haleakala bike tour deaths

• Our Supporters

Home-Buying Subsidy At New Kapiolani High Rise Targets Doctors, Teachers And Police Officers

Shootz! The King Gets Draped In Lei, And Visitors Arrive From Across The Sea

Hawaii Ethics Commission Grapples With Pay-To-Play Issues

EPA To Disband Red Hill Oversight Group Amid Navy Complaints

Hawaii Judge Orders New Environmental Review Of West Oahu Wave Pool

• Special Projects
• Mobile Menu

Maui May Crack Down On Haleakala Bike Tours That Crowd Narrow Roads Down The Mountain

For decades, starting at sunrise, visitors have cycled down Haleakala in droves, filling the roads leading from the mountain all the way down to the coast.

Sometimes, they are part of a tour group, led by a professional who knows the winding roads and all the hairpin turns. In other instances, they opt to go on their own, navigating the unfamiliar streets, commuter traffic and the occasional herd of cows that meander onto Haleakala Crater Road.

Many Maui residents have long raised alarms about the tour groups. They say they’re often filled with inexperienced cyclists, sometimes as young as 12 years old, who create dangerous conditions on thoroughfares that residents use to travel to work and schools. Owners of the commercial bike tour companies, however, have argued that curtailing the industry will kill jobs and hurt Upcountry small businesses that feed off the steady supply of cyclists.

For years, the complaints continued but little changed. Until last week, when after months of discussions between residents and bike tour industry reps , a group of Maui County Council members took a first step toward limiting the tours’ presence on some Upcountry roads, seeking to control the size of the groups and raise the minimum age to 15.

“We need to regulate this industry. We need to do something,” said council member Mike Molina, who spearheaded the proposal . “We have an opportunity this term to do something about this instead of just talking about it.”

The proposal council members pushed forward after more than three hours of hashing out the details limits tours to a smaller section of Haleakala Crater Road. That stretch would span from below the edge of the national park boundary, through undeveloped pastureland, to Mile Marker 3, which would stop the tours from traveling through the nearby residential area. The tours would be banned from continuing down the rest of Crater Road, as well as Kekaulike Avenue and Haleakala Highway.

Upcountry residents have long raised concerns about visitors who stop abruptly along the highway or sometimes wobble precariously when they hit higher speeds and turns. Occasionally, the cyclists veer from bike lanes into the main lane of travel without warning.

“Some of us are concerned about the commercial aspect of this, but for me, it’s a safety aspect,” said council member Kelly King. “I have seen young kids getting in accidents, and in fact, one of my friends who ran one of the downhill bicycle tours many years ago had a teenager who rode off cross the center line and got hit head on by a car.”

For the proposal to become law, the County Council must vote on it again. Under the draft plan, commercial bike tours could still decide to operate on other unregulated roads. But if they travel along Baldwin Avenue, tours would be restricted to running within the hours of 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and would not be able to operate on Wednesdays and certain holidays.

The council’s push to regulate the commercial bike tours comes after the county earlier this year reached a settlement with a visitor who was paralyzed after crashing into a guardrail while cycling down Haleakala on an unguided tour. Officials said it was the first lawsuit of its kind against the county, Maui Now reported .

But it was far from the first serious injury or fatality.

As early as 2006, the Maui Police Department urged county leaders to limit the number of tour operators through a permit process and change the minimum age of riders to 16, according to a county-commissioned report .

The next year, a rider died after falling on a section of road in Haleakala National Park , spurring the park service to suspend tours within its boundaries. Then in 2008, the county hired consultants for a reported $250,000 to study the issue. Among the recommendations in the 220-page report : stop the tours from operating on certain sections of roads and bar the convoys from going through Makawao and Paia during business hours.

Now, almost 15 years later, the county is again on the cusp of making big changes. But not everyone is happy about it.

Before the council meeting last week, employees for Haleakala EcoTours worried that limiting the tours to a smaller section of roadway would hurt their business.

“I really love this job,” said Marlon Espinoza, who’s worked in the commercial bike tour industry since 2007. “I’ve been doing it for a while, and I will be really devastated if they have to shut down this company.”

Espinoza acknowledged that like any other recreational activity, people do occasionally get hurt. But the bike tour operators, he said, try their best to educate visitors that they need to be aware of their surroundings and stay out of the way of traffic, for the safety of themselves and others.

“You can’t just say, the road is only for cars,” his colleague, Eddie Sosa, added. “If you have to be inconvenienced for a little bit because there’s some bikes and you have to wait to get around them once, to me, that’s just part of life … You have to share the road.”

But for other residents in the Kula community, the council’s action was seen as the biggest step in at least 15 years to make their roads safer.

“This only really impacted Upcountry, and the other council members did not see it as a priority (in years past),” said Dick Mayer, of the Kula Community Association. “They weren’t driving on those roads, trying to get kids to school, get to a job or to the doctor’s office.”

This group of council members has been listening to residents, Mayer said, and has heard their concerns about the safety issues that arise when visitors who may not use bicycles regularly head down one of Hawaii’s largest mountains.

And unlike swimming or snorkeling, which also can pose dangers to visitors, Maui County regulates downhill commercial bike tour companies and issues permits to their businesses, Mayer said. That presents a layer of legal risk to the county that isn’t present in other unregulated activities.

“Just as we were talking (in the council meeting), somebody was taken to the hospital,” Mayer said. “I’m very sad that the person got hurt, but it proves the point that we were trying to make all along: It is not safe.”

Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by grants from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation and the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation.

--> Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed. --> Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed.

Only 1% of readers are donors to civil beat.

More than 600,000 people read Civil Beat articles every month, but only 7,000 of those readers also donate to support the news they count on. That’s only 1% of readers!

If you are among the 99% of Civil Beat readers who haven’t made a donation before in support of our independent local journalism, you can change that today . A small donation makes a big impact.

About the Author

Top Stories

Many Hawaii High School Counselors Are Taking The Summer Off As School Budgets Run Short

Hawaii Congressional Leaders Deny Supporting Shutdown Of Red Hill Oversight Panel

Naka Nathaniel: A Profound Time For Pacific Connections In Honolulu

Miske Defense Hints At Alternate Theories For Alleged Murder Victim’s Disappearance

Lawsuit Accuses State Of Negligence In Placing Boy In Household Where Geanna Bradley Died

Get in-depth reporting on hawaii’s biggest issues, sign up for our free morning newsletter.

You're officially signed up for our daily newsletter, the Morning Beat. A confirmation email will arrive shortly.

In the meantime, we have other newsletters that you might enjoy. Check the boxes for emails you'd like to receive.

• Breaking News Alerts What's this? Be the first to hear about important news stories with these occasional emails.
• Special Projects & Investigations What's this? You'll hear from us whenever Civil Beat publishes a major project or investigation.
• Environment What's this? Get our latest environmental news on a monthly basis, including updates on Nathan Eagle's 'Hawaii 2040' series.
• Ideas What's this? Get occasional emails highlighting essays, analysis and opinion from IDEAS, Civil Beat's commentary section.

Inbox overcrowded? Don't worry, you can unsubscribe or update your preferences at any time.

Breaking News Alerts

Press "allow" to activate.

• Food & Dining
• Arts & Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Hawai‘i Journalism Initiative
• Crime Statistics
• Local Sports
• Weather Forecast
• Surf Report
• Maui Arts & Entertainment
• Food and Dining
• On the Menu
• Visitors’ Guide
• Maui Discussion
• Reader Survey
• Upcoming Maui Events
• Map of Events
• Post an Event
• Recent Job Listings
• IMUA Discovery Garden
• Medical Minute
• Latest Maui Videos
• About Maui Now
• Contact Information
• Get the App
• Advertising
• Meet the Team

Privacy Policy | About Our Ads

• Entertainment

Maui council moves to settle lawsuit by visitor injured on Haleakalā bike tour

Maui County Council voted recently to settle a lawsuit that claims the county was negligent in allowing an unguided, unpermitted Haleakalā bike tour that left a visitor paralyzed from the waist down. 

Meanwhile, the council is working on proposed rules that would tighten regulations on the downhill bike industry, which has been riddled with resident complaints for decades.  

Council voted unanimously Friday on a resolution that authorizes county lawyers to settle the claim by Jessica Harris versus local bike tour company Haleakalā Bike Co., third-party activity company Paradise Vacation Adventures, the State of Hawaiʻi and the County of Maui.  

The lawsuit filed in 2020 is the first of its kind against the county, Corporation Counsel Moana Lutey said Monday. 

In the early-morning hours of May 3, 2017, Harris, a California visitor, and friends were picked up from their accommodations by Haleakalā Bike Co. and dropped off with bicycles and unguided tour instructions at 6,500-foot elevation outside Haleakalā National Park, according to a recent council committee meeting.  

Harris took the lead at one point on Crater Road and friends lost sight. Around the 6.5 Mile Marker, they found her lying on the shoulder of the road after apparently crashing into a guardrail. 

There were no witnesses, and Harris does not remember the collision, according to Deputy Corporation Counsel Glen Pascual, who referenced the complaint in a recent committee meeting. 

As a result of the incident, Harris suffered “significant injury,” including broken vertebrae, spinal cord damage, a broken collarbone, broken ribs, a traumatic brain injury and was paralyzed from the waist down. Harris had more than $320,000 in medical bills and hasn’t returned to work, Pascual added. 

The civil suit alleges negligence by the county and the state in failing to ensure that the bike company was suitable to operate an unguided bike-tour business through the county’s permitting process; allowing bike tours to operate on Haleakalā despite a “persistent history” of bike-related injuries and deaths there; allowing the bike company to operate without a permit as an unguided bike-tour company; and claims for indemnity or contribution, which led to injuries and damages that Harris sustained during the 2017 incident. 

At the time of the incident, Haleakalā Bike Co. was only offering unguided tours, which does not require a permit as regulated under Maui County code Chapter 5.22, Pascual said. Only guided tours require permits, which carry strong insurance requirements.  

If an agreement is reached, the county will include language that it does not admit responsibility. At that point, the settlement amount could be disclosed, Lutey said. The state settled for $25,000, according to the committee meeting. 

Government Relations, Ethics and Transparency Committee meetings in recent months have discussed a proposed bill that would strengthen county regulations for downhill bike tours .

Changes to Chapter 5.52 under consideration include establishing elevation restrictions and other rules to address public safety, traffic and legal concerns.  Discussion will resume in May after budget sessions, according to committee Chair Mike Molina.

Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura, whose residency seat covers Upcountry, said the lawsuit is another reason lawmakers must address downhill tour rules. 

“This bill supports why we need to take care of our bike ordinance for guided and unguided tours,” she said in a March 22 committee meeting. 

Residents in Kula, Pāʻia and Makawao have long voiced worries over the danger of guided and unguided bicycle tours on narrow, winding roadways, especially on Crater Road during high traffic hours.  

At best, arguments over whether bikes or vehicles should have the right of way are debated. At worst, serious injuries and even deaths are tied to inexperienced bikers and dangerous or non-permitted companies.  

Just last year, two bicyclists collided on Makawao Avenue during an April tour and a downhill-tour bicyclist lost control and fell over the bike’s handle bars on Haleakalā Highway in June, according to Maui police. 

Sponsored Content

Subscribe to our Newsletter

• Send Me Daily Updates
• Send Me Weekly Updates

• Maui Business
• Maui Sports
• Maui Activities
• Maui Events Calendar
• Official Visitors’ Guide
• About Our Ads
• Terms of Service

Facebook YouTube Twitter Instagram

Safety Concerns on Popular Bike Tour on Maui

By Paul Drewes

HALEAKA NATIONAL PARK, Maui (KHNL) - It's described as thrilling and it's one of the islands most popular tourist activities. But two deaths in eight months on Haleakala Bike Tours continue raising concerns about the safety and wisdom of these tours.

The view from Haleaka is heavenly, but the road down the mountain is full of twists and turns.

It is one of the most popular activities on the island.

An estimated 100 thousand people take the ride every year. But as the number of bike tours increased, it's led to traffic clashes between tour companies and drivers stuck on the street.

"Van after van, bicycle after bicycle pass; one company and you get behind another one," said Jimmy Muschietti of Upcountry Citizen for Bike and Traffic Safety.

To eliminate the growing frustration for drivers, a number of guided tour companies got together and came up with some rules of the road.

"We were congested through this area, but now we've stopped that by holding our vans back." said Phil Feliciano of Cruiser Phil's.

But not everyone is riding with the pack.

"The problem is we had people working for companies that weren't following the company procedures, they'd stay in the middle of the road," said John Thuro of Maui Mountain Cruisers.

And there, bicyclists not only block traffic, they also have to deal with speeding cars and other hazards on this downhill decent.

"Right through here cars speed all the time. They don't obey the speed limit at all," said Thuro.

In addition to the hairpin turns and steep angle of this road, parts of this highway doesn't have a shoulder, forcing these riders into the road.

Hazards, many who get on these bikes may not be used to.

"Day by day, I keep seeing these near accidents," said Muschietti.

Companies that lead guided tours down the mountain stress this activity is save.

"It's absolutely safe. I can't say you can't get hurt," said Thuro.

But a look at video taken by bicyclists show some don't put the brakes on unsafe behavior. Doctors at Maui Memorial say, they see at least two to five injuried cyclists in their emergency room each week. With broken bones or facial injuries from their downhill ride.

And a number of bikers have died on this adventure from the summit of Haleakala, including those two in the past eight months. But even that is not enough to slow down interest in this unique island adventure on Maui.

At Haleakala National Park, they are working on a plan to determine whether the hundreds of bikers riding down the mountain each day is appropriate and safe for the national park.

Transportation and other services for Pride of Hawaii reports are provided by NCL America.

‘Huge disruption’: Outage knocks out power to Downtown Honolulu

Navy transfers 400 acres to city, but hangs onto a popular West Oahu beach

Hawaii County police investigating after 21-year-old’s body found in vehicle

Sex harassment suit targets high-ranking state law enforcement officials

Alleged predator charged with sex assault had history of sexual violence, as more people come forward

• Customer Service:
• Subscribe |
• Contact Us |
• Advertising
• Find it fast:
• Weekly Deals |
• Real Estate |
• Apartments |
• Your browser's security settings are preventing some features from appearing. See instructions for fixing the problem.

By Catherine E. Toth Advertiser Staff Writer

The death of a woman on a bicycle tour at Haleakala National Park last week has prompted the National Park Service to suspend commercial downhill rides until it is determined whether they can operate safely.

The action also terminates the permits of the seven companies authorized to operate the tours. Both actions take effect Oct. 10.

It's the first time the popular tours have been halted since they began in the early 1980s, and the severity of the action surprised the companies that rely on the rides for a significant portion of their business.

But park superintendent Marilyn Parris said suspending the tours is the "right and prudent thing to do."

Roberta Blake, a 65-year-old visitor from Ohio, was killed Sept. 26 when she lost control of her bicycle while on a tour and crossed the double yellow line into the path of an oncoming van.

She was the third bicyclist to die while riding down from the summit in the past year.

"That fatality was kind of the tipping point," said Parris. "We've had three (deaths) in a 12-month period. Administratively, we've done what we felt we could do (to assure safety). We've had more regulations, we had more enforcement. And it's just not working."

She said she couldn't say for certain whether the tours will be allowed to resume.

The so-called "safety stand-down" will not ban bicyclists from riding in the park on their own.

RESPONSE TODAY

The seven downhill bike companies learned about the ban yesterday and have hired an attorney, who planned to release a statement on their behalf today.

The operators will have 30 days to provide input to the safety review, which will occur at the park, regional and national levels.

"I'm very disappointed with their decision," said Phil Feliciano, owner of Kahului-based Cruiser Phil's, referring to the suspension.

His 10-year-old company employs 16 people, and Feliciano said he's worried about the welfare of his workers when the suspension takes effect next week.

"This is it, this is all we do," said Feliciano, who said his company has never experienced any serious injuries or deaths on its tours.

After last week's accident, he said, he expected more restrictions, "but the extent of what they did was a surprise."

Some other companies contacted for reaction declined to comment, pending the attorney's statement.

POPULAR RIDE

Downhill bike tours attract about 90,000 visitors each year to ride rented bikes down from the 10,000-foot summit of the world's largest dormant volcano. The ride costs between $100 and $150 per person.

Blake was on a tour with Maui Mountain Cruisers and was struck by a van owned by Maui Downhill.

In March, a 44-year-old woman was killed when she went off the roadway, and in November, a man died after falling off his bicycle, according to the National Park Service.

"Yes, (the companies) ... are upset, it's their business," Parris said. "But it's my business to provide a healthy and safe environment for our visitors ... I know it's a very unpopular decision, but it was the right and prudent thing to do at this juncture."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at [email protected] .

• National Partners:
• Apartments.com
• CareerBuilder.com
• Homefinder.com
• ShopLocal.com
• Metromix.com
• eHarmony.com
• USA Weekend
• Local partners:
• 101 Things to Do
• Around Hawaii
• Hawaii Stream
• HawaiiNewsNow
• Hawaiian105.com
• Hawaii.com Magazine
• Hawaii.com Store
• Local news |
• My Advertiser |
• Island Life |
• Multimedia |
• Blogs/Forums |
• Classifieds |
• Terms of service |
• Privacy policy |
• Contact us |
• Work for us |
• Gannett Foundation |

Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights , updated March 2009.

• What Makes Us Different

SELF-GUIDED HALEAKALA DOWNHILL BIKE TOUR

Experience Biking on Maui with the best Haleakala downhill bike tour company! We are the only bike tour operator to hold USA Cycling and BICP Bike instructor certifications and safety practices. Enjoy an exhilarating and picturesque self-paced ride using our custom downhill bikes and gear. Over the past 20+ years, we’ve refined our unique downhill tour itinerary to highlight the best aspects of the downhill experience.

About OUR Haleakala  Downhill Bike Tour

Over our 20+ years facilitating Haleakala downhill bike tours on Maui, we’ve confidently refined our unique itinerary to be what we offer today.

Meet at our Bike Shop at 8:45am on the North Shore of Maui in the surf town of Paia. Our mid-morning start allows you to sleep in on your vacation and enjoy our Bike Tour at a time when roads are most quiet – after the Haleakala Sunrise vehicle traffic and local commuter traffic have come and gone. Temperatures upcountry are warmer, and stores and restaurants are more likely to be open along the bike route. You also save up to $125/person in comparison with a Sunrise Haleakala bike tour!

Once at our bike shop, we supply you with your helmet, rain/wind jacket & pants, gloves, backpack, bike lock & map. After a safety briefing, enjoy a guided van tour as you’re driven up Haleakala on the same route you’ll then bike down. Your expert guide will share some local history, points of interest, and suggestions for places to visit (and eat!) on your ride.

The staging area for our self-guided Maui Haleakala bike tour is at 6,500 ft – where all Haleakala downhill bike tour operators on Maui begin their rides. No bike tour operator is allowed to operate inside the Haleakala National Park.

At your own pace, first cruise down the spectacularly scenic 6.5-mile stretch of road through expansive upcountry ranch land, soaking in views of central Maui, the West Maui mountains and the surrounding islands . Next, hop back in the van for a brief shuttle ride to bypass the most congested stretch of Haleakala highway.

Maui has grown a lot since these tours began in 1983. The increase of people that now live upcountry has impacted the safety of all riders through a section of highway that has little to no shoulder due to erosion in many spots and with cars reaching 40+ mph. The County of Maui has passed a New Law regulating ALL commercial bicycle tour operators on Maui removing this small section from any operators routes. This is a safer route for all cyclists.

After the shuttle bypassing this section, the 2nd portion of the bike ride allows you to hop back on your bikes and ride into the Paniolo town of Makawao. At your leisure, explore all that Makawao has to offer: great eats, art galleries, boutique shops, and general stores. When you’re ready, saddle up for a final 7-mile bike ride back down to our Paia shop at 1pm which allows you to bypass the local school traffic, and enjoy the original Haleakala descent right back to where you started! This is the original Haleakala downhill route. enjoyed the tour and the feedback has been positive.

We provide a supported sweep van behind all bikers and roadside assistance for all of our Maui bike tours. Our team is always nearby in the van or in the town of Makawao for any assistance you may need.

LIMITATIONS

• Riders must be confident and comfortable riding a bike. You will be descending switchbacks and winding roads shared with vehicles at an average gradient of 5-6%. At times there is no bike lane or shoulder.
• Minimum Age 15 years old.
• Minimum Height requirement 4’11”
• Under 18 must be accompanied with an adult at all times.
• No Pregnant Riders
• Maximum Rider Weight: 300lbs

ABILITY LEVEL:

 • 8:45am: Check-in at our Paia shop. Gear fitting & safety briefing

• 9am:  If you are not here by 9am you risk not being able to participate as we cannot hold the vans for late parties

• Once Check-In is Complete : Begin 45 min. narrated drive to the ride staging area at  6,500′

Ride Experience: • Start 6.5-mile self-guided ride through spectacular upcountry Maui ranchland • Van pickup: 15-minute drive through congested highway • Unload bikes and ride into Makawao town. An unstructured hour to explore!

• By 12:45pm: Begin self-guided 7-mile descent back to our shop in Paia…right where you started!

• 1:30pm All riders back to Paia and bikes off Baldwin Ave

ONLINE SPECIAL RATE!

Haleakala downhill bike tour,  about our haleakala downhill bike tour.

• Riders must be confident and comfortable riding a bike as you will be descending roads shared with vehicles, avg. gradient of 5-6% with switchbacks and winding roads, at times there is no bike lane or shoulder.

Maui Sunriders Bike Co

The only Maui bike tour Operated by:

MAUI DOWNHILL BIKE TOURS

HALEAKALA DOWNHILL UPCOUNTRY

Maui’s NEWEST Bike Tour in Upcountry Haleakala! Ride the most popular section twice on our Wednesday tour. 

HALEAKALA DOWNHILL Original

Maui’s BEST Bike Tour & LONGEST Self-Guided Haleakala Downhill Bike Tour! From the Mountain to the Sea. Great Value, Most Fun, & Safety First!

TOP RATED MAUI ACTIVITY!

Over 22 years providing Maui’s best self-guided bike tours on Haleakala volcano. Over 1000+ 5 Star reviews! Ride, Eat, Explore, Shop, at your own pace without the crowds.

Haleakala Downhill FAQs

What does the haleakala volcano bike ride tour include.

Our Maui bike tours of Haleakala include all the biking equipment needed for the ride (Redline Monocog Mountain Bike with disc brakes and 29″ wheel, helmet, rain/wind gear, gloves, backpack, map, bike lock), as well as a narrated van tour on the drive up from sea level to our staging area at 6,500′, just before the entrance of the National Park.

On the narrated van tour, your driver will familiarize you with the bike route back down the slopes of Haleakala. Our expert tour guides will explain the history of upcountry Maui, points of interest, Hawaiian culture, and geological features on the route.

Before you leave for the Haleakala bike tour, you will have a safety briefing explaining area guidelines and safety tips for the bike tour. We provide everything you need to have a safe, fun, and relaxing Maui volcano bike ride.

HOW LONG IS THE HALEAKALA BIKE RIDE & How Long does it take?

The bike ride down Haleakala starts at 6,500 ft, and is 98% downhill at an average gradient of 5-6%. You are riding on paved country roads with active traffic, and for most of the ride, there is no shoulder or bike lane.

After a narrated 45-minute drive up from our shop at sea level, you’re usually beginning to bike around 10:30am.

On our self-paced bike ride, you can take your time and stop as often or as little as you’d like. On average, with stops, most people return between 12:30pm – 1:30pm.

1:30pm is the latest that you can return the bikes to our shop!

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR ON THE BIKE TOUR?

Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. For the Haleakala Downhill, most folks are fine in just shorts and a t-shirt. We provide a rain jacket/windbreaker that functions as an added layer, as the windchill can be chilly at our staging area. Full-finger gloves are included in the tour, as well.

On a typical day at 6,500′ around 10:30am (the time and elevation at which you’ll start the ride), temps are usually in the low to mid-60s. We also provide a backpack to put any layers or purchases in on the way down. If the weather looks overcast, windy, or rainy we recommend wearing more removable layers such as pants or a sweatshirt. In these conditions, temps can be in the mid to high 50’s.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO DO THE HALEAKALA DOWNHILL?

The minimum age to participate in this bike ride is 15 years old. The minimum height requirement to fit the bike is 4’11”. Intermediate bike experience is required, as is experience using disc brakes on a bike.

The ride requires maturity; you will ride on paved roads with traffic, and most of the ride does not have a shoulder or bike lane. We trust the judgment of the parent or guardian in determining a minor’s skill level.

DO I NEED TO BE IN SHAPE TO DO THIS RIDE?

The nature of this ride doesn’t require you to necessarily be in shape nor does weight matter as long as you aren’t over the bike manufacturer’s weight limit of 300lbs. This ride is quite easy and you BARELY even pedal! It’s 98% all downhill.

However, riders must be CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE riding a bike. This ride isn’t for beginners, and not safe if you haven’t been on a bike in years.

If it’s been a while, we recommend getting out on a bike and practicing before you do this ride. While it’s not a physically challenging ride, you are descending at 25+ mph at an average grade of 5-6%. This requires bike handling skills.

You will be sharing the country roads with vehicles and riding a bike down the sloping switchbacks of Haleakala! It’s truly a fun and easy ride AS LONG as you are a confident cyclist and comfortable riding a bike!

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS?

There are just a few restrictions for your safety:

• Riders must be confident and experienced at riding a bike with disc brakes
• Minimum Age 15 Years old.
• Minimum height requirement to fit the bike is 4’11”.
• Intermediate bike experience is required , as is experience using disc brakes on a bike.
• Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Must not be Pregnant

IS THERE A CHANCE OF GETTING LOST?

On our Maui downhill bike tour, it is easy to stay on route, so long as you are paying attention.

On the narrated drive up to our staging area, your driver will point out any turns you have to make. You will also receive a detailed map with your biking equipment. The map also has a QR code that you can scan to pull up a live map showing where you are in relation to the bike route.

We provide roadside assistance. In the event that you do miss a turn, we can help you get back on track with directions over the phone. In most cases, you can backtrack a short distance to get back on route. In the worst-case situation, our guides can come pick you up and drop you off back on the route, or bring you back to the shop.  

ARRIVING ON CRUISE SHIP, CAN WE MAKE IT IN TIME?

Guests arriving on a cruise ship at the Kahului harbor come do our bike ride all the time! You arrive at the dock at 8am and our shop is about 15 minutes from the Harbor. Taxi or Uber is your best bet and costs around $20 each way. Check-in time is 8:45am and we are open at 8:30am.

CAN WE BIKE & CATCH A DEPARTING FLIGHT ON THE SAME DAY?

You will return to our shop in Paia by 1:30pm at the latest. From our shop, it’s about a 15 minute drive to the airport. Security lines do tend to be longer here on Maui than at mainland airports, so do factor that into your day’s timeline, but yes, you can fly the same afternoon as your bike tour!

You are more than welcome to store your luggage at our shop, customers do so all the time and we are more than happy to keep it secure until you return.

DO YOU OFFER GUIDED TOURS? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SELF-PACED TOUR?

On a typical guided tour, bikers ride in a group of about 10 at the pace of the person in the front of the group. Individual bikers cannot choose their own stops and thus are not able to stop and visit towns along the way. This type of tour is ideal for those that prefer a more structured experience, or for those without a rental car and thus in need of transportation to and from their hotel.

At Maui Sunriders, we recognized the need to give visitors an alternative to the old-style Haleakala bike tours, that resembled a more familiar type of cycling done at home with family and friends.

In 2001, we started a self-paced Maui bike tour where people could ride down Haleakala without the cumbersome style of riding in a group and with the freedom to stop and go at a more relaxed pace. This way, you also avoid the unpopular hindrance to the local traffic that larger groups create. We eliminated hotel pick-up and drop-off where you spend more time driving around in a van than on the actual bike ride. By riding back to our shop in Paia at the end of the tour instead of being transported back to the hotel, you‘ll be able to explore the North Shore of the island and get to see a little more of the charming small towns in Maui. Whether you are driving from the south side of the island or the west, directions to our shop are as simple as three right turns and you’re at our front door.

We provide roadside assistance for all of our Maui bike tours. Just remember to bring your cell phone to call us at any time for assistance.

We do not offer guided tours for a few specific reasons. Guided groups can be problematic to local traffic making it difficult for drivers to pass. The tail vans block traffic and make it difficult for local and tourist drivers on the road, potentially making drivers more upset and aggressive. It can also be difficult for varying abilities to either keep up or slow down to stay with the whole group. Riding in a big guided group can also be dangerous if a rider directly in front of you suddenly brakes.

We only provide self-guided Haleakala Downhill tours and we make sure every rider we send down the road is capable to bike down safely. If we determine anyone can’t safely do this bike ride we may have to pull you from the ride. For this reason, if you are unsure of your riding ability and haven’t been on a bike in years, we recommend going with another operator that provides guided tours.

DO YOU OFFER HOTEL PICKUPS?

We eliminated hotel pick-up and drop-off where you spend more time driving around in a van than on the actual bike ride. Since our tour is self-guided, everyone finishes the ride at different times. By riding back to our shop in Paia, you‘ll be able to explore the North Shore of the island and get to see a little more of the charming small towns in Maui. All our guests enjoy the freedom of having their car and exploring Paia, North Shore beaches and waterfalls or even going up to the summit for sunset after the ride.Whether you are driving from the south side of the island or the west, directions to our shop are as simple as three right turns and you’re at our front door. By eliminating hotel pick up and drop offs, this also helps to keep our rate the lowest on the island.

DO YOU PROVIDE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE?

Yes, of course. Biking down Haleakala at your own pace allows you to experience the ride at a speed that feels comfortable to you, as well as allowing you to stop and go as you please without getting stuck in a group or to having to keep up with someone else’s pace. However, you do not have to sacrifice your peace of mind. If you need assistance with anything at any time along the Maui bike tour, we will always be available. Just remember to bring a cell phone with you to call us for assistance.

In the event that you miss a turn, you can always call your guide. We can help you get back on track with directions over the phone. In most cases, you can backtrack a short distance to get back on route. In the worst-case situation, our guide can come pick you up and drop you off on the route or bring you back to the shop.  

COULD THE RIDE BE DANGEROUS?

Like any other outdoor activity, there are inherent risks. In order to minimize those risks, you MUST be comfortable riding a bike, be able to use hand brakes, and be able to stay focused throughout the ride. You are coming down country roads and sharing the road with cars.

If you are a beginner cyclist or haven’t been on a bike in years, this ride likely is not the right fit for you. We recommend practicing on a bike before you do this ride. While it’s not a physically challenging ride, you are descending at 25+mph at an average grade of 5-6%. You will be sharing the country roads with vehicles and riding the bike down the sloping switchbacks of Haleakala!

It’s truly a fun and easy ride AS LONG as you are a confident cyclist and comfortable riding a bike on the road!

At Maui Sunriders, we are committed to keeping you safe. We take great effort to provide you with the safety awareness, guidelines, and briefings you need to have a safe and fun trip. However, ultimately you are in control of the bike. Remember this is a Maui biking tour, not a race. If you decide to bike down Haleakala at 50 mph, then you can make the bike ride very dangerous. And, of course, this is not the place to learn how to ride a bike, so you need to be experienced at riding a bike. Although it is not a difficult ride, you should be a competent, confident rider.

ARE THERE DAYS THAT ARE LESS BUSY?

As far as riders go, Mondays & Tuesdays are usually the busiest. However, once you start riding, everyone spreads out and it’s not a problem because everyone is going at their own pace and stopping at different locations.

The quietest traffic days are Saturday & Sunday because they are travel days & locals aren’t driving to school/work. However, on Sundays, it’s more likely that some of the businesses in Makawao may be closed.

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TIP OUR GUIDE / DRIVER?

Tipping is greatly appreciated. Our guides provide you with a fun and informative drive up, as well as make sure everyone is coming down the volcano safely. They work hard daily loading/unloading your bikes, assuring a proper bike fit, as well as the behind the scene efforts making sure your bikes are in top working order and sanitizing all your gear daily.

Our tour guides do their best to ensure that your experience is both informative and memorable. As in any other service industry, tipping is subject to the level and quality of the service provided. (suggested gratuity is 18% however, a gratuity of any amount is always appreciated)

CAN WE RIDE IF ITS RAINY OR WINDY?

We do ride rain or shine. Maui is a tropical climate and it can rain any day of the year. For this reason, we provide rain/wind breaker jacket & pants, as well as bike gloves every day of the year.  As long as you are confident and comfortable riding bikes, it can be safe riding in the rain and wind. We hope that our riders have all been on bikes recently (like within a couple years minimum.) If it’s unsafe for anyone, it would be those who haven’t been on a bike in a long time….and are a bit wobbly on a bike to begin with!

When there is rain and wind, it is ok to ride as long as you slow down and anticipate the rain and wind gusts at all times. The upper portion of the ride can be windier as it is more exposed with less trees and the lower portion can be more protected, aside from the occasional gusts coming around a corner.  If for some reason the wind or rain is too much for you at the start we can always put you on the bikes at a lower elevation where it is less exposed.  If you feel nervous about it, contact us to reschedule. We have a 48 hour change policy so if you give us notice we are happy to move the reservation for you. Feel free to contact us any time if necessary.

We do occasionally cancel a tour if we receive Warnings from the National Weather system and we determine it to be unsafe to ride.  Due to our unpredictable and fast changing weather systems on Maui, we can only cancel a tour the morning of the ride. The forecast can change the day before or the morning of, as tropical weather is spontaneous! We aim to make the final decision by 7:30am daily. In the event that we cancel a ride, you can reschedule for another day, or if you can’t book any other day we also offer a full refund.

DO WE SEE THE CRATER / SUMMIT ON THE HALEAKALA BIKE RIDE?

Tours that take you into the national park to see the crater/summit range from $220-$240 per person. Our tour is more than 1/2 the price per person, due to the fact that we don’t enter the National Park. Tours that bring you into the park, will then drive you back down to the same place we begin our bike ride. No tour operator can allow you to bike inside the National Park.

We suggest going into the National Park on your own for a more personal experience at only $30 per vehicle. There are over 35 miles of hiking that you can do inside the park so it may be worthwhile to separate your activities to really take in the park and make it an experience of its own. 

We still offer the longest downhill on Haleakalā and we’re the only SELF-GUIDED company that bikes all the way to the sea, with the least amount of climbing compared to some other companies. All at your own pace, stopping wherever you’d like on the way down.

Most of our guests visit the park another day or go after the bike ride to watch sunset. A lot of locals say the sunset is just as beautiful (if not MORE) and much warmer, less people (no reservation needed) and so much less of an ordeal, like waking up at 2am on vacation. With that our favorite recommendation is to join us at 9am for your downhill ride. Enjoy Paia and the beaches after the ride, maybe have an early dinner in town and then drive up and catch sunset. You can enter the park an hour early and explore the park, hike around a bit and see it more than you would at sunrise. Bring a towel, bottle of wine or beverage of choice, Hawaiian snacks and see the spectacular sunset! It’s warmer at the crater than it will be waiting for the sun to rise. You can also look up the volcano and see if the weather is to your liking to view sunset, where as with sunrise it is all or nothing at 3am!

Some guests opt to do sunrise on their own & then join us for a Downhill Bike Ride. Since our tour starts at 9am, guests that still want to experience sunrise on their own and save a bundle of money, go up on their own and then drive down immediately following sunrise. You will need a reservation with the National Park as mentioned above, it is very crowded so get there early and you do need to wake up around 2am to get up the volcano in time. It takes about an hour and a half to come down and reach our shop in Paia, plan to leave the summit at the latest by 7:30am. Then you can park your car for the day and we will shuttle you up for your bike ride. When you finish your ride your car will be parked in Paia ready to explore the North Shore.

Keep in mind all the sunrises and sunsets are 50/50 that you will have incredible views due to our tropical weather and clouds that come through. At least for sunset you can decide if it’s worth it but for sunrise it’s all or nothing, due to your reservation and its dark and cold so you can’t totally see the weather. Remember sometimes you see clouds above but you often times break through the clouds and travel a couple 1000’ feet above the clouds. It varies from day-to-day!

CAN WE BIKE UP INTO THE NATIONAL PARK?

Yes, you can bike into the park but there are a couple important things to note:

First, the bikes that we provide you are downhill-specific. They aren’t geared to climb. So while you can go up, it will be very difficult with these bikes.

Second, it’s important to know that you will have to pay to enter the park. The bike entrance fee is $15 per bike. The National Park accepts credit cards only.

Third, note that once you enter – it doesn’t look that much different from where you just came from or what you will experience in the first 30 minutes of your downhill ride. From the gate entrance it is an additional 12 miles and 3500′ climb to reach the summit. On a geared bike and being an avid cyclists, that could take about 2 hours to reach the top. You have to gain a couple 1000′ feet to start to see the change in geology and what some consider it to look like mars.

DO YOU OFFER HALEAKALA SUNRISE TOURS?

We used to offer the sunrise tour for almost 18 years however, as of 2019 we are no longer partnering with the National Park and we have concluded our sunrise tours. The prices have gone way up & we don’t feel it is the best value and nor safest experience to pass on to our customers. To book a sunrise bike tour with any operator these days will cost you about $220-240 per person! We share with our guests the option join us for a 9am self-guided bike ride for more than 1/2 the price less. Most of our guests opt for sunset after their Downhill Bike Ride on your own.

Sunset is just as beautiful (if not MORE) and much warmer, less people (no reservation needed) and so much less of an ordeal, like waking up at 2am on vacation. With that our favorite recommendation is to join us at 9am for your downhill ride. Enjoy Paia and the beaches after the ride, maybe have an early dinner in town and then drive up and catch sunset. You can enter the park an hour early and explore the park, hike around a bit and see it more than you would at sunrise. Bring a towel, bottle of wine or beverage of choice, Hawaiian snacks and see the spectacular sunset! It’s warmer at the crater than it will be waiting for the sun to rise. You can also look up the volcano and see if the weather is to your liking to view sunset, where as with sunrise it is all or nothing at 3am!

Furthermore, when you do the sunrise downhill option, it’s sorta confusing because you have to get back in the shuttle van and drive down to 6500 ft’ where all bike tours are Permitted to start and that is where we begin our ride…(right outside the National Park entrance.) So you don’t get to bike down from the summit. We start our tour later in the day so that you have time to catch the sunrise if you wish and to prevent biking with all the sunrise traffic coming down the mountain as well as local rush hour and for some that can be a little unnerving. With our ride beginning later, there are far less cars on the road which makes it safer and much more comfortable cruise down the mountain. Lastly, most of the shops & restaurants that you get to explore on our self-guided tour will be closed in the morning during the sunrise rides.

Some guests opt to do sunrise on their own & then join us for a Downhill Bike Ride. Since our tour starts at 9am, guests that still want to experience sunrise on their own and save a bundle of money, go up on their own and then drive down immediately following sunrise. The entry fee is $30 per car and a $1.50 online reservation fee through the National Park website.   (book ahead!)   For 2 people you will already save $240 that you could use to go out for a great dinner!

You will need a reservation (they can be almost impossible to attain!!!) with the National Park as mentioned above, it is very crowded so get there early and you do need to wake up around 2am to get up the volcano in time. It takes about an hour and a half to come down and reach our shop in Paia, plan to leave the summit at the latest by 7:30am. Then you can park your car for the day and we will shuttle you up for your bike ride. When you finish your ride your car will be parked in Paia ready to explore the North Shore.

Keep in mind all the sunrises and sunsets are 50/50 that you will have incredible views due to our tropical weather and clouds that come through. At least for sunset you can decide if it’s worth it but for sunrise it’s all or nothing, due to your reservation and its dark and cold so you can’t totally see the weather. Remember sometimes you see clouds above but you often times break through the clouds and travel a couple 1000’ feet above the clouds. It varies from day-to-day!

HOW DID BIKING DOWN HALEAKALA START?

In 1983, “Cruiser Bob” the originator of the “Maui Volcano Bike Tour” created what is today one of the most popular Maui activities. Bob’s Haleakala bike tour became an instant success story. It grew rapidly with thousands of visitors a year riding down the volcano. Due to his success, many other companies were formed that used Bob’s biking tour as a model. A few of them are still here, while Bob moved on to other biking adventures. Some claim to be the “original,” but this fame belongs rightly only to Cruiser Bob.

BIKE DOWN HALEAKALA REVIEWS

"BEST EXPERIENCE HANDS DOWN ! I highly recommend this company and I truly recommend the tour guide free experience. Which is what this company offers. It's such an easy ride down sloping 99% of the time so gravity does the work, not you. Anyone can truly do this, Whether you are in shape or not, don't be scared it's doable. Also the tour free experience allows you to enjoy the towns, the farms, and make as many photo stops as you'd like. The driver explains the entire route on the way up, you go in a van. So there's NO WAY to get lost if you pay attention while the driver is explaining the do's and dont's. Bring cash so you can pay at the shops and tip the amazing drivers. They even stored our luggage for us! Very warm and inviting business. I will definitely do this again with this same company."

"I’ve done the ride with a few companies, and this was the best experience by a stretch, and that’s saying something because we keep coming back because it’s always been a great experience. The price is right. Our guide up the mountain was informative, funny, personable, and helpful. The equipment was a game changer when compared to the other companies— it’s top notch and very well kept. In short, you can’t go wrong with this crew."

You will have a hard time finding a better staff in all of Maui! The shop is clean, bikes are in perfect shape, all equipment is well maintained! The owners are so friendly and helpful, our driver was extremely knowledgeable and funny, making the downhill ride our favorite thing we have done this trip! Cannot say enough good things!

"This is definitely the company to use when biking down Haleakala! Other companies have their employee at the front and back of the line and you "follow the leader" down the mtn, which is not only dangerous, but boring!! You're on THEIR time. With Maui sunriders, YOU set the pace, YOU CHOOSE to stop when and where..it's great!!!! We had plenty of time to enjoy the ride and take pictures. As a party of 7 (a grandma, grandpa, mom, dad and 3 teen /adult children, we all loved it and would definitely recommend Maui Sunriders!!!"

PAIA BIKE SHOP

8 am - 4 pm, +01 808 579 8970 xt.1, [email protected].

Serving customers for 22+ years!

• HALEAKALA DOWNHILL TOURS • FULL-SERVICE BIKE SHOP • BIKE RENTALS

KIHEI BIKE SHOP

9 am - 5 pm, +01 808 579 8970 xt.2, [email protected].

BRAND NEW STORE AS OF 1/1/2022!

• FULL-SERVICE BIKE SHOP • BIKE RENTALS • BIKE TOURS COMING SOON...

LAHAINA BIKE SHOP 

Closed - new location tbd, +01 808 579 8970 xt.3, [email protected].

NEW STORE 12/1/22 - 8/8/23

As Featured on Adventure Hawaii

Ban on Haleakala volcano bike tours is extended by Hawaii park

The ban on Haleakala volcano bike tours in Maui is extended by national park officials in Hawaii.

Share story

HONOLULU — Officials at Haleakala National Park on Maui have decided to extend a suspension of downhill bike tours on the volcano.

A panel has found the tours pose an unacceptably high risk.

Park Superintendent Marilyn Parris says the park will is looking into the possibility of allowing less dangerous interpretive bike tours than the ones that drop bikers off at the crater at sunrise and let them speed 30 miles down the two-lane road.

Five bicycle tour companies are being allowed to conduct some activities. Tours now start outside the park at the 6,500-foot level and go for 20 miles.

Most Read Life Stories

• WA’s 10 most popular state parks in 2023 — plus some hidden gems
• At 5 new Seattle bars, find cocktails, natural wine and good food
• FareStart Restaurant will reopen — with 9 top Seattle chefs on deck
• Visiting Mount Hood this summer? Here's where to stop on the way
• Langbaan in Portland wins James Beard Award for 'outstanding' restaurant

The park banned the downhill run Oct. 10 following a fatality on Sept. 26.

Before the ban inside the park, more than 100,000 bikers a year made the tours.

• Maui See & Do

Another Warning on Haleakala Bike Tours

• 2 minute read

11 comments

Dear readers, you know that I rarely have an unkind word to say about tours in Hawaii, but I just can’t help expressing my concern in this instance. I only share this with you because I  sincerely care for your safety.

I was very saddened to read the news of another tourist killed while on a downhill Haleakala biking tour .  This incident marks the third cyclist death from the downhill Haleakala thrill ride in the last year.  Back in June, I reported that these bike tours were being reviewed .  I wish a safe solution would have been found in time to prevent more injuries and deaths.

How often are cyclists injured on this downhill thrill ride?  Doctors at Maui Memorial say, they see at least two to five injuried cyclists in their emergency room each week , with broken bones or facial injuries from their downhill ride. ( Source )

The Haleakala bike tours are very popular and tour companies do encourage the cyclists to be safe. I don’t know how many people bike down Haleakala in a day, but I would guess numbers are in the hundreds at least.

Is stressing safety to these cyclist enough? How safe can you be while biking down the side of a volcano that starts out at 10,000 feet above sea level and ends near sea level?   Think about the cyclists on the Tour de France routes through the Alps and Pyrenees.  Those cyclists crash their bikes and they are experts!  They ride on professional bikes that cost $10,000 or more.

If you want to see Haleakala, but don’t want to do the driving, there are plenty of tours to choose from.  I just did a Google search for “Haleakala Tours” and this is just a handful of the top results that don’t involve bikes:

• A “limo-van” tour
• Four different sightseeing tours to chose from that include Haleakala
• Sunrise tour
• Another sunrise tour

My advice to you is that you must not miss seeing Haleakala on your Maui vacation.  It is spectacular.  Do consider your tour options and make a safe choice.

Sheila Beal

Sheila Beal is the founder and editor of Go Visit Hawaii. You can connect with Sheila Beal on Twitter , Go Visit Hawaii on Facebook , or Instagram .

Having seen the bikes they give you, I wouldn’t ride one of them around a private track, let alone down a volcano.

Unfortunately, it’s so popular I would imagine many people will continue to sign up. I guess all you can do is keep telling your readers the risks.

An interesting comparison. As fearful of sharks we all are, only 4 people were attacked by sharks in Hawaii in 2006 – none died! You’re better off swimming with sharks, than biking down Haleakala!

Good comparison, Andy.

I just recalled this part that I wrote on August 9th vacation news roundup:

“Per KHNL, Maui Memorial Hospital reports seeing “at least two to five injured cyclists in their emergency room each week with broken bones or facial injuries from their downhill ride�? at Haleakala. ”

Here is the link to that: https://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/08/05/hawaii-vacation-news-roundup-for-august-5th/

This is very concerning to me!

I have to disagree somewhat… You need to know your limits. If you’re not a physically fit person… a forty mile bike ride might not be the best thing for you to do.

(IMO) These companies seem to overplay that fact that it’s almost all downhill. It’s true but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. I rode with bikemaui.com a while back and it was a blast. I was fairly physically fit at the time and was completely exhausted when I got back. I went with them because they just drop you off at the top with a map and turn you loose. You are free to go as fast or as slow as you like.

The bikes are OK… But… It’s not at all like riding your own bike back home. Your bike at home is like an extension of your body because you are used to it. Renting someone else’s bike can create a hazard just because your reflexes are slower on the rented bike.

I guess the bottom line is you need to be careful. Riding a rented bike 40 miles down a volcano can be dangerous. It can also be a great experience. It wouldn’t be so popular if it sucked.

As always, I appreciate your comment, Dave. I definitely agree that you need to know your abilities and limits.

As a born and raised “Flat-lander” from Florida, I can tell you that at 54 yrs old and of average fitness, I took the downhill ride this past June and had the time of my life… I feel it isn’t to be missed and feel far more threatened riding in traffic in a major city like Orlando…

I think you simply have to know your limits, have reasonable expectations and go from there… I would do the bike ride with Maui Downhill a hundred times over, they were great!

Totally agree with Tina,we did the downhill about 14 years ago when I was in my middle 50’s and about to do it again in my middle 60’s Was one of the three most enjoyable things I’ve ever done.

Thanks, Tina, for sharing your experience. I’m glad you had a great ride.

I too went with Haleakala Bike Co., bikemaui.com I had the time of my life. I can see why some are afraid, or some have had accidents, but the bottom line as mentioned before is know your limits. Know what you are doing and getting into. And think positive. If you think you’ll fall, then you are more likey to fall. A great experience to at least consider and look into further. I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunity, but do aways encourage to be safe!

Hi Bob – Thanks for sharing your experience and advice.

My treat to myself for my 72nd birthday in Nov 2006 was to make the ride down Haleakala. There were 7 people booked on the group that day, and as I was a single booking I was “tail-end Charley” coming down from the top. It ranks right up there as one of my more exhilarating experiences. (The Tour outfit was very professional). I have related the story many times, and this coming April will be back in Maui with my family, and several of them had planned to join me in doing the trip again. I was disappointed to note the trip from the crater top was no longer an option, but in view of the later safety issues I understand. Too bad!

Hi Eric – Wow! Mucho kudos to you for biking this white knuckle road on your 72nd birthday! Thanks for sharing your story and hope you enjoy your trip again. Please let us know how you liked the shorter route.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You May Also Like

• Cruising Hawaii
• 3 minute read
• One comment

Touring the road to Hana with Valley Isle Excursions

• January 9, 2023

Wailea Kayaking & Snorkeling

• June 1, 2013

• Aloha Friday Photo
• 1 minute read
• No comments

Aloha Friday Photo: Glorious Haleakala sunset

• March 15, 2013

Follow the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

• January 4, 2024

• Big Island See & Do
• Kauai See & Do
• Oahu See & Do

Where to see green sea turtles (honu) in Hawaii

• January 10, 2024

Aloha Friday Photo: Waianapanapa black sand beach along the road to Hana

• August 30, 2013

• First Time to Hawaii
• General Hawaii
• Tips & Tricks

When is the worst time to visit Hawaii on vacation?

• September 18, 2019

Do you plan Hawaii vacation activities before your trip or just book them when you get there?

• March 26, 2024

Advice for driving and parking in Waikiki Beach

• September 2, 2023

• 5 minute read

How many islands should you visit during your Hawaii vacation?

• March 27, 2024

The ups and downs of cycling ‘the longest, steepest paved road on the planet’

Haleakala, a 10,000-foot volcano, has been one of maui’s top attractions for decades. it’s not hard to see why..

PAIA, MAUI — My bike ride up a 10,000-foot volcano happened the way good adventures often do: Without much planning. I checked the local forecast, chatted with staff at a bike shop, and looked at a visitor map of the island, only half of which I took with me (weight savings). Then I set off the next day to cycle up Haleakala, not exactly realizing the magnitude of the ride — both a butt-numbing uphill grind that progressed, at times, at near-walking pace, followed by a thrilling eye-watering descent from high above the clouds through a rugged volcanic landscape home to nene birds and a staggering number of hairpin turns. The ride follows the route of the legendary Cycle to the Sun (Haleakala means “house of the sun”), a 36-mile annual bike race on what is billed as “the longest, steepest paved road on the planet.”

All went well — it was a stunning ride — but a description with a few tips may help you make the most of your adventure and take away some of the guesswork I faced. Also, it should be noted, this is a major undertaking suitable for more experienced riders. Weather and other factors — or a simple miscalculation on the descent — could have serious consequences. I bike year-round and had months of triathlon training behind me when I completed this ride.

Unless you bring your own bike, rent one well in advance. You have a couple of good options: Maui Cyclery in Paia rents Felt and Scott carbon road bikes (and one 43cm Titus for a smaller rider) and West Maui Cycles in Lahaina rents carbon Specialized bikes, including the Tarmac (available in 52cm-61cm) and Roubaix (available as small as 44cm). The bikes at West Maui Cycles all have names — I chose the New Hampshire for good luck.

Check the weather (locals rely on www.noaa.gov or the Windy app) and then, as everyone recommended, start early. That way, you can avoid commuter and school traffic and get more of the ride done before the temps heat up — there is virtually no tree coverage on the entire route.

I took off around 7:15 a.m. — early by my vacation standards — and was the last uphill rider to depart that day. I saw dozens of downhill riders (more on them later) and seven or eight solo riders coming down the mountain throughout the day, but not one other person behind me.

Advertisement

The journey up the mountain takes about 5 to 6 hours for most people, but weather can be a factor. Clouds and moisture often build by mid-morning around 5,000 feet to 7,000 feet, meaning you could still be cycling for hours, wet and chilled. Ideally, the early start lets you get above the cloud zone and, with luck, remain dry.

Begin the ride near the ocean at the public parking area in downtown Paia, as I did, or park 1,700 feet higher up the mountain in the small town of Makawao. I followed the advice of someone at West Maui Cycles who said, “If you’re putting in all the effort, you might as well start from sea level” (thanks, May).

The first 8 miles take you from Paia through small neighborhoods and then open land as you head southeast. You soon may question — as I did — whether you’re still on the right track. Keep going right through the small town of Makawao, a plantation-turned-artsy town of 7,200 located on the northwest side of Haleakala. This hip upcountry town has a Buddhist temple, a mercantile, boutiques, and art galleries and is the best place to stock up on power bars and calories (check out the general store or take a right on Makawao Road to the family-run Pukalani Superette grocery store).

After passing through town, Baldwin Avenue turns into Olinda Road — you’ll know you’re on the right route when you hit Makawao’s version of Heartbreak Hill, a short quad-burning climb leading out of town. Continue just over a mile until you see the red buildings and open fields of the Maui Polo Club (games and tailgating on Sundays bring more cars to the area). Here, take a very important and often-missed right-hand turn onto Hanamu Road or else you’ll continue climbing in the wrong direction (a small and rustic wooden sign points to Haleakala, but it’s easy to overlook — and many do).

This rolling and partially shaded route takes you a mile up to Kealaloa Avenue (bear left) and then a short distance to Haleakala Highway (Route 377), a two-lane relatively well-paved winding road up the mountain.

Here, I crossed paths with the first of about eight downhill bike groups on the mountain that day. One of Maui’s top attractions for decades has been biking down Haleakala. Outfitters transport riders up the mountain and drop them off with bikes, helmets, and guides. Then cyclists enjoy a virtually pedal-free ride down the volcano, enjoying sky-high views and glimpses of uphill riders moving in slow-mo.

These downhill bike tours began at the summit of Haleakaka up until 2007, when the increasing number of bike crashes (and several deaths) led the national park to ban commercial bike tours within park boundaries. Now, one company (Bike Maui) takes riders by van to the volcano’s summit for a look-see, but the actual downhill bike tour for all outfitters runs from a staging area just below the park entrance (at about 6,500 feet, 11 miles below the summit) to sea level — and, in my opinion, misses out on the most spectacular part of the ride.

Once I joined Haleakala Highway, I followed the road up through small neighborhoods with jacaranda trees and eventually stopped at Kula Lodge (on a local’s recommendation) to refill my water bottles. The lodge has a restaurant and bar (tempting) and five cozy chalets that would mark the perfect place to start the ride if I ever did it again. Just up the road past the lodge, turn left to continue on Haleakala Highway.

The journey from this point up to the park entrance took me through a pastoral landscape with fields of grass, small patches of trees, and a seemingly endless number of switchbacks so sharp that cars must slow to 15 miles per hour.

Thankfully, the clouds began to gather as they often do at this elevation, blocking the sun and cooling the air. It wasn’t until I reached 6,500 feet — the staging area where I met another group of downhill riders — that I emerged above the clouds. Here, I passed through an amazing forest of eucalyptus trees, seeming so out of place in this otherwise open and rugged landscape. Hawaii’s first Superintendent of Forestry, Robert Hosmer, planted eucalyptus and conifer trees here and at several other high-elevation spots in the early 1900s, for possible future development of a timber industry. Hosmer Grove Campground now has five tent campsites tucked among the trees.

Bikers must pay $15 to enter the park at the entrance booth (credit card only as of January this year, although the ranger kindly took my cash). Just up the road at about 7,000 feet, you’ll find the visitors center where you can refill water bottles and use the restrooms (the center was still closed because of COVID).

Since I had paid my entrance fee, I had to carry on, but I’ll admit I did contemplate asking someone for a lift the remaining 11 miles to the summit. Hours of slow and steady grinding uphill in 95-degree humidity on a rental bike I hadn’t properly fitted to myself made it a challenge to sit down. (Apparently you can do the Haleakala-simulated route on your Peloton at home — one benefit being that you can pause and come back another time if the going gets rough.)

The next few miles on wide switchbacks took me by Leleiwi and Kalahaku overlooks, by the Halemau’u Trailhead, which is the start of a challenging 9.5-mile round-trip hike to the crater floor and is not for those with height issues, and the “Summit 2 mi” sign (fantasies of hitchhiking faded once I realized I was that close). Jagged volcanic rocks and sand blanketed the landscape as far as I could see, occasionally punctuated by silver sword plants, ferns, and rugged little bushes or signs for Hawaii’s native nene birds, a type of goose.

Finally, I passed by the second visitors center just a half mile below the summit. Legs cramping, I paused before the final half-mile push up a short, steep hill with views of the crater now visible off to the left. The cool breeze and views from the summit made all the climbing worth it. From the top, at 10,023 feet, I had 360-degree views of the mountain and of the nearby domes and buildings of the Haleakala Observatory. On a clear day, you can see the Big Island from here.

It had taken five hours to reach the top (not including water and photo stops) and then just under an hour and a half to reach sea level again — a virtually nonstop braking descent that barely required any pedaling and included just 45 feet of ascent on the entire ride down. Ninety high-speed minutes passing by mounds of lava rock, crossing over cattle grates, navigating 15-miles-per-hour turns, descending straight through the clouds, and wending through quiet neighborhoods with fruit stands and those purple-flowering jacaranda trees.

It had been a grueling journey, but well worth the effort. The adventure ended back at the bustling town of Paia with half a map still tucked in my pocket ready for my next unplanned Maui adventure.

Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at [email protected] .

• Community News
• On The Campaign Trail
• Hawaii News
• National News
• International News
• Local Sports
• Sports Spotlight
• Hawaii Sports
• National Sports
• As Maui Dines
• Bald-Headed Truth
• Letters to the Editor
• Entertainment
• Classifieds
• Print Ad Directory
• Browse notices
• Place a notice
• Statement of Values
• Terms of Service
• Submit News

• Today's Paper

It’s the end of the road for Maui Downhill

Pioneer of mountain downhill bike tours calls it quits.

Rich (left) and Vickie Goodenough pose with a portion of Maui Downhill’s bike fleet on Tuesday, a day after shutting down the company after more than 30 years. Rich Goodenough, 76, said it was a combination of wanting to retire and declining business after Maui Downhill was unable to get one of the four concession contracts to operate in Haleakala National Park. The Maui News / COLLEEN UECHI photos

KAHULUI — Rich Goodenough likes to play poker, and as friends will say, he knows when it’s time to fold.

The 76-year-old owner of bike tour company Maui Downhill closed his business’s doors on Monday, three months after Haleakala National Park trimmed the number of tour companies allowed to operate in the park starting this year.

For Goodenough, it’s a combination of declining business since the start of the year — and the feeling that he’s ready to retire after three decades of running one of the island’s largest and oldest tour bike companies.

“I love the thing, but at some time, you have to give it to somebody else, because I’m getting older,” Goodenough said Tuesday in the partially cleaned out offices of Maui Downhill on Dairy Road.

He and wife Vickie said that when Haleakala National Park began allowing just four select tour companies to enter the park, Maui Downhill immediately felt the impacts. General Manager Robynn Hussey said business in the first quarter dropped 60 percent. The company went from filling 48 seats a day to less than a dozen. The income stream slowed.

Maui Downhill General Manager Robynn Hussey (from left) stands with Rich and Vickie Goodenough outside the offices of Maui Downhill on Tuesday. The company had about 20 employees and a fleet of 10 vans, three minibuses and more than 200 bikes. Rich Goodenough said he hopes someone might purchase the business.

Maui Downhill tried to adjust, chartering buses with Polynesian Adventure and continuing to take people on bike tours outside of the park. But chartering was costly, and Goodenough couldn’t see his company attracting business if it couldn’t bring people into the park.

“This company could hardly stay alive because most of the people want to go to the park,” he said. “If we were just going up there with bicycles, there wouldn’t be enough (interest).”

Goodenough moved to Maui in 1982 after working as a helicopter pilot with the Los Angeles Police Department for 16 years. He took a bike ride down Haleakala one day and was sold on the beautiful views and cool Upcountry air. After Goodenough found fellow bicycling entrepreneur Bob Kiger through a newspaper ad, the two men went into business doing bicycle tours down the mountain. They ran Cruiser Bob’s for three years before parting ways; Kiger stayed with Cruiser Bob’s while Goodenough went on to purchase a bike company that became Maui Downhill.

Goodenough and Kiger were at the forefront of an industry that would grow immensely popular over the next few decades. At the beginning, there were fewer regulations, and tour companies could start bike tours at the summit. Goodenough used to take his riders on guided tours 37 miles down the mountain to the Paia shoreline.

However, after a series of deaths on commercial bike tours, the National Park Service curbed tours within the park in 2007. Companies took to bringing people into the park for sunrise viewings followed by bike tours at lower elevations outside of park boundaries.

Last year, nearly 20 businesses had permits for vehicle-based tours in the park. But with growing concerns with overcrowding and impacts on the environment, park officials decided to cut the number of permitted tours to four. Last April, Haleakala EcoTours, Polynesian Adventure Tours, Skyline Eco Adventures and Valley Isle Excursions received 10-year concession contracts to operate within the park.

Goodenough said he thinks it’s “a good thing” to try to ease the impacts of tour companies. However, he said the park could’ve allowed more companies, possibly eight. Hussey agreed there were pros and cons but didn’t think it was necessary to cut so many businesses.

“We were already limited on the amount of guests,” she said. “So most of the companies that were allowed to go in there before the concession happened had a really good handle on the people that they brought up to Haleakala National Park. On top of that, we were also almost, if you want to say, policing . . . the regular tourists that were driving themselves up.”

Like Maui Downhill, other companies are learning to adjust, and some have partnered with the permitted companies to stay in business. Cruiser Phil’s, for example, has merged with Haleakala Bike Co. — which is doing business as Haleakala EcoTours — to offer guided bike tours down the mountain, EcoTours Vice President Lewis Upfold said Wednesday.

Since receiving one of the contracts, Haleakala EcoTours also has seen an immediate impact on its business. The number of guests jumped 37 percent in January, 90 percent in February and 100 percent in March. The company takes about 100 guests up a day, and Upfold expects the numbers to go even higher in the summer.

“A lot of it had to do actually with us being more available,” he said. “Under the previous contract, we were only allowed two minibuses for sunrise. Under the new contract, we’re allowed to have four. . . . Whether that contributed to us being busier . . . or other businesses not being able to offer the same product, it’s probably a combination of both.”

Because of the increased business and the requirements that each bus must have both a driver and a tour guide, the company also has grown from 15 to 40 employees.

Upfold said that having fewer tour companies has changed the park experience for the better. Combined with the required reservations for sunrise, “it’s a totally different world up there than it was before,” he said.

“It’s very quiet, calm, and we experience it how we’re supposed to experience it,” Upfold said. “Way less people, way less congestion. It’s a whole lot safer up there.”

Haleakala National Park spokeswoman Polly Angelakis said that having fewer contracts and awarding them for 10 years instead of annually “makes things much easier to manage and gives us a chance to grow our relationships with the four companies.”

She added that “visitation is still robust.” The park recorded 91,923 visits in February and 99,522 visits in January, as compared to 88,891 visits in February 2017 and 108,375 in January 2017.

Upfold said his company has been in business for 25 years and has known Goodenough a long time.

“It’s always a shame when a company of that stature, that long standing, finally decides to call it quits,” he said. “Maui Downhill had a good, long run. They can be considered pioneers in the industry. . . . A lot of companies have modeled after them.”

One of Goodenough’s best memories after 35 years in business is the time he took then-Vice President Dan Quayle on a bike ride down the mountain in the early 1990s. Goodenough was mowing his lawn when he got a call from the Secret Service asking to set up a bike tour.

On the day of the tour, the park was cleared after sunrise, and a helicopter flew Quayle and his family into the park. Goodenough and one of his guides escorted Quayle and six Secret Service members on bikes down the mountain.

“He himself didn’t do a lot of talking to me,” Goodenough said. “But he was a smiler. Really nice man. . . . He had a wonderful time coming down. . . . I was hoping I might be able to go back in the helicopter with him. I took you (down), now you take me.”

Goodenough said he’s made some adjustments over the years in response to safety and community concerns. For example, the tours no longer extend along Baldwin Avenue. And, he makes it a point to offer only guided tours, which he believes are safer. Goodenough said he has never had any fatalities on his tours.

In retirement, he’s looking forward to traveling and golfing more, spending time with his wife and visiting his sister, son and 11-year-old granddaughter on the Mainland. Goodenough also said he hopes someone might be willing to purchase Maui Downhill, which has a fleet of 10 vans, three minibuses and more than 200 bikes. The company also employed about 20 people.

“Rich and Maui Downhill and Vickie have made a legacy for themselves, and I think it’s time for them to enjoy retirement,” Hussey said.

* Colleen Uechi can be reached at [email protected].

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

• Daily Newsletter
• Breaking News

HECO launches Public Safety Power Shutoff for Maui, Molokai

The community page.

The Maui News Community pages are published every weekend. We welcome news releases about Maui County schools, ...

Pet of the Week

Carden Academy of Maui Middle School 3rd Trimester Head of School 4.0+ Grade Point Average Grade 6 – ...

Local Briefs

MHS seeks athletic coaches Maui High School is accepting applications for head coaching positions for the ...

Spiky orange flowering globe? That’s lion’s ear

Only $99/year, subscribe today.

Bike Down A Maui Volcano

Newest Maui Article: Lahaina Gateway

Haleakala Volcano Bicycle Rides in Maui

Biking down the volcano has been a popular activity on Maui for several years.

Haleakala is the 10,000-foot volcano that makes up the eastern half of Maui.  There is a paved road that winds all the way up the volcano to a parking lot near the summit.  Many cars and tour vans drive up and down this road every day, to enjoy the spectacular view of the crater in the National Park at the top.

Several tour companies offer group bike rides.  They take you up in a van, bringing along the bikes in a trailer.  Then you coast downhill on your bike for about three hours, on the same winding road as the cars and vans.

In 2007, because of injuries and deaths on this ride, Haleakala National Park banned the tours from the park.  But some companies still offer the tour, starting outside of the park borders.  They give you a tour inside the park in their van (which you could do yourself in your own car, or with another company that offers van tours without bike rides), and then they take you outside of the park to begin your bike ride down the volcano.

Below is information about some of the companies still offering Haleakala bike tours.  Or click for more things to do on Maui .

Bike down the volcano tours

See above and below for reasons i do not recommend this activity.

Bike Maui   808-575-9575

Cruiser Phil’s   808-575-9575

According to an article on About.com by Guide John Fischer, dated October 8, 2007, “the park responds to at least four to eight accidents a month involving bicycles and is often asked to respond outside the park by local authorities as the first response to serious bike accidents.”

According to an article in the Maui News on February 9, 2008, “A preliminary report by a National Park Service Analysis Team has found commercial downhill bicycle tours at Haleakala National Park to be one of the most high-risk activities at national parks.”  The article states that there were two fatalities on these bicycle tours in the park in 2007.  It does not give any information about fatalities and injuries on the large part of the downhill bike rides that occur outside of the national park boundaries.

According to an article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin on March 19, 2008, Haleakala National Park Superintendent Marilyn Parris extended the ban on the bicycle rides within the park because of a panel’s finding that the activity poses “unacceptably high risk.”

The national park does not have the authority to ban the bike rides outside of park boundaries, which is the reason those rides are able to continue in spite of the ban inside the park.  But the road outside the park is just as dangerous as in the park.

See the page of  Things To Do In Maui for luaus, whale watching, snorkeling, tours, helicopters, horseback riding, ATV, dinner cruises, parasailing, fishing, zipline, biking, golf, hiking, sightseeing, aquarium, the road to Hana, volcano, Lahaina, lavender farm, beaches, kids and family fun, and more.

MOST RECENT UPDATE:  Maui Snorkeling

POPULAR PAGES

• Maui Vacation
• Maui Webcams
• Best Area To Stay In Maui
• Inexpensive Restaurants
• Maui Car Rental Deals
• Maui Activities
• Printable Maui Guide
• New Blog Posts

The Epic Bike Tour In Hawaii That Must Be On Your Island Bucket List

Megan Shute

With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.

More by this Author

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.

Related Stories

The Christmas Parade In Hawaii That’s Unlike Any Other In The World

Take These Glass-Bottom Kayaks Out In Hawaii For An Adventure Unlike Any Other

The Remote Hawaii Beach That's Only Accessible By Boat

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.

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 .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Hawaii in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Hawaii!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• The Waterfall Zipline Tour In Hawaii Guaranteed To Satisfy Your Need For Adventure
• The Tropical Garden Tour In Hawaii Where You'll Find Chocolate, Fruit, And Honey Tastings
• Take This Epic Tour Of One Of Hawaii's Most Overlooked Volcanoes For A Real Life Adventure
• You'll Be Transported To The Wild, Wild West On This Epic Hawaii Tour
• This Moonshine Tasting Room In Hawaii Is One Hidden Speakeasy You'll Want To Tour
• The Best Sunsets In Hawaii Are Witnessed From Aboard This Charming Boat
• Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Outrigger Canoe Tour In Hawaii
• There Is Nothing Sweeter Than This Candy Factory Tour In Hawaii

Explore Hawaii

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

Haleakala National Park Tips to Read Before You Go

Planning a trip to maui one of the top things to do in maui is visit haleakala crater. find out the best haleakala national park tips for your next trip..

Maui is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, largely in part because of its natural beauty. Whether you love sunbathing, hiking, stargazing, or surfing, if you’re in any way a lover of nature, Maui has the attractions and activities for you.

If you’re planning a trip to Maui , you’ll probably have heard of the Haleakala National Park. However, amidst the variety of activities to do at Maui , it can be hard to decide whether or not you’d like to fit it on your Maui itinerary. 

If you’re unsure, I’d totally recommend going to the Haleakala National Park for at least a day, maybe longer. It has such an immense variety of activities, natural attractions, and tours that I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy your time there. 

Personally, I’ve always thought it’s one of the best national parks in Hawaii !

Read this post to get some information about the activities and attractions at Haleakala National Park, as well as tips and tricks to ensure you have the best experience possible!

Popular Maui Tours/Activities

• Sunrise at Haleakala (this is great to book for your first morning on Maui and the views are unsurpassed)
• Reverse Road to Hana Tour (this is the BEST way to do this iconic Maui scenic drive without arguing with your spouse)
• Molokini Snorkel Tour (this is one of the best places to snorkel on Maui)
• Surf Lessons for Kids (this is the BEST way for your kids to learn how to surf in Hawaii)
• Old Lahaina Luau (the is the most popular luau for families)
• Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)

Favorite Maui Resorts/Hotels

• Hyatt Regency Maui (this has a swim-up bar and tons of amazing amenities)
• Andaz Maui (this is a luxury resort with the best luau on Maui)
• Honua Kai Resort & Spa (this is one of our personal favorites because there are tons of pools and there are condo options)

Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Maui itinerary complete with daily schedules, fun activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.

Haleakalā is known as the house of the sun.

Haleakala National Park’s past is quite fascinating. Before you visit the area, you should familiarize yourself with the geological history, traditional folk tales, and cultural significance surrounding the area – that way, you can fully appreciate the park itself!

Historically speaking, Haleakala National Park is built on and around a massive dormant volcano that last exploded sometime between 1400 and 1680. It has exploded over ten times in the last 1,000 years. Some of the valleys and mountains were actually formed by past eruptions!

While the Haleakala volcano is not the largest or most destructive in Hawaii, scientists think it caused immense damage the last time it erupted, and predict that it’ll erupt again in 400-500 years. They carefully monitor the area, watching for signs of an unexpected eruption.

Haleakala National Park also has areas of significant cultural importance. There are too many of these to properly cover in this article, though. So if you’re interested, I’d absolutely recommend doing your research!

One of the most significant, though, is also incidentally what created the name for the park – “Haleakala” means the “House of the Sun” in Hawaiian. The name originated because of a myth involving Maui, who legend says lassoed the sun to watch it descend. 

Now, the Haleakala National Park is open to visitors every hour and day of the year for tourists such as us to enjoy!

How to Get Ready For Haleakala Crater

My top recommendation for any tourist preparing to visit the Haleakala National Park is to fully plan your itinerary and activities before you start packing. You’ll be packing very different items depending on what you want to do. 

For example, if you’re interested in hiking in the upper reaches of mountainous terrain, you’ll want to bring the proper gear and clothing – more on that later. 

Haleakala National Park is well-known for its terrain and landscapes, which some find so unique that they describe it as otherworldly. Whether you’re looking for beautiful green meadows, volcanic cinder cones, immense mountains, lush valleys, or fields of lava rock, Haleakala likely has the natural setting for you.

Things to do at Haleakala National Park

Although one of the most popular activities here is doubtlessly watching the sunrise/sunset, there are a multitude of activites you should prepare for. For example, if you don’t manage to secure a booking to watch the sunrise, you can always schedule a hike before sunset.

Check Out Hawaiian Wildlife

Haleakala National Park is the place for you if you’re interested in learning about and viewing unique Hawaiian wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Designated as a sanctuary for many species of rare flora and fauna.

One of the best examples is Hawaii’s state bird, the Nene, also known as the Hawaiian goose. In 1967, this bird species was teetering on extinction with only 30 specimens remaining. This is due to overhunting, disease, and destroying their natural habitats.

Now, thanks to the protection of the Endangered Species Act and the hard work of scientists and park rangers, over 3,000 birds remain statewide, a large percentage of which find their home at the Haleakala National Park. 

As you visit the park, you may be lucky enough to see the majestic and beautiful state bird for yourself. Additionally, you might see other species of native Hawaii birds. These include the peuo, multiple types of forest birds, and the ‘ua’u, also called the Hawaiian petrel.

The ‘ua’u are small seabirds that navigate at night using the light of the stars. As such, they can often get confused by the lights of the city, and can exhaust themselves and become grounded as a result. If you ever find a grounded ‘ua’u, visit the NPS website for instructions.

Haleakala Camping

For those who truly want to experience nature first-hand, camping may be your activity. There is no better way to connect with, live in, and experience nature first-hand. This is especially true in a setting as beautiful as the Haleakala National Park.

For experienced hikers who wish to experience a difficult trail as much as camping, I’d recommend going to Paliku . This is roughly 10.4 miles down the Halemauu Trail. Or you can hike 9.3 miles down the Sliding Sands Trail . The Sliding Sands Trail is definitely the more difficult hike.

Holua is an option for those who don’t want to experience such a strenuous hike. Located 3.7 miles down the Halemauu Trail, it is just as gorgeous as Paliku. Plus it’s much easier to access for the average person.

For those who wish to experience nature without the inconveniences of overnight hiking, I’d recommend taking a scenic hike or biking. You can do this either on your own and at your own pace or with a tour guide.

Skywatching

Last but definitely not least of the three categories is skywatching. Haleakala’s skyscapes are unmatched in beauty, free of light pollution, and enthralling whether you’re observing the sunset, sunrise, or the stars.

The best place to admire the sky is at the Haleakala Crater Summit. Even along the trail, the view is unmatched if you veer away from the traffic. 

Utop the summit, the horizon stretches uninhibited for over 150 miles. This allows you a completely unobscured view of the sky at any time of the day. From there, you can book tickets and enjoy the sunrise early in the morning. You can hike up and admire the sunset, or camp overnight and watch the stars.

Stargazing is often underrated and under-discussed, despite being one of the best activities to do on Maui at night. If you’re planning on doing so, stop by the Haleakala visitor center or search online for a map of the constellations!

Visiting Haleakala National Park can truly be a life-changing adventure. To ensure that you truly enjoy your experience, here are three tips for a perfect Haleakala adventure!

Haleakala National Park Tips

There are endless activities and sights for you to enjoy at the Haleakala National Park. I’ve done my best to separate most of them into three main categories.

Keep scrolling if you’re ready for a picture-perfect trip to Haleakala National Park!

Leave No Trace

One of the most important rules to respect when visiting natural treasure troves such as the Haleakala National Park is to leave no trace. Clean up any trash and camping materials to keep the animals and their habitats safe and clean.

Other essential principles are to never feed or get too close to the wildlife and treat the environment with its due respect.

If you’re interested in a chance to see these animals and more up close, book a seat on the Maui Haleakala Tour . If you’re interested, check out the latest prices and details !

Pack Smartly

That brings us to tip number two! If you’re planning on exploring the summit of Haleakala National Park, you must pack the proper items.

Although the warm tropical weather of ground-level Maui may convince you otherwise, you absolutely need more clothes than beach shorts and flip-flops.

If you’re planning on camping, I’d recommend bringing anything you can reasonably fit into your suitcase. Although there are rental shops for camping gear in the camp, it’s a costly investment that can be easily avoided. Remember, little fees pile up!

I’d argue that some other supplies are a must. For example, the weather at Haleakala can become suffocatingly hot. So I’d bring plenty of water to any excursion, reef-safe sunscreen , and a high-quality sunhat. 

Finally, make sure you put together and pack a simple first-aid kit , especially for long hikes or overnight camping. Find the best prices and deals here !

Dress Warmly

A basic rule of tourism and travel is that the higher the altitude of the area, the colder it will be. Temperatures at the Haleakala Summit are on average twenty degrees Farenheit colder than at sea level.

If you’re planning on skygazing at the Haleakala Crater Summit, prepare for cold weather. Otherwise, the feeling of chilliness may ruin your experience!

When packing and preparing for your excursions, make sure to bring a thick and warm jacket, gloves and boots!

How to Make Haleakala Sunrise Reservations

Haleakala Sunrise reservations are only $1 a car but are absolutely required in order to see the sunset. Because of how quickly they sell out, I’d recommend buying tickets here at least two weeks before your planned date.

Without tickets, you will not be let in through the gate until after 7 a.m. , by which time the sunrise will be long over.

If you don’t manage to book tickets for the date of your visit, don’t worry – you can still experience a beautiful skyscape by planning to visit during the sunset, or even booking a Haleakala Sunset Tour . 

Best Haleakala National Park Tours

If you’re interested in participating in a tour to decrease your own stress and responsibilities, here are some of the best the park offers!

Haleakala Sunrise Tour

If you’re stressed about booking tickets or driving to the summit to see the sunrise, the Haleakala Sunrise Tour , despite being somewhat costly, is the best option.

Consisting of a delicious breakfast, a knowledgeable tour guide, and a hotel pick-up and drop-off, it is truly one of the best ways to experience the sunrise. Check out the latest prices and more details .

Haleakala Sunrise Bike Tour

If you’re interested in an intense biking journey , this is the tour for you. It descends over 6,500 feet from the park entrance to a small North Shore town called Haiku. Here you can rejuvenate yourself by eating delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Check out the latest prices and more details .

Sunset at Haleakala Tour with Dinner

If you perhaps missed the sunrise for any reason or simply want to avoid the crowds the sunrise attracts, this tour brings up to the summit to watch the sunset and enjoy a delicious three-course meal. Check out the latest prices and more details . 

Haleakala Stargazing Tours

If you’re planning on stargazing or overnight camping, download this audio tour . It has accurate directions as to where to best see the stars. Check out the latest prices and more details . 

Haleakalā National Park FAQs

I, and many other tourists, found the sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā Carter immensely beautiful and breathtaking. However, the sky at the summit is beautiful at almost any time of the day, whether you’re stargazing or admiring the sunset!

Lots! You can hike, stargaze, camp, watch a breathtaking sunrise, go mountain biking, and talk to local park rangers!

Unfortunately, no! The area with the most easily accessible active volcanoes is definitely at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. However, Haleakalā itself is a dormant volcano, so there are multiple locations at the park where you can see lava rock formations.

Tips for Haleakala National Park Wrap Up

With these three tips, your experience at the Haleakala National Park will doubtlessly be fun and memorable.

Lastly, there are some safety reminders and information from the National Parks Service you should also keep in mind. This is especially vital if you’re driving up to watch the sunrise.

• Weather is often windy and wet, especially at higher elevations. 
• There are no weather predictions available for times before 7 a.m.
• Temperatures immediately before dawn and immediately after dusk are regularly below freezing.
• There are no essentials for sale within the park.
• It takes roughly 1.5 hours to commute between the summit and Kahului. 
• Roads within the park often do not have rails or guards. Drive with the utmost caution.
• Parking is restricted to designated lots only, and will be closed when full.

Looking for more Maui travel resources? Get my Road to Hana tips , find out the best Maui luaus , Hawaii hiking packing list , and where to see the sunset in Maui !

The post Haleakala National Park Tips to Read Before You Go appeared first on Hawaii Travel Spot .