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.

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-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.

Are the Haleakala Bike Tours Physically Intensive?

We know you probably don’t bike down the side of a volcano every day, so you may be wondering how intense our Haleakala bike tour will be. Does a person need to be a professional cyclist to take on this Maui volcano? How fit should someone be to ride on the Haleakala sunrise bike tour?

Be assured that our self-paced Haleakala bike tours are not physically intense or only for the professional cyclist. In fact, almost everyone can bike the volcano on our tours.

Because the Haleakala bike rides are downhill, it is a pretty leisurely bike ride. Even those who were not exceptionally physically fit really enjoy our bike rides down Haleakala. We have had a 90-year-old bike rider join us as well as children as young as 10 years old. Although you won’t have any strenuous peddling uphill, you will be biking down a mountain with curved roads, so you will need to be comfortable and experienced at riding a bike and riding a bike with hand brakes. The only other basic restrictions we have is that our bike riders not weigh more than 300 pounds and not be pregnant, and that all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Another aspect of our particular Haleakala bike tours that makes them not intense is their self-paced nature. Although we give our biking guests  a narrated tour as they ride up to the summit of Haleakala volcano, you have the option on our tours of staying in your own cycling comfort zone. Thus, you won’t have the pressure of trying to keep up with a group like many of the guided Haleakala bike tours. You can ride down the volcano at your own pace and stop wherever you would like at the many great towns, restaurants, and shops along the route. We think that this aspect of our bike tours makes them more enjoyable and more like biking at home with friends and family.

Are the tours dangerous? Really, the Haleakala volcano tours are no more dangerous than any other bike ride. You do however, need to be comfortable riding a bike, be able to focus, and be able to use hand brakes. But basically this bike ride will be dangerous only if the biker decides to ride recklessly. Our highest priority is your safety, so we take great care to provide you with all the necessary safety and biking equipment, as well as guidelines and safety briefings. And, you don’t have to be completely on your own. If at any time during the bike ride you feel uncomfortable or need assistance, just give us a call and we will come to help or pick you up.

So the most intense part of our Haleakala bike tours may not be the bike ride at all. The most intense aspect physically may be the cold weather at the summit of Haleakala. Especially during the winter and at sunrise, temperatures can be extreme at an elevation of 10,000 feet. We recommend wearing the warmest clothes you have with you and wearing layers that can be taken off as you bike down to warmer weather. But seeing the sunrise above the clouds at the summit is well worth the cold. The elevation itself at the summit could also present some physical challenges if you’re prone to altitude sickness so drinking plenty of fluids is important.

But not all intensity is bad. We could also say that the Haleakala bike tour is pretty intense . . . that is when it comes to its amazing scenery. Everyone will agree that the Haleakala sunrise is possibly the most incredible sunrise they’ve ever seen. It’s simply unforgettable. And the beautiful countryside you’ll see on the way down is a side of Maui you can’t miss. Upcountry Maui is breathtakingly beautiful and riding down through this amazing landscape on a self-paced bike tour is thrilling and relaxing all at the same time.

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

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 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.