Biking Maui

Biking Maui

Maui County biking is safer and more convenient than in the past, but long distances and mountainous terrain keep it from being a practical mode of travel. Still, painted bike lanes enable cyclists to travel all the way from Makena to Kapalua, and you'll see hardy souls battling the trade winds under the hot Maui sun.

Several companies offer guided bike tours down Haleakala. This activity is a great way to enjoy an easy, gravity-induced bike ride, but isn't for those not confident in their ability to handle a bike. The ride is inherently dangerous due to the slope, sharp turns, and the fact that you're riding down an actual road with cars on it. That said, the guided bike companies do take every safety precaution. A few companies offer unguided (or as they like to say "self-guided") tours where they provide you with the bike and transportation to the mountain and then you're free to descend at your own pace. Most companies offer discounts for Internet bookings.

Haleakala National Park no longer allows commercial downhill bicycle rides within the park's boundaries. As a result, tour amenities and routes vary by company. Be sure to ask about sunrise viewing from the Haleakala summit, if this is an important feature for you. Some lesser-priced tours begin at the 6,500-foot elevation just outside the National Park boundaries, where you will be unable to view the sunrise over the crater. Also keep in mind that weather conditions on Haleakala vary greatly, so a visible sunrise can never be guaranteed. Sunrise is downright cold at the summit, so be sure to dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes.

Each company has its own age and weight restrictions, and pregnant women are discouraged from participating, although they are generally welcome to ride in the escort van. You should also reconsider this activity if you have difficulty with high altitudes or are taking medications that may cause drowsiness.

Best Spots

Though it's changing, at present there are few truly good spots to ride on Maui. Street bikers will want to head out to scenic Thompson Road (Off Rte. 37, Kula Hwy., Keokea, 96790). It's quiet, gently curvy, and flanked by gorgeous views on both sides. Plus, because it's at a higher elevation, the air temperature is cooler and the wind lighter. The coast back down toward Kahului on the Kula Highway is worth the ride up. Mountain bikers have favored the remote Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area (Off Rte. 377, end of Waipoli Rd., 96790) for its bumpy trail through an unlikely forest of conifers.

Equipment and Tours

Bike It Maui. This small, family-owned company offers only one guided tour down Haleakala each day. The price of $139 includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, a sunrise van tour of the summit, a guided 28-mi bicycle ride down the mountain, and a full sit-down breakfast at Charley's Restaurant in Paia. Gratuity is also included. Riders must be at least 12 years old and weigh no more than 250 pounds. 808/878-3364 or 866/776-2453. www.bikeitmaui.com.

Cruiser Phil's Volcano Riders. Owner Phil Feliciano ("Cruiser Phil") has been in the downhill bicycle industry for 25 years. He offers sunrise and morning tours, which cost $150, and include hotel pick-up and drop-off, Continental breakfast at the company's base in Kahului, a van tour of the summit, and a guided 28-mi ride down the mountain. Riders will make a no-host meal stop in either Kula or Paia. Participants should be at least 15 and under 65 years old; be at least 5 feet tall and weigh no more than 275 pounds; and have ridden a bicycle in the past 12 months. 58-A Amala Pl., Kahului, 96732. 808/893-2332 or 877/764-2453. www.cruiserphil.com.