Bike Down a Volcano
Maui offers the longest downhill bike tour experience anywhere in the world! The ride starts just outside the Haleakala National Park entrance at an elevation of 6500 feet and participants coast downhill through the famous mid-mountain switchbacks. New county regulations require bikers to get back in the van and ride through the Kula area, then continue biking from above Makawao town. From here, the route differs depending on the particular tour company that is conducting the ride. Tours with Mountain Riders proceed down Baldwin Avenue and end the ride at the town of Paia just 3/4 of a mile up from the beach. Tours with Haleakala Bike Company proceed down Kokomo Road and end the ride in the town of Haiku.
While some of these bike tours include Haleakala National Park, whether or not you go all the way to the summit on your tour has no effect on the length of the ride as ALL BIKE TOURS start the actual biking portion of the tour at the same place ... just outside the National Park entrance at 6500 feet.
Minimum biking age is now 15 ...due to high elevation no pregnant women are allowed on any of these tours, either as a biker or a van rider. Maximum weight approximately 270lbs. Minimum height 4' 10"
Guided Summit Sunrise Bike Tour
$297.62 per Biker, $297.62 per Van Riders (Hawaii sales tax included)
This all-inclusive price includes the bike tour cost, a $21.88 Park Recovery Fee, and 10.167% tax/tour provider fees.
The Guided Summit Sunrise is our most popular tour and space is extremely limited. Guests drive themselves to the bike tour company's headquarters in Haiku with checkin at 4am in the winter, 3:30am in the spring and fall, and 3:00am in the summer. The tour begins with a van tour to the summit of Haleakala, including an explanation of the mountain, its geology, and rare plants that are only found here on this volcano. Upon arrival at the summit you'll watch the often-spectacular sunrise from the crater rim. After sunrise, you'll ride the van back down to the park entrance, where you will start your bike ride at the 6500 foot level. A guide leads the group downhill through the mid-mountain switchbacks, with the van following the group down the mountain. As you hit the Kula residential area, you will get back in the van and ride to just above the town of Makawao. From here you will continue biking and your route will take you through Makawao town and the ride concludes at 500' elevation in the town of Haiku. This tour is offered MONDAY through SATURDAY, but it is extremely popular and should be reserved weeks in advance of your arrival.
Guests normally drive to the Haleakala Bike Tour company's location in Haiku for middle of the night checkin. Hotel Pickup is sometimes available for this tour at a cost of $41.77 per person.
Tour Includes: Admission to Haleakala National Park for sunrise, tour of park, biking guide, Kona mountain bike with disc brakes, backpack, Helly Hansen raingear, helmet
Biking:>95% downhill
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation / changes is 48 hour for Guided Summit Sunrise Tour (7 days for parties of 10 or more).
HBC / V
$249.00 per Bikers, $249.00 per Non-biking Van Rider (plus 4.712% Hawaii sales tax)
The Guided Summit Sunrise is our most popular tour and space is extremely limited. Guests drive themselves to the bike tour company's headquarters in Haiku with checkin at 4am in the winter, 3:30am in the spring and fall, and 3:00am in the summer. The tour begins with a van tour to the summit of Haleakala, including an explanation of the mountain, its geology, and rare plants that are only found here on this volcano. Upon arrival at the summit you'll watch the often-spectacular sunrise from the crater rim. After sunrise, you'll ride the van back down to the park entrance, where you will start your bike ride at the 6500 foot level. A guide leads the group downhill through the mid-mountain switchbacks, with the van following the group down the mountain. While Maui County no longer allows biking rhough the Kula residential area, Mountain Riders is now allowing guests to bike the switchbacks above treeline TWICE (and this is the best part of the ride!) After concluding the switchbacks a second time, the van will take you to just above the town of Makawao where you will continue your bike ride. The ride concludes in the town of Paia about 3/4 of a mile up from the beach. This tour is offered on SUNDAY and MONDAY ONLY but it is extremely popular and should be reserved weeks in advance of your arrival.
Tour Includes: Admission to Haleakala National Park for sunrise, tour of park, biking guide, Kona mountain bike with disc brakes, backpack, Helly Hansen raingear, helmet
Biking: >99% downhill
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation / changes is 5 Full Days for Guided Summit Sunrise Tour (7 days for parties of 10 or more).
MR1 / V
Self-Guided Summit Sunrise Bike Tour
$253.33 per Biker (Hawaii sales tax included)
This all-inclusive price includes the bike tour cost, a $21.88 Park Recovery Fee, and 10.167% tax/tour provider fees.
The Self-Guided Summit Sunrise has all of the same features as the Guided Summit Sunrise tour but with the freedom and flexibility to take as much or as little time as you like for the biking portion of the tour. Guests must drive to the bike tour company's location in Haiku for checkin, which is at 3:00am in the summer, 3:30am in the spring and fall, and 4:00am in the winter. Haleakala National Park admission is included and the park tour is exactly the same. Once sunrise is over the van takes you outside the park entrace to begin your ride at the 6500 foot level. Instead of being led down the mountain by a biking guide, you are free to set your own pace, stopping whenever you like for photos, grabbing a bite to eat, shopping in the Makawao boutiques ... your itinerary is up to you! You just have to arrive back at the bike tour company's Haiku location by 4pm that afternoon. Self-guided bikers do not have a "chase vehicle" following them, but if there are problems with your equipment or any emergencies you are given a phone number to call for support during the day. The support vehicle is never more than 30 minutes away. This tour is offered 7 days a week, but it is extremely popular and should be reserved weeks in advance of your arrival. While you are free to bike at your own pace, new Maui county regulations require you to get back in a van just prior to the Kula residential area and ride in the van to just before the town of Makawao, where your ride will continue.
Tour Includes: Admission to Haleakala National Park for sunrise, tour of park, map and directions, Kona mountain bike with disc brakes, backpack, Helly Hansen raingear, helmet
Biking: >95% downhill
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation / changes is 48 hour for Guided Summit Sunrise Tour (7 days for parties of 10 or more).
HBC / V
Guided Summit Morning Bike Tour
$253.33 per Biker, $253.33 per Van Rider (Hawaii sales tax included)
This all-inclusive price includes the bike tour cost, a $21.88 Park Recovery Fee, and 10.167% tax/tour provider fees.
The Guided Summit Morning Tour includes the same Haleakala National Park tour and downhill bike ride featured on the Summit Sunrise tour, but with a later meeting time and without the sunrise viewing. Guests drive to the bike tour company's Haiku location and meet at 8:00am for checkin. The tour begins with a van tour to the summit of Haleakala, including an explanation of the mountain, its geology, and rare plants that are only found here on this volcano. Upon arrival at the summit you'll visit several overlooks into the crater, and after your park tour you will ride the van back down to the park entrance, where you will start your bike ride at the 6500 foot level. A guide leads the group downhill through the mid-mountain switchbacks, with the van following the group down the mountain. As you hit the Kula residential area, you will get back in the van and ride to just above the town of Makawao. From here the bike ride continues through the town of Makawao and concludes at 500' elevation in the town of Haiku. This tour is offered 7 days a week.
Guests normally drive to the Haleakala Bike Tour company's location in Haiku for 8:00am checkin. Hotel Pickup is sometimes available for this tour at a cost of $41.77 per person.
Tour Includes: Admission to Haleakala National Park, tour of park, Kona mountain bike with disc brakes, backpack, Helly Hansen raingear, helmet
Biking Distance: 23 miles / 6000 vertical feet / >97% downhill
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation / changes is 48 hour for Guided Summit Morning Tour (7 days for parties of 10 or more).
HBC / V
Self-Guided Summit Morning Tour
$220.12 per Biker (Hawaii sales tax included)
This all-inclusive price includes the bike tour cost, a $21.88 Park Recovery Fee, and 10.167% tax/tour provider fees.
The Self-Guided Summit Morning Tour offers the same features as the self-guided summit sunrise tour only a slightly later morning start time and without the sunrise viewing. Guests must drive to the bike tour company's location in Haiku for checkin, which is at 8:00am. Haleakala National Park admission is included and the park tour is exactly the same as the guided morning tour. After riding back down to the park entrance in the van, you will begin your ride at 6500 feet. Instead of being led down the mountain by a biking guide, you are free to set your own pace, stopping whenever you like for photos, grabbing a bite to eat, shopping in the Makawao boutiques ... your itinerary is up to you! You just have to arrive back at the bike tour company's Haiku location by 4pm that afternoon. Self-guided bikers do not have a "chase vehicle" following them, but if there are problems with your equipment or any emergencies you are given a phone number to call for support during the day. The support vehicle is never more than 30 minutes away. This tour is offered 7 days a week. While you are free to bike at your own pace, new Maui county regulations require you to get back in a van just prior to the Kula residential area and ride in the van to just before the town of Makawao, where your ride will continue.
Tour Includes:Admission to Haleakala National Park for sunrise, tour of park, map and directions, Kona mountain bike with disc brakes, backpack, Helly Hansen raingear, helmet
Biking:>95% downhill
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation / changes is 48 hour for the Self-guided Morning Tour (7 days for parties of 10 or more).
HBC / V
HBC / V
Self-Guided Express Tour
$139.67 per Biker (Hawaii sales tax included)
The Self-guided Express Tour is the exact same bike route and distance as the 8am Self-guided morning tour, but does not include entrance to Haleakala National Park and does not go to the summit of the volcano. This tour starts at 9:30am, and after checking in at the bike company's location in the town of Haiku, guests are transported directly to the place where the actual biking begins at the 6500 foot elevation just before the park entrance. From this point You are on your own to navigate your way down the mountain using the provided map. This is a great option for people who have been to Haleakala before and just want to do the biking. While you are free to bike at your own pace, new Maui county regulations require you to get back in a van just prior to the Kula residential area and ride in the van to just before the town of Makawao, where your ride will continue.
Tour Includes:Map and directions, Kona mountain bike with disc brakes, backpack, Helly Hansen raingear, helmet
Biking: >95% downhill
Cancellation Policy: Minimum notice for cancellation / changes is 48 hour for Guided Summit Sunrise Tour (7 days for parties of 10 or more).
HBC / V
Cruise Ship Clients
Bike tours do not include cruise ship pickup, so these are not practical unless you have a rental car to get to the tour operator's location. If you are renting a car, either the sunrise tour or day tour can work on day two for Pride of America passengers.
ACTIVITY TIPS
The most helpful piece of advice for doing the sunrise bicycle tour is to make your reservation in advance for the first full day that you are in Hawaii when the time change is working in your favor. The logic is simple. Due to the time change, you will find yourself waking up at 4am on the first day that you are here anyway. Since you are already going to wake up early that day, you might as well get up a little bit earlier and start our your vacation by doing something fun and exciting!
Remember, it gets cold at 6,000-10,000 feet, especially in the winter months. Yes, the bike companies provide a wind breaker, but you will still want some layers underneath and perhaps a pair of gloves, especially for the Summit Sunrise tour. As your group heads down the mountain, it gets warmer. You will pause along the way for photos and "strip stops." Everything you don't need anymore goes in the van.
A word about the unguided option ... personally I much prefer the guided tour because of the extra measure of safety it provides. The guide sets a safe, comfortable pace for the group (about 12-15 miles per hour on average) and the van follows your group back down the mountain. This "chase vehicle" prevents cars from passing you at times when it is not safe. You don't have to worry about looking over your shoulder to see what's coming from behind you. If there are cars backed up behind the chase vehicle, the driver talks to the guide on his walkie-talkie and they arrange for a place to pull over to the side and let the traffic pass.
With that being said, there is a place for the unguided option ... people who are younger, more experienced riders may prefer this approach. So might a few riders who really want to take their time coming down, or really want to stretch out the experience and spend more time along the way. Please keep in mind though that if you are biking without a guide you MUST take responsibility for your own safety, which includes keeping eyes out in front of you and behind you. We've seen unguided bikers doing really unwise things ... like stopping in the lane of traffic or riding side-by-side taking up the whole lane (which is ILLEGAL in Hawaii). If you select the unguided (SELF-GUIDE) option, please be a careful, considerate, and consciencious biker!
While this is a long bike ride, it isn't particularly physically demanding since the ride is almost entirely coasting downhill. There is literally only 1000 yards of peddling on the route that goes to Haiku! I am often asked if you can get off the bike if you get tired. It rarely becomes an issue, but if at any time you don't feel like riding anymore you can pull over and get in the van (on the guided tour of course). You can ride in the van for a while, and even get back out on the bike at a future stopping point if you like.
Many people ask about the brakes. They are hand-operated brakes but they aren't the kind of brakes you see on typical mountain bikes or road bikes. They are heavy duty drum brakes built into the hub of the front and back wheel, not a pad that grabs the side of the wheel frame. It's the same kind of brake as the foot pedal brakes on the old style bikes. In this case they are operated by hand controls so you can brake the front and back brakes evenly. This style brake STAYS DRY and isn't compromised by wet roads like the pad brakes found on the kind of bikes that most people have in their garage. The seats are well padded, and you ride in an upright position, not hunched over like a 21 speed racing bike.
The road that you bike is completely paved, and while there are lots of 180 degree turns and it is 5-6% downhill grade, it is not inherently dangerous AS LONG AS YOU KNOW HOW TO RIDE A BIKE!!! I can't emphasize this enough ... while there are occasionally accidents on this ride (and on rare occasions those accidents have been fatal), they are almost always the result of someone who lacked confidence (and/or ability) at riding a bicycle. If you are riding a bike and you fall, or you run into a guardrail, you ARE going to get hurt ... whether you are doing it on a mountain on Maui or on flat ground in Kansas! My best advice is this ... IF YOU HAVE NOT RIDDEN A BICYCLE IN 40 YEARS, THE TOP OF A VOLCANO IS NOT THE BEST PLACE TO TRY TO REMEMBER HOW TO RIDE A BIKE!!! Borrow a bicycle from someone and ride around your neighborhood before you come to Hawaii. A few hours of peddling will refresh your mind about steering and braking and give you the confidence you need to do just fine on this ride. If you are uncomfortable riding a bike in your neighborhood, then you should sit out this activity or just go along in the van for the ride.