by Maui Sunriders | Jul 8, 2015 | Blog
Maui Sunriders is located in the small town of Paia, Maui. We love our little bohemian town for it’s unique town center, great shopping, colorful community members, and of course, awesome location— a great little beach town on the North Shore.
A few months ago, we upgraded our bike fleet. We feel like it’s important to have top of the line gear for our downhill bicycling customers, so we upgrade every year or two.
But we wondered what to do with 45 Trek bikes that we were retiring? They were all in reasonably good condition and Trek bikes are high quality machines. Then it hit us, the Paia Youth & Cultural Center!
Paia Youth & Cultural Center under a rainbow sky.
The Paia Youth & Cultural Center or PYCC as it’s more commonly called is a local United Way agency that provides daily activities— including counseling, mentorship, and homework assistance— and life skills education for the town’s youth. They run a local radio station, a skate park, and a cafe. The PYCC serves children and youth from 9-21.
We have raised our own children on the island and have seen some of the challenges that teens face in finding positive outlets and activities.We know that the PYCC offers a very valuable resource for families and youth in our community.
So, we decided to donate our fleet’s bikes to the PYCC, as a way to support the work that the PYCC is doing. The kids could keep the bikes at the PYCC or take them home.
We really enjoyed donating the bikes, but clearly, the kids were the ones who enjoyed it the most!
Thanks for letting us give back, PYCC! Mahalo!
Psst, you can donate here, if you think the PYCC is as awesome as we do!
by Maui Sunriders | Jul 2, 2015 | Blog
Sunrise view from the Haleakalā summit
At one of the most beautiful spots on the island, you will never forget watching the sunrise from the summit of Maui’s Haleakalā volcano—and there’s no better way to experience it than on the Maui Sunriders Sunrise Bike Tour! In order to have the best possible experience, there are a few things you will need to know!
Dress Warmly for the Summit
Believe it or not, the Haleakalā summit gets quite cold and windy in the early morning hours. While you might not expect to bring your jacket to Hawaii, you will definitely need it in the crisp morning air 10,000 feet above sea level. Temperatures at sunrise will likely be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to bring a warm blanket for the early morning hours, you can leave it in the tour van to pickup at the end of the downhill ride.
Although the weather can be unpredictable at this altitude, we do provide wind/rain gear as part of your Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, including jackets, gloves, and pants if you need them.
Dress in Layers
Just as you don’t want to get too cold at the summit, you also want to avoid getting too hot on the way down. Bring easily removable layers on the Haleakalā sunrise bike tour to make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. Although you might start the day in a warm winter jacket, you will probably conclude your journey in a T-shirt and shorts! We provide backpacks for each rider, so you can store these extra layers on the way down.
Bring Some Snacks and Plenty of Water
There are many restaurants along the bike route where you can buy breakfast or lunch, but you may want to pack a few light high-energy snacks to keep you going after your early-morning start. You will also want to drink plenty of water. Although you won’t be at high-altitude for very long, hydrating with lots of water and electrolytes is an important part of avoiding potential altitude sickness.
Start your journey at 10,023 feet!
Take Your Time!
Set aside a whole day for your tour and don’t be afraid to relax! There’s no race to the bottom, and in fact, the adventure begins long before you ever mount your bike. Take your time to enjoy the serene twilight in the moments before the dawn breaks, and stick around to watch the whole sunrise. The crowds can thin soon after sunrise, and you’d be surprised at how quickly you can have the majestic summit vistas almost all to yourself! Once you get on your bike, you will have plenty of time to soak up the pure mountain air and unbelievable views. The Haleakalā bike ride is all self-paced, and you don’t have to return your equipment to the shop until 4:30 p.m.
The Bike Ride is all Downhill
Our unforgettable Haleakalā bike rides are all downhill, so they are friendly to a wide range of fitness and skill levels. Riders won’t have to do any strenuous pedaling, but you will be navigating some winding mountain roads, so we want to make sure you are very comfortable with steering and breaking. If you stay focused and don’t ride recklessly, you and your companions should be able to enjoy every minute of this leisurely ride. You are encouraged to go at your own pace, and if at any time you feel uncomfortable or need assistance, we will be happy to come help or have someone pick you up.
If you have additional questions about this, or any of our other tours, don’t hesitate to contact us. Follow these tips, and we know you’ll have an amazing Maui adventure you won’t forget!
(Sunrise photo by Dustin A. Lewis via Flickr)
(Elevation marker photo by Gabriel Amadeus via Flickr)
by Maui Sunriders | Jun 17, 2015 | Blog
Sunrise at the summit of Maui’s majestic dormant Haleakalā volcano is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see, and together with family and friends, you’ll be making some amazing memories you won’t ever forget. Just what is it that draws so many people to this magical spot every morning? We believe this experience is made not just because of where you are, but also who you are with! Here are a few theories on just what makes the Haleakalā sunrise so special.
ps.. keep in mind sunset is equally special and many locals will share it’s even better! Especially if you are choosing between the Haleakala sunrise bike tour, and the sunset tour.
An Amazing New Spectacle Every Day
Up above 10,000 feet in elevation on an island, the weather can be widely varied and unpredictable. This means that you should come prepared with warm layered clothing, but it also means that conditions for sunrise change to create a new natural spectacle every day! Before dawn, you will typically find the sky blanketed in soft clouds stretching out towards the horizon. Up at the summit of Haleakalā, you will actually be above this cloud cover with little more that a few neighboring peaks visible. In these magical predawn moments, the view of these peaks is not unlike a miniature glimpse of the greater Hawaiian island chain below, poking up from the rolling sea of clouds. Rich warm colors will quickly spread throughout the sky before the sun begins its climb, bursting forth in a flood of warmth and color. Stick around to experience the full sunrise before you leave. Once the sun gets high enough, the thick cloud cover will often melt away, revealing the full expanse of our beautiful island below you.
A Magical Experience Rooted in Legend
The island of Maui is named after the traditional Hawaiian demigod Maui, and the Haleakalā volcano is the site of one of his famous escapades. Maui is a heroic figure, but also a bit of a trickster as well. When his mother wished for more hours of sunlight during the day for her beautiful textile crafts, Maui had to get creative. During the night, he climbed up to wait at the summit of Haleakalā, which actually means “house of the sun.” As soon as the sun rose from its bed in the crater of the volcano, Maui lassoed it and convinced it to travel through the sky more slowly for half the year during the summer.
A Once in a Lifetime Adventure
Catching the incredible colors of the Haleakalā sunrise means waking up well before dawn to get to the summit in time. Even if you’re not usually a morning person, there’s something special about the anticipation that has everyone up and focused on a common goal. Whether your traveling with friends, as a couple, or with the whole family, you’ll be making the kinds of memories you won’t soon forget.
Once you get to the summit, the predawn temperatures can be below freezing, so don’t forget to pack warm clothes or even a blanket to wrap up in. It won’t be long before the light show begins, but the time spent huddled together with your family is well worth the wait!
(Haleakalā sunrise photo by The Good Reverend Flash via Flickr)
(Predawn photo by paul bica via Flickr)
(Haleakalā crater photo by Navin Rajagopalan via Flickr)
by Maui Sunriders | May 28, 2015 | Blog
Sunrise at the summit is one of the world’s best photo ops, and you will definitely want to make sure to have a good camera ready to go! Stock up on some unbelievable images to remind yourself of your travels and share with your friends and family back home.
What Kind of Camera Should You Bring?
Up on the Haleakalā volcano, you’ll see people taking still photos will all kinds of digital cameras. These typically fall into categories of DSLRs with viewfinders and detachable lenses and “point and shoot” unibody cameras without separate lenses. What you choose to bring is up to you. DSLRs offer the best quality images and customizability, but only if you know how to use them. If you’re going to simply stay on the automatic setting, you’re really better off with a point and shoot. These compact cameras now offer high quality images with very intelligent automated settings, and remember that they are much smaller and lighter than DSLRs. Maui Sunriders provides a backpack for your gear, but it’s still a good idea to travel light. Cell phone cameras are also always growing in popularity. They offer great portability and convenience, and recent models even have pretty competitive quality. Check out this brief list from tomsguide.com of a few of of 2015’s best cell phone cameras.
Framing and Composition
A simple illustration of the rule of thirds
Get creative with framing your photos. Centering your subject (i.e. the sun or your family) can create a dramatic powerful effect, but some of the best compositions offset the subject to the side. Often this can be done according to the rule of thirds. Simply superimpose a mental grid of nine squares over your image and line up your focal point where two of the lines intersect.
Capture the Energy
Think about the energy in your picture, and remember that the flow should always be moving inwards into the frame. Talking about “energy” may sound mysterious, but it’s really easy to see once you get the hang of it. Energy merely indicates the direction someone may be looking in or where the sun’s rays are radiating. Sometimes energy can actually refer to the direction your subject is moving (like on a bike!). Again, the motion should always be traveling inward into the open part of your photo. If your subject is too close to the edge moving outwards, your whole picture will feel cramped and awkward.
Close-up framing adds energy and expression to this great Maui Sunriders moment.
Enjoy the Moment
Even with your newly honed photography skills, at Maui Sunriders, we still always like to encourage our patrons to enjoy the moment with their friends and families. Don’t spend too much time buried behind your camera or phone. Your pictures will never do the experience justice, and the moment will be over before you know it!
(Sunrise panorama by Hawaii Savvy via Flickr)
by Maui Sunriders | May 7, 2015 | Blog
The Maui Sunriders Haleakalā bike tour experience is a truly amazing life experience that everyone should have on their bucket list. Even if you’ve never been before, our knowledgeable guides and other friendly locals are happy to point you in the right direction and help you get the most out of your trip. To help get you started, we’ve teamed up with one of our recent Maui Sunriders adventurers, Cam, who has written more about her journey in her own blog. Read on to discover five pro tips that we’ve put together to make your Maui bike tour unforgettable!
Vans take you up Haleakalā to begin your Maui bike adventure
1. Pay Attention on the Van Ride up to the staging area at 6500′
Before your Maui downhill adventure can begin, your tour group will travel by van 25 miles up Haleakalā. During the ride, our friendly tour guides will give some fun information about the volcano as well as directions for the descent. In these peaceful hours before dawn, Cam recommends that you “try not to doze off, some instructions are important so you know how to get back to our starting point.”
2. Take Steps to Avoid Motion Sickness if Necessary
Most people will find the ascent up the mountain to be a perfectly relaxing ride, but if you are sensitive to motion, take steps in advance to keep ahead of the car sickness. Cam recommends taking motion sickness medicine and sitting closer to the front of the van if you anticipate any problems.
3. Dress in light layers for the ride and Pack Warm Clothes and Blankets if you plan to go up on your own for sunrise or sunset
For the start of the bike ride it can often be in the low-mid 60’s. If the skies are looking blue and we’re expecting sun, riders can get away with shorts and a shirt. Maui Sunriders provides wind/rain jacket and pants that will help if there is any wind, showers/rain, or simply a little chilly at the start. If the day is looking overcast or chance of showers, we recommend pants or leggings and light layers that you can remove and put in the backpack we provide for you. If your not sure what to wear – you can always bring extra layers up and if you decide that you don’t need them…you can give them to your driver/guide and the can drive them back down to the shop for you inside one of the vans.
If you plan to go up to the summit on your own for sunrise or sunset, remember that it can be very cold at before dawn and after the sunsets (below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) so pack accordingly! Bring a winter jacket and enough layers to stay warm. Maybe even bring a few extra blankets to wrap up in.
4. Take Lots of Photos, but Stay in the Moment!
Get creative with your photography! There are plenty of great angles… go wide angle, zoom into the sun, and experiment with different perspectives by taking shots close to the ground or framing other objects for reference. Whatever you do, remember to enjoy the moment and don’t stay buried behind your camera. As cam reports, “photos will never do justice, you need to see it in person yourself!”
A beautiful gazebo overlooks the gardens at the Lavender Cafe
5. Take Advantage of Places to Stop on the Way Down
You have until 3:30 p.m. to return your gear to the Maui Sunriders shop so there’s no rush! There are lots of quaint places to grab a meal with good food and spectacular scenery, and at Maui Sunriders, we provide bike locks in your backpacks so you can take advantage of many of the great spots along the way. Cam stopped at the Lavender Cafe for macadamia nut pancakes, fresh coffee, and a walk around the beautiful lavender-filled gardens. Further down the road, she also recommends a place called Komodas Bakery that offers fresh-baked donuts, as well as several farm stands along the way. Bring cash so you can take advantage of their delicious fresh fruit!
(Sunrise and gazebo photos courtesy of Cam. Read her entire blog at www.camchowda.com)
by Maui Sunriders | Apr 23, 2015 | Blog
Maui is a geological treasure trove where violent volcanic activity once birthed entire islands out of the middle of the ocean. Today, a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna live alongside hardened lava flows—some of which are estimated to be over a million years old. Over the centuries, this breathtaking landscape has inspired many traditional myths and legends featuring the demigod Maui and Haleakalā (the “house of the sun”), and it continues to draw geologists and other scientists today. Here are a few fun Haleakala facts to share with your friends on your next Haleakalā volcano tour!
A Window into the Past
Hawaii is situated near the center of the Pacific tectonic plate where weak areas in the Earth’s crust have allowed molten lava to seep through and create a chain of volcanic islands. Maui is actually one of the younger islands in the group and was born where two volcanos joined to create the “valley isle.” Haleakalā, the larger of the two, is actually estimated to have once reached up to 12,000 feet; however, millennia of erosion have worn it down to form the signature crater at it’s summit. Today, our Haleakalā volcano tours bring you and your bike to the highest point at 10,024 feet.
Haleakalā Today
Now in the 21st century, Haleakalā is not actually an extinct volcano, but merely dormant and has not seen active volcanic activity since 1790. Its calmness is actually attributed to the slow movement of the Pacific Plate, meaning that over time, the island has moved northwestward away from the volcanic “hot spot.” This movement is slow—very slow—only about 2 centimeters a year, but believe it or not, this drift gradually created a string of islands that starts from Hawaii and leads 2,500 miles towards Japan. Even now, the young island of Hawaii continues to grow; however, it’s unclear whether or not the majestic island of Maui will even see volcanic activity again. Rest assured, the volcano is closely monitored, and safety plans are in place in the unlikely event the ancient mountain should ever reawaken.
A Stairway to the Heavens
The volcano is not only a great place for biking and exploring but is also home to an astrological observatory! The same clear mountain skies that make for such beautiful sunrises on our Haleakalā volcano tours are also perfect for getting clear images of the heavens with minimal air and light pollution. At 10,000 feet above sea level, the observatory actually sits above one third of the Earth’s atmosphere—what the University of Hawaii calls “one of the most sought-after locations in the world for ground-based telescopes.” The facilities are not currently open to the public; however, their website lets you get a peak at some of their work and even view observatory webcams!
Sources:
(Haleakala Facts and geological image courtesy of the National Park Service)
(Haleakala Facts and observatory image courtesy of the USGS Haleakalā Volcano Observatory)
