Biking
Long distances and mountainous terrain keep biking from being a practical mode of travel on Maui. Still, painted bike lanes enable cyclists to travel all the way from Makena to Kapalua, and you’ll see hardy souls battling the trade winds under the hot Maui sun.
Several companies offer guided bike tours down Haleakala. This activity is a great way to enjoy an easy, gravity-induced bike ride, but isn’t for those not confident on a bike. The ride is inherently dangerous due to the slope, sharp turns, and the fact that you’re riding down an actual road with cars on it. That said, the guided bike companies take every safety precaution. A few companies offer unguided (or, as they like to say, "self-guided") tours where they provide you with the bike and transportation to the mountain and then you’re free to descend at your own pace. Most companies offer discounts for Internet bookings.
Haleakala National Park no longer allows commercial downhill bicycle rides within the park’s boundaries. As a result, tour amenities and routes differ by company. Ask about sunrise viewing from the Haleakala summit (be prepared to leave very early in the morning), if this is an important feature for you. Some lower-price tours begin at the 6,500-foot elevation just outside the national park boundaries, where you will be unable to view the sunrise over the crater. Weather conditions on Haleakala vary greatly, so a visible sunrise can never be guaranteed. Sunrise is downright cold at the summit, so be sure to dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes.
Each company has age and weight restrictions, and pregnant women are discouraged from participating, although they are generally welcome in the escort van. Reconsider this activity if you have difficulty with high altitudes, have recently been scuba diving, or are taking medications that may cause drowsiness.
Best Spots
Thompson Road in Keokea and Poli Poli Spring State Recreation Area in Kula are popular areas for cycling in Maui, and Makawao Forest Reserve is attracting riders of all ages and ability levels with its well-maintained, clearly marked trails.
Makawao Forest Reserve. Mountain bikers of all ages and ability levels will find something to please at this recreation area that features seven trails and three skill areas. Trails are well marked, and there are maps posted at each intersection. Kahakapao Rd., Makawao, Hawaii, 96768.
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Mountain bikers have favored the remote Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area for its bumpy trail through an unlikely forest of conifers. Polipoli Spring is often closed following heavy storms due to fallen trees and other damage. Check the Hawaii State Parks website prior to making the drive up there. End of Waipoli Rd., off Rte. 377, Kula, Hawaii, 96790. www.hawaiistateparks.org.
Thompson Road. Street bikers will want to head out to scenic Thompson Road. It's quiet, gently curvy, and flanked by gorgeous views on both sides. Because it's at a higher elevation, the air temperature is cooler and the wind lighter. The coast back down toward Kahului on the Kula Highway is worth the ride up. Kula Hwy., off Rte. 37, Keokea, Hawaii, 96790.
Equipment and Tours
Bike It Maui. Small and family-owned, this company offers predawn and early morning guided tours that take riders from the 6,500-foot elevation of Haleakala down 22 miles of stunning scenery to Makawao town. The price of $140 includes transfers from your hotel. Riders must be at least 12 and weigh no more than 260 pounds. Kula, Hawaii, 96790. 808/878–3364; www.bikeitmaui.com.
Cruiser Phil's Volcano Riders. In the downhill bicycle industry since 1983, "Cruiser" Phil Feliciano offers a New Dawn Sunrise Experience ($163) and morning tours ($147) that include hotel transfers, coffee and snacks, and a guided 26-mile ride down the mountain. Participants should be between 13 and 65, at least 5 feet tall, weigh less than 250 pounds, and have ridden a bicycle in the past year. Feliciano also offers structured independent bike tours ($109) and van-only tours ($96). Discounts are available for online bookings. 58-A Amala Pl., Kahului, Hawaii, 96732. 808/893–2332; 877/764–2453; www.cruiserphil.com.
Go Cycling Maui. Serious cyclists can join an exhilarating group ride with Donnie Arnoult, a fixture on the Maui cycling scene since 1999. Routes include Haiku to Keanae, Kula to Kahikinui, and the ultimate Maui cycling challenge: Paia to the top of Haleakala crater. One-day rides are $165 per person ($195 to go to the crater). You bring your own cycling shoes, pedals, and clothes, and Donnie provides the bicycle, helmet, gloves, water bottle, snacks, and energy drinks. His shop is also a full-service cycling store offering sales, rentals, and repairs. 99 Hana Hwy., Unit A, Paia, Hawaii, 96779. 808/579–9009; www.gocyclingmaui.com.
Haleakala Bike Company. If you're thinking about a Haleakala bike trip, consider Haleakala Bike Company. Meet at the Old Haiku Cannery and take the van shuttle to the summit. Along the way you can learn about the history of the island, the volcano, and other Hawaiiana. Food is not included, but there are several spots along the way down to stop, rest, and eat. The simple, mostly downhill route takes you right back to the cannery where you started. HBC also offers bike sales, rentals, and services, as well as van tours. Tour prices run $85–$160, with discounts available for online bookings. 810 Haiku Rd., Suite 120, Haiku-Pauwela, Hawaii, 96708. 808/575–9575; 888/922–2453; www.bikemaui.com.
Island Biker. Maui's premier bike shop for rentals, sales, and service offers standard front-shock bikes, road bikes, and full-suspension mountain bikes. Daily rental rates run $60–$75, and weekly rates are $210–$250. The price includes a helmet, pump, water bottle, cages, tire-repair kit, and spare tube. Car racks are $5 per day (free with weekly rentals). The staff can suggest routes appropriate for mountain or road biking. 415 Dairy Rd., Kahului, Hawaii, 96732. 808/877–7744; www.islandbikermaui.com.
Krank Cycles. Krank Cycles is located in Upcountry Maui, close to the Makawao Forest Reserve. They offer full-day and weekly rentals of high-end road and mountain bikes. Owner Moose will provide you with maps and trail reports, in addition to your rental bike. 1120 Makawao Ave., Makawao, Hawaii, 96768. 808/572--2299; www.krankmaui.com.
Maui Downhill. If biking down the side of Haleakala sounds like fun, Maui Downhill is ready to pick you up at your resort, shuttle you to the mountain, help you onto a bike, and follow you as you coast down through clouds and gorgeous scenery into the town of Pukalani. There is also a combination bike and winery tour that includes a visit to MauiWine at Ulupalakua Ranch and a combination bike and Maui Ocean Center tour. Enjoy stunning bicoastal views of the island as you descend the 21 switchbacks from the 6,500-foot elevation down to either Pukalani or Haliimaile. A post-ride breakfast is offered on some tours. The best value is the midday tour at $150, and the $200 sunset tour includes a photo op at Rice Park in Kula and a three-course dinner at Cafe O' Lei at The Dunes in Kahului. Book online for substantial discounts. 201 Dairy Rd., Kahului, Hawaii, 96732. 808/871–6875; 800/535–2453; www.mauidownhill.com.
Maui Mountain Cruisers. Guided sunrise and midday bike trips "cruise" down from the 6,500-foot elevation of Haleakala 26 miles to the Paia shore, with stops for photo ops and coffee in Makawao town included. The cost is $149 for the sunrise tour; $135 for midday tours. Meals not included. 381 Baldwin Ave., #C, Paia, Hawaii, 96779. 808/871–6014; www.mauimountaincruisers.com.
West Maui Cycles. Serving the island's west side, West Maui Cycles offers cruisers for $15 per day, hybrids for $35 per day, and performance road bikes for $45–$130 per day. Per day rates are discounted for longer-term rentals. Sales and service are available. 1087 Limahana Pl., No. 6, Lahaina, Hawaii, 96761. 808/661–9005; www.westmauicycles.com.
