Just 27 square miles short of equaling the entire size of Oahu, Mount Haleakala is a gentle giant — a dormant volcano that has inspired those who make the journey to its summit for centuries. The mountain comprises 75 percent of Maui Island and is home to desert-like conditions, rainforests, and everything in between. While visiting Mount Haleakala for sunrise is a no-brainer and hiking through the national park is absolutely incredible, there is a reason this mountain bike adventure has been rated as Maui’s No. 1 “must do” adventure by Hawaii Magazine readers.
Whether you love a good, adrenaline-pumping adventure, want to witness Maui’s ethereal natural beauty from a unique perspective, or just try something new, you’ll want to check out Bike Maui, a highly-rated tour company that offers some of the most incredible bike tours of Haleakala.
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Your unforgettable experience will begin bright and early at 3 a.m. where you will meet to ride up to the summit of Haleakala. The adventure begins with a one hour to ninety-minute tour of the national park and watching the sun rise above the crater.
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Then, you’ll head out of the national park to approximately 6,500 feet in elevation. This is where the real adventure begins: a 23-mile self-guided bicycle ride down the mountain back to their Haiku store.
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You’ll drop 3,000 feet over the course of ten miles, and curve around 29 switchbacks. This is truly one adventure you’ll never forget.
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Because the tour is self-guided, there are no lines to follow, no expectation to keep up with the group, and plenty of time to explore. So, take your time and truly soak it all in.
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Stop to enjoy the views of West Maui surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and take as many photographs as your camera’s memory card will allow.
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Once you dip below 4,000 feet in elevation, you’ll find upcountry Maui, an enchanting landscape home to farms, lodges, galleries, botanical gardens, and more. Further down the mountain, you’ll meander through Makawao, a town full of paniolo history, plenty of charm, and some marvelous boutiques and restaurants to stop by.
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If you’re not interested in a 3 a.m. start time, you can book their Summit Deluxe Tour, which follows the same basic format, but with an 8 a.m. check-in time.
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All summit bike adventures include transportation from Bike Maui’s shop in Haiku to the summit and a narrated tour of Haleakala National Park as well as all the gear you’ll need: a bicycle, of course, a helmet, backpack, gloves, rain/wind gear, and a map with points of interest labeled.
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While the drive down the side of Mount Haleakala is breathtaking, there’s something to be said about taking a ride on the wild side and experiencing the beauty of this natural wonder on a well-maintained, perfectly-safe bicycle.
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Have you ever biked down the side of a mountain before? Would you? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below, then click here to learn all about Bike Maui, which is located at 810 Haiku Rd. #120, Haiku, HI 96708.
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If an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike ride isn’t your idea of magnificent, you might want to hike this short, .3-mile trail to one of Haleakala’s best overlooks.
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