea fishing.

Although more expensive, air tours of Maui provide guests with a gorgeous view of the island and certainly an unforgettable experience. There are a number of helicopter tour companies offering air tours of Haleakala Crater, the Hana rainforests and waterfalls, the West Maui Mountains, Molokini, and East Maui. You can also book a private helicopter charter for a real luxurious experience.

And besides the Maui downhill bike ride, there are a number of other Maui land tours you can try. Drive along the winding Hana Highway where you can stop to see gorgeous waterfalls and hike along the bamboo rainforest. Along this driving route, you can also stop to see the Oheo Gulch or “Seven Sacred Pools” in the Kipahulu district of Haleakala National Park. There are also numerous hiking trails in this area such as Pipiwai Trail and Kahakai Trail.

If you would prefer not to drive the winding Road to Hana yourself, there are also numerous van tours available to take you to all the scenic stops along the way.

The beautiful Valley Isle is the ideal place to vacation and explore. We invite you to take our Maui downhill bike tour with exciting views of Haleakala and Upcountry Maui. You won’t be disappointed!


(First two photos by PV Photography)

Looking For A Great Group Activity in Maui Try Haleakala Downhill

Maui is a world-class destination for a vacation with family or friends. In fact, there are a number of great Maui activities that are ideal for a group including Haleakala downhill. Biking down the Haleakala volcano is an incredible group activity! Check out why . . .

Self-guided Haleakala downhill bike tours. Our Haleakala bike rides are self-paced so this means your group can stop and go along the bike route as they please. Guided Haleakala downhill tours often have to stop where the guide wants to stop, so you may not be able to eat at the Kula Lodge & Restaurant on the way or stop in Makawao Town, but only at their planned tour sights. This can restrict your group, especially when you have different interests than your tour guide.

On Maui Sunriders’ Haleakala downhill bike tours, your group can stop wherever they would like. Check out the different boutiques, art galleries and restaurants at small towns on the route. vGet some fresh fruit at a stand along the way. When it’s at your own pace, you can bike like your group would in your own hometown with the freedom to see what you want to see.

Or if you don’t want to do the entire activity as a group, you can start out together and meet up at the end in Paia for dinner. This way you have the atmosphere of a group, but everyone also has the freedom to do their own thing if they want. Everyone benefits with self-paced bike tours!

Haleakala downhill isn’t a pro sport. Not everyone in your group may be able to surf, and that can be a bit frustrating for those that want to be in a Maui group activity but aren’t very athletic.

The Haleakala downhill bike tour, however, is a Maui activity that just about anyone can do. All you have to know is how to ride a bike with hand brakes and you’re set! Even children who are at least 9 or 10 years old and are experienced in riding a bike alone can take the Haleakala downhill bike tour.

Children who are at least 6 years old can ride on a trailer bike behind an adult. And we have had a 90-year-old bike rider join us! Haleakala downhill is a relaxing and at the same time exhilarating sport for the entire family. The only restrictions are that pregnant women and those over 300 pounds not ride.

The self-paced feature of our Haleakala downhill bike rides also allows flexibility in regard to everyone’s athletic abilities. Being self-paced, you can stay in your own comfort zone of biking without the pressure of trying to keep up with a bike tour guide and a group of people who not be of the same ability.

There’s something for everyone along the way. Ziplining, snorkeling, or spearfishing may not appeal to everyone in your group. But along the Haleakala downhill bike tour, there will be something for everyone in your group to see. Along the route they can stop to shop in a charming small town boutique or see the paniolo cowboys of Makawao or create their own ‘food tour’ throughout the various towns along the way. Upcountry Maui offers such diversity. Each member of your group will find his own favorite spot along the route.

Discover the beauty of Upcountry Maui and explore Haleakala as a group on your downhill bike tour!

Delicious Places to Grab a Bite in Paia After You Bike the Volcano

Undoubtedly you'll work up an appetite after you bike the volcano. And as you end your Haleakala downhill bike tour in Paia, there are a number of awesome places to eat in addition to the terrific shopping areas this quaint town has to offer.

So, if you’re looking for a great place to have a relaxing dinner, explore some of these Paia restaurants (which are in no particular order) . . .

For tasty fish burgers, fish tacos, and other large-portioned seafood plates, Paia Fish Market (above) is a very popular restaurant on the corner of Baldwin Ave. and Hana Highway. While not the most romantic dinner for two location with its order-at-the-counter and bench seating style, this eatery is a great place to unwind and recap your Haleakala biking adventures in a relaxed aloha atmosphere.

Mama’s Fish House on the other hand is a restaurant where you can make reservations weeks in advance. This lovely eatery has picturesque views of the ocean and a unique island ambiance that draws people in from across the world. The elegant seafood dishes are as delicious as the views. However, Mama’s Fish House is a bit pricey ,but does serve some excellent seafood dishes along with great service.



For some Tex-Mex while you’re on the island, stop in at Milagros Food Company. They have a nice selection of tequila to accompany their delicious Mexican and seafood dishes.


With its country theme and down-home delicious food, Charley’s Restaurant & Saloon is another great place to have dinner and enjoy some live music. Known for their barbecue and corn bread as well as their pancakes during breakfast, Charley’s is also a famous spot for Willie Nelson to hang out at.


If you’re in the mood for some tasty pizza after your Haleakala bike tour down the volcano, try the Flatbread Company. They have gourmet pizzas and flatbreads using local ingredients along with some great salads.

At the Dazoo Restaurant, you can pick your own flavors to add to the main dish mixing and matching combinations, while having one of their award-winning cocktails. Try Dazoo’s for an exciting and interesting dining experience.

As a lively little town all its own, Paia boasts some unique restaurants that you just must try while you’re here. So start your day by biking the Maui volcano and then enjoy a delicious meal at one of our great one-of-a-kind Maui restaurants.

Hiking Trails in Maui to Explore After Your Haleakala Volcano Tour

The island of Maui has so much to offer! Along with the memorable experience of a Haleakala sunrise volcano tour, which of course, we highly recommend, Maui boasts some absolutely picturesque hiking trails. So if you’re looking for some great hiking trails to explore after your bike tour of Haleakala, perhaps we can give you some helpful recommendations.

Hiking in Maui

Before talking about some the trails on the wonderful Valley Isle of Maui, it would be good to first mention a few basics on how to safely get the most out of any hiking adventure.

• Wear light clothing to keep cool, but layered clothing at the Haleakala Summit
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good tread
• Use insect repellent
• Use sunscreen
• Bring a backpack with enough water and food
• Also bring a First Aid kit, flashlight, map (preferably a paper map in case you lose cell phone service), and a compass

Haleakala National Park

This national park, which you will see some of on your Haleakala sunrise volcano tour, covers a diverse and engaging  landscape with over 30 miles of hiking trails just in the summit area. On your Maui volcano bike tour, you will first be taken to the Summit of Haleakala, Maui’s highest point, and spend about an hour there exploring the unique cinder landscape and the amazing crater before you start your bike down the volcano.

There are several trails in the Summit Area such as the Sliding Sands Trail or the Halemau’u Trail. On these hiking trails you can see amazing views of this volcanic landscape as well as the unique wildlife found only on Haleakala. Because of the terrain and elevation, some of these trails are not for beginners, so check with the National Park Service for more details. Weather can be extreme at the summit, so be sure to wear layers of clothing.

On the other side of the park 12 miles past Hana, you can see a totally different ecosystem by hiking through a lush tropical rainforest in the Kīpahulu Area. Here the weather is usually warm and humid. Make sure to bring rain protection, sturdy close-toed shoes, and insect repellent on this gorgeously green hike. In this area of the park, you can hike to Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) on the half-mile round-trip Kuloa Point Trail, take the 4-mile round-trip Pīpīwai Trail through a freshwater stream to see gorgeous waterfalls and bamboo forests, or take the half-mile Kahakai Trail from Kuloa Pount to the Kīpahulu campground where you’ll pass by some interesting archaeological sites along with great ocean views.

‘Iao Valley State Park

Located in central Maui, the ‘Iao Valley State Park offers another beautiful hiking adventure and is home to the famous 1,200-foot Iao Needle, the “iconic green-mantled rock” towering above Iao stream. This tropical area is also an important historical area for the island.

“It was here in 1790 at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamehameha I clashed with Maui’s army in his quest to unite the islands. Even with Iao Needle serving as a lookout point, Kamehameha defeated Maui’s forces in a ferocious battle that ultimately changed the course of Hawaiian history,” the Hawaii Tourism Authority noted.

This famously lush park offers a great hiking location for the whole family with a ridge-top lookout point and interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center in the park.

These are just a few of the hiking trails and day hiking trips you may want to plan after your Haleakala volcano tour adventure. Maui has so much to see and do, even beyond the beaches and ocean activities. Explore all that this island has to offer, starting with an exciting Haleakala sunrise volcano bike tour!

(First photo by Anna Hirsch)

(Second crater photo by Frank Kovalchek)

(Pīpīwai Trail photo by daveynin)

(Iao Needle photo by Curt Smith)

Bike Maintenance Tips from Maui Bike Rental Company

Many Maui visitors who make use of our day bike rental option and those who take our Haleakala sunrise bike tour are biking enthusiasts or those who want to get more into biking as a hobby for its many health benefits. So of course, as a Maui bike rental guest, you probably have your own bicycle waiting for you at home. Whether you do already bike regularly at home or want to dust off the pedals after the exciting time you experienced on your Maui bike ride, we’ve rounded up some great bicycle maintenance tips to get you started . . . 

Read blog at http://mauisunriders.com/maui-bike-rental-company-bike-maintenance-tips/

Must-Do Upcountry Maui Activities

Most people just think of Maui as miles of golden beaches filled with surfers, palm trees, and beach bums basking in the sun, and that would be a good snapshot of the Valley Isle, but there is another totally different, but equally as gorgeous side of the island – Upcountry Maui. Here, on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano is a beautiful countryside of rolling hills, crisp clean air, beautiful scenic views, and charming communities brimming with character. As for things to do, there are plenty of activities for the Maui vacationer to try in Upcountry . . .

Paia Town. 

Most would say the drive into Upcountry Maui generally starts in the small town of Paia on the North Shore. In our charming little town, there’s still plenty to do, especially for the avid shopper. In Paia, there are numerous little shops, boutiques, art galleries, and great restaurants in this former Hawaiian plantation village. Close by are some awesome beaches, including the “windsurfing capital of the world,” Ho’okipa Beach. Maui’s little Paia is also where you can rent bikes to ride for the day or take a bike tour of Haleakala volcano.

Haleakala sunrise bike tour.

A favorite Upcountry Maui activity for many visitors is the Haleakala sunrise bike tour. Although you don’t have to go at sunrise, most would say it’s definitely worth getting up early for and one of the most incredible sights they’ve ever seen. On our self-paced Haleakala sunrise bike tours, guests are driven up to the summit of Haleakala (at 10,023-ft) to watch this incredible sunrise above the clouds and see the spectacular cinder landscape at Haleakala Crater. Then guests are taken to the staging area at 6,500 feet where they get ready to bike down the volcano! Because our Haleakala bike rides are self-paced, guests have the freedom to stop along the way back down at the many towns, scenic areas, restaurants, shops, and farms on the route all the way to Paia. So really, our Haleakala bike tours allow guests to enjoy, not just one, but numerous Maui activities, all in one day – all at your own pace.

Kula Lodge & Restaurant 

On our Haleakala sunrise bike tour, you could stop to have lunch at the Kula Lodge. This “romantic hideaway” is the perfect spot to have gourmet pizza from their wood-burning pizza oven or take a picture amid a backdrop of blossoming protea, carnations, and other tropical flora as well as gorgeous views of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Makawao – Paniolo Country, Ziplines & Pineapple Tours

Another little town you’ll visit along the scenic Haleakala sunrise bike tour is Makawao in what’s known here as Paniolo Country. Paniolo is the term for the “Hawaiian cowboy” and Makawao is a town where the cowboys still herd cattle on ranches and compete in real rodeo competitions. But Makawao is also filled with interesting boutiques and is a top art destination with numerous local artists and art galleries. In Makawao, there are also zipline tours available at the Piiholo Ranch or you can take a guided Maui Pineapple Tour at the Hali’imaile Pineapple Plantation.

Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm

If you’re staying in Upcountry after your Haleakala bike tour or want to see more in Upcountry, you might head back up to Kula for a visit to the beautiful and fragrant Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm. You can take a guided tour of the lavender farm, have a gourmet picnic, or purchase some lavender bath and body products in their shop.

Kula Botanical Garden

If you would like to see more of the tropical flora found on this dormant volcano, check out the botanical garden in Kula. You can take a self-guided tour or a guided group tour of this beautiful tropical oasis.

Maui Wine & Ulupalakua Ranch

Nestled on the slopes of Haleakala in an area known as Ulupalakua is Maui Wine, the only commercial winery on the island. On the historic site of the famous Rose Ranch, you can enjoy a tour and tasting of this beautiful estate and vineyard. Try some of their unique, flavorful pineapple wines like Hula O’Maui, made from locally grown Maui pineapples, as well as their grape and sparkling wines. Then, you can grab a bite to eat at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store that features fresh Maui Cattle Company beef and Ulupalakua elk burgers.

There’s so much to see and do in Upcountry Maui that you may want to stay a few days enjoying the fresh mountain air and the variety of exciting Maui activities available here in beautiful Upcountry Maui.

Great Places to Go Camping After Your Maui Volcano Tour

Maui volcano tours like those we provide at Maui Sunriders offer an excellent chance to see the summit of Haleakala and the beauty of Upcountry Maui. However, if you want even more adventure after your bike tour, then why not stay in this beautiful countryside? There are several great camping spots in the Haleakala National Park area. Some of these camping areas can be driven to and others require a bit of a hike. Several cabins are available for reservation and there are areas where you can camp in a tent. So if you’re wanting to discover more of the Haleakala Crater after your Maui volcano tour, here’s some information about the campsites to help plan your stay.

There are two car accessible campgrounds in Haleakala National Park. Hosmer Grove is in the summit area just below the 7,000-foot level in the cloud belt. There is a self-guided nature trail that begins and ends at the campground if you want to venture further into this beautiful landscape. As the National Park Service (NPS) notes, the weather can be cold and rainy here, even dropping to near freezing at night and reach around 50-65 degrees during the day. Hosmer Grove only has picnic tables, barbecue grills, pit toilets, and drinking water. Kīpahulu campground is closer to Hana about 1/8 mile south of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center and just a short walk from ʻOheʻo Gulch on the east side of the island. This campground overlooks ocean cliffs. Although the campground has picnic tables, grills, and pit toilets, there is no water available here. The NPS has drinking water available at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center.

Although you may have seen the unforgettable sunrise on Haleakala on your Maui volcano tour, camping out in the summit district of Haleakala National Park will give you the opportunity to also see the amazing night sky at the top of this volcano. The summit of Haleakala is known as one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

In addition to biking, many who take the Maui volcano tour also love to hike. So, for those who enjoy backpacking and really want to explore the various volcanic landscapes of Haleakala up close, there are cabins and campsites that require a hike through the Wilderness Area of Haleakala. Three cabins are available in the Haleakala Wilderness – Hōlua, Kapalaoa, and Palikū. The closest of the three, Hōlua Cabin, is accessed by a 3.7 mile hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. These quaint historic cabins have limited amenities like a propane stove, dishes, 12 padded bunks, pit toilets, and water that requires filtering before use, but no electricity. As UnrealHawaii.com mentioned though, these cabins do go fast, so you will need to make a reservation, possibly a few months in advance. At Hōlua and Palikū, there are also campsites available. As the NPS noted, the Wilderness Area has unpredictable weather, at times steep hiking trails, and loose cinder or rock terrain, so caution and experience is needed when hiking or staying in these areas. Please see the NPS website for more information about the cabins and campsites and any permit requirements.

The Hawaii State Parks association also offers two camping and cabin areas on Maui. On the slopes of Haleakala, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is home to a single cabin available for rent as well as tent camping sites. Polipoli Spring is about 10 miles upland from Kula on Waipoli Road. (A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for getting here.) This camping area is in the “fog belt” of the Kula Forest Reserve at an elevation of 6,200 feet with views of Central and West Maui, Kaho’olawe, Moloka’i and Lana’i in clear weather. There are restrooms and trash cans at the campsite, but no drinking water or campground showers. Along the “volcanic coastline” of Hana, the Wai‘anapanapa State Park offers camping and cabin lodging with outdoor showers, drinking water, trash receptacles, and restrooms. Visit the Hawaii State Parks website for more information about these camping areas.

So what do you think? Are you up for a little more adventure, off the beaten path? If you love the outdoors and want to experience even more of Haleakala’s wilderness after your Maui volcano tour, these great camping and lodging areas can give you, as Hawaii State Parks noted, “solitude and respite from urban life.”

(First photo “Stars Above Haleakala” Photo by thedaintyheart via Flickr)

(Cabin photos via NPS)

Winter Safety Tips - Biking in Maui & on the Mainland

Maui biking is a year-round activity thanks to our pretty much always gorgeous weather. When biking in Maui during winter though, you may encounter a little more rain.

Winter is the wettest time in Maui although even then, it isn’t Seattle-type rain. Here it may only rain for an hour or two, maybe more some days, but then the rain leaves us with a beautiful rainbow. So winter biking in Maui is much the same as in other seasons. The temperatures for Maui in the winter generally average between 70 and 80 degrees so it’s still very nice especially if you’re coming to visit from the Northern United States.

In Upcountry Maui along the slopes of Haleakala, it can get a little colder, but still very nice weather. On the summit of Haleakala at an elevation of 10,000 feet, weather can be extreme, especially during the winter months. There has at times during winter been “light snow dustings” at the summit, but this doesn’t happen too often. We recommend bringing the warmest clothes you have with you for the Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour, but wearing layers that can be taken off as you ride down Haleakala to warmer temperatures. The Haleakala bike ride does go through 6 different micro-climates, but for the most part, it’s an endless summer in Upcountry.

In short, winter biking safety tips for Maui include planning for a fair chance for wet weather so good rain gear is important. On our Maui volcano bike tours, we provide guests with rain/wind gear including gloves, jackets, and pants to make sure they have everything they need for a safe and fun bike ride.

When riding your bike in Maui just after it begins raining, remember that this is when roads may be the slickest so be cautious, especially around corners. Look out for wet “rainbow” patches on the street which could be a sign of an oil patch on the road. Avoid puddles which could also be potholes. Biking experts say that when cornering in the rain, try to shift your weight on the outside pedal and go slow and carefully.

For the mainland, biking in winter can include much more than rain. But even biking in winter on the mainland can be very enjoyable. Some cyclists even commute to work year-round. REI noted these tips for biking through the winter:

• Don’t overdress. “The most important aspect of cold-weather riding is your clothing. It’s also the area where most first-timers make mistakes . . . Wear just enough clothes to be slightly cold when you start pedaling. The first few minutes may be chilly, but your body produces a vast amount of heat when riding a bike so you’ll warm up quickly.” Avoid wearing cotton as your base layer; instead try a synthetic wicking fiber.
• Bring a waterproof backpack.
• Run tires at a lower pressure than during summer to allow for better traction.
• Use bright lights for both the front and back of the bike.
• Install fenders on both wheels.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated and eat enough food. “While the cooler temps may not make you feel like you’re dehydrating, the reality is that biking is an aerobic activity and the outside temperature has little effect on the amount of water your body loses . . . In winter, you can reach dehydration long before you start to feel thirsty.”

For more helpful tips on biking during the cold winter months on the mainland, visit http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-bicycling.html.

Winter is a great time to visit Maui because of the great weather here as well as the opportunity to see the humpback whales that visit during the winter. If you come to Maui in winter or summer, be sure to take a Maui bike ride through Upcountry on our self-paced Haleakala volcano tours. It’s an unforgettable experience – from the mountain to the sea!