There’s an incredible amount of awesome stuff to see and experience on your way down from atop Haleakalā. Let’s start with the view! From the moment you embark on your journey up Haleakalā, you’ll begin to see glimpses of the majesty that is Maui; vistas and valleys, green rolling hills and so much more…
Once you’re near the top you’ll mount your bike for the trip back down. From here on it’s an at-your-own-pace adventure. Don’t forget to stop and snap a few pictures of yourself, and of course the views. The twisting and turning of the road reveals endless opportunities for selfies and staged shots with your friends.
On the way up the mountain your guide will show you where to turn on your way back down. The first right on your way down is where the long zig-zag Crater Road runs into Kekaulike Ave (hwy 377) better known as Haleakalā Highway. Much of this area is upcountry residential neighborhoods. Soon after your first right you will see Kula Lodge and Restaurant on your left (Check their hours to see if they will be open during your ride).
The next few miles is some of Maui’s most incredible rolling hills and countryside. You’ll see endless views of farms and ranches; Eucalyptus and Jacaranda trees surrounded by vibrant green meadows. There’s just no chance you’ll not stop to take a few pictures in this area.
Next up you might see a herd of goats mowing the tall grass on either side of the highway. And often there are beautiful horses standing near the fence just waiting for you to share some of the rich green grass that’s just on your side of the fence. Then you’ll cut across from Hwy 377 to Olinda Road via a short jaunt through some country backroads (turn right on Kealaloa Ave from 377 to the “Y” where you’ll take a right onto Hanamu Rd, then left on Olinda Road). It’s important to pay attention to your guide’s instructions about this easy to miss transition from the highway to Olinda road. Ahead you’ll turn left onto Olinda Road right at the Oskie Rice Rodeo Arena.
Don’t forget to checkout our Olinda Forest Bike Trail Guide!
You’ll be heading into Makawao Town now. This is a very cool town to explore so don’t be shy. The little shops, galleries and restaurants are a welcome break—especially SipMe Cafe which is open early most days. Here’s a brief list of some of the more popular restaurants and maybe some tasty bites for the next leg of your trip.
- Polli’s Mexican Restaurant
- Casanova’s Restaurant
- Rodeo General Store (hot coffee)
- SipMe Cafe (open early)
- Komoda Bakery (Maui Landmark)
- Market Fresh Bistro
- Makawao Steak House
Read “Exploring Makawao Town” for more details about this little upcountry hamlet.
Your adventure isn’t over yet! Up next you’re on your way down to Paia through some very different landscapes, passing historic churches and lots and lots of sugarcane. You’ll peddle right through Skill Village which used to be where a bunch of skilled folks used to live in support of local pineapple and sugarcane industries.
After a short while you’ll reach Paia Town where you’ll find everything unimaginable to explore and experience, including a Buddhist Stupa. Mana Foods is the local grocery store that’s an experience all on it’s own. You can get a tattoo, a pizza and local Maui handcrafted beers all right here in this little beach town. Here is a list of some of the more popular restaurants in Paia Town:
- Hana Ranch Provisions
- Cafe Des Amis
- Cafe Mambo
- Maka by Mana
- Charley’s Bar, Grill & Sushi
- Rock “n” Brews
- Milagros Mexican Food
- Paia Gelato & Hana PicNic Lunches
- Paia Bay Coffee
- Paia Fish Market
- Anthony’s Coffee
- Flatbread Pizza
You can read more about Paia Town in, “Stopping for Lunch in Paia Town”.
This is just a taste of the different areas along your Maui Bike Trip. You’ve got a lot of time to explore and enjoy the countryside and the local flavors. Make the most of your trip by creating memories and going further on the backroads of Maui.
Here’s an overview map of the entire trip:
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