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!

Haleakala Volcano Bike Tour - What You'll See Along the Way

The Haleakala volcano bike tour is one of Maui’s top-rated activities. Why is this Maui bike tour so popular? What can you expect to experience and see on this bike tour down Haleakala?

In a way, that’s a tough question. There’s so much to see on this volcano and what’s known as Upcountry Maui that it’s hard to mention everything, but here are some of the highlights…

The summit and crater of the Haleakala volcano. 

At 10,023 feet above sea level, the summit of Haleakala offers spectacular views, especially at sunrise. The Haleakala sunrise bike tour is probably our most popular tour because of this most remarkable sunrise that comes up above the clouds. As the highest point on the island of Maui, the peak of Haleakala volcano provides unforgettable views like those of Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe and the ever-expansive ocean.

From the summit you’ll see the Haleakala Crater, famous for its unique volcanic landscape. You can walk through this cinder desert and discover what appears to be a whole other world. The summit and crater of Haleakala will definitely be highlights of your bike tour.

The beauty of what’s called “undiscovered Maui.”

As you bike down the Haleakala volcano, you’ll see numerous treasures hidden in this quiet, rural area known as Upcountry Maui. Upcountry is an area that many tourists never get to see because they don’t venture far from the beaches and resorts. But this mountainous part of Maui is equally as beautiful and is definitely a must-see on your Maui vacation.

On your way down the Haleakala volcano bike tour, you’ll ride by amazing lavender and protea farms. Because our Haleakala bike tours are self-paced, you can stop at the Maui Lavender Caféor the Kula Lodge and Restaurant for breakfast. These make for great photo-op spots and a place to relax and enjoy romantic views of the West Maui Mountains and the ocean amid their gardens of lavender, protea, and other tropical flowers. This beautiful countryside is something that shouldn’t be missed.

Charming towns, each with their own unique flare.

Also on the Haleakala volcano tour, you’ll bike through a couple quaint little towns that give you a glimpse into what it’s like to live in real Hawaii. In Paniolo (or Hawaiian cowboy) Country, you’ll bike through the small town of Makawao. This historic ranch town carries on the traditions of the paniolo with a rustic flare all its own. Here the annual rodeo competition is held along with the Paniolo Parade through downtown. In Paniolo Country, you’ll find working cattle ranches and a rich culture reminiscent of the Old West. But what’s interesting too is that in Makawao you’ll also find a thriving arts community with numerous painters, wood sculptors, and glassblowers as well as a number of art galleries and other boutiques. So there’s much to see in this historic town that was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the U.S.

At the end of your Haleakala volcano tour, you’ll return to the lovely town of Paia. But after you return your bike, don’t rush home. There’s still much to see. This is another aspect of our bike tours that’s different. With many guided Haleakala volcano tours, you may take a detour before you reach the beach in Paia and be transported directly back to your hotel. Our self-paced tours offer the freedom of riding back all the way down to Paia so you then get to explore this charming town and its beautiful beaches.

As the heart of the North Shore, Paia offers a plethora of shopping and dining places as well as great art galleries. Just outside Paia is the famous Ho’okipa Beach which is known as the “windsurfing capital of the world” where you may catch a glimpse of a pro-windsurfer practicing for his next competition. So even after your Haleakala volcano bike ride, there’s still so much to see.

As you can see, the Haleakala bike tour will be one of your most memorable days in Maui. Our self-paced bike tours offer a relaxing and yet thrilling experience biking down the unique Haleakala volcano. If you can, try to see the sunrise at the summit of Haleakala. It really is unforgettable, but from the crater to Makawao Town, the Haleakala volcano bike tour offers an exciting experience.

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.