by Maui Sunriders | Feb 25, 2015 | Blog
The Haleakalā downhill bike tour is one of the most popular things to do in Maui for island visitors. It’s relaxing and thrilling all at the same time and offers a unique perspective of Maui, one that many visitors who stay just by the beach never get to see. But many wonder how long it takes to bike down a volcano. How many miles is the bike tour? Will the bike ride be too strenuous?
From the point where you begin your Haleakalā downhill bike ride at the staging area to our shop in Paia, the bike ride is approximately 27 miles. If you take the Haleakalā sunrise or summit bike tours, you will first be taken to the Summit of Haleakalā at an elevation of 10,023 feet to explore the Summit area and Haleakalā Crater. If you opt for the express tour, you’ll be taken directly to the staging area outside of the park at an elevation of 6,500 feet.
Is the Haleakalā downhill bike tour an intense 27-mile ride? No, because the bike ride is downhill, it is a pretty leisurely bike ride. Although this Maui volcano has an average grade of 5 percent, there are many switchbacks on the first portion of the Haleakalā downhill bike tour that eliminate any extreme steepness.
Our Haleakalā downhill bike tours are self-paced offering bikers the opportunity to take their time and stop as they want along the way. Without stopping, the bike tour takes about an hour and a half. However, many bikers prefer to stop to eat at the various restaurants along the route or sightsee and shop at the many shops and art galleries in the quaint towns on the tour.
On our sunrise tour, the average return time for bikers with a stop for breakfast is around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. On the summit tour, the average return time including stopping for lunch and sightseeing around town on the way down is around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. On the express tour, the average return time for bikers is around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. including stopping for lunch and to see the town on the bike down.
Whichever you prefer, you have until 4:30 p.m. to make your way back to our shop.
Liability insurance requires that you only ride on the official Haleakalā downhill bike tour route, which ends at our shop in Paia. Biking around Paia after returning to our shop is not permitted. However, Paia and its beautiful beaches are really better experienced on foot anyway.
The self-paced nature of our Haleakalā downhill bike tour really makes it easy to ride, more enjoyable, and more family-friendly, we feel. Although a 27-mile bike ride down a dormant volcano may seem daunting, the fact that it’s a downhill bike ride and that our bike tours are self-paced provide a fun and relaxing way to see the incredibly beauty of Upcountry Maui.
(All except first photo are courtesy of PV Photography)
by Maui Sunriders | Jan 8, 2015 | Blog
You’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite after you bike the volcano. As you end your Haleakalā downhill bike tour, we’ve thrown together our list of best restaurants in Paia in addition to the terrific shopping areas this charming town has to offer.
So, if you’re looking for a great place to have a relaxing dinner, check out some of these Paia restaurants (which are in no particular order) . . .
Paia Fish Market
For delicious fish burgers, fish tacos, and other large-portioned seafood plates, Paia Fish Market is a very popular restaurant on the corner of Baldwin Ave. and Hana Highway. While not the most romantic dinner for two location with its order-at-the-counter and bench seating style, this eatery is a great place to unwind and recap your Haleakalā biking adventures in a relaxed aloha atmosphere.
Mama’s Fish House
Mama’s Fish House on the other hand is a restaurant where you can make reservations weeks in advance. This lovely eatery has picturesque views of the ocean and a unique island ambiance that draws people in from across the world. The elegant seafood dishes are as delicious as the views. However, Mama’s Fish House is a bit on the expensive side, but does serve some excellent seafood dishes along with great service.
Milagros Food Co.
For some Tex-Mex while you’re on the island, stop in at Milagros Food Company. They have a wide selection of tequila to accompany their delicious Mexican and seafood dishes.
Flatbread Company
If you’re in the mood for some tasty pizza after your Haleakalā bike tour down the volcano, try the Flatbread Company. They have gourmet pizzas and flatbreads using local ingredients along with some great salads. You may want to make a reservation though for dinner because their lines can get pretty long.
by Maui Sunriders | Jan 1, 2015 | Blog
The beautiful island of Maui has so much to offer! In addition to the unforgettable experience of a Haleakalā volcano bike tour, which we of course highly recommend, Maui boasts some absolutely picturesque hiking trails. So if you’re looking to hike in Maui after your bike tour down Haleakalā, perhaps we can make some helpful recommendations.
Hike Maui and Its Many Trails
Before we tell you about some the trails on the wonderful Valley Isle of Maui, it would be good to first mention a few basics on how to safely get the most out of any hiking adventure wherever you travel.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good tread
- Wear light clothing to keep cool, but layered clothing at the Haleakalā Summit
- Use insect repellent
- Use sunscreen
- Bring a backpack with enough water and food
- Also bring a First Aid kit, flashlight, map (preferably a paper map in case you lose cell phone service), and a compass
Now on to the trails!
Haleakalā National Park
This national park covers a diverse and engaging landscape with over 30 miles of hiking trails just in the summit area. There are several trails in the Summit Area such as the Sliding Sands Trail or the Halemau’u Trail. On these trails you can see amazing views of this volcanic landscape as well as the unique wildlife found only on Haleakalā. Because of the elevation and terrain, some of these trails are not for beginners, so check with the National Park Service for more details. Weather can be pretty extreme at the summit, so be sure to wear layers of clothing.
On the other side of the park 12 miles past Hana, you can see a totally different ecosystem by hiking through a lush tropical rainforest in the Kīpahulu Area. Here the weather is usually warm and humid. Make sure to bring rain protection, sturdy close-toed shoes, and insect repellent on this gorgeously green hike. In this area of the park, you can hike to Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools) on the half-mile round-trip Kuloa Point Trail, take the 4-mile round-trip Pīpīwai Trail through a freshwater stream to see gorgeous waterfalls and bamboo forests, or take the half-mile Kahakai Trail from Kuloa Pount to the Kīpahulu campground where you’ll pass by some interesting archaeological sites along with great ocean views.
‘Iao Valley State Park
Located in central Maui, the ‘Iao Valley State Park offers another beautiful hiking adventure and is home to the famous 1,200-foot Iao Needle, the “iconic green-mantled rock” towering above Iao stream. This tropical area is also an important historical area for the island.
“It was here in 1790 at the Battle of Kepaniwai that King Kamehameha I clashed with Maui’s army in his quest to unite the islands. Even with Iao Needle serving as a lookout point, Kamehameha defeated Maui’s forces in a ferocious battle that ultimately changed the course of Hawaiian history,” the Hawaii Tourism Authority noted.
This famously lush park offers a great hiking location for the whole family with a ridge-top lookout point and interactive exhibits at the Hawaii Nature Center in the park.
These are just a few of the hiking trails and day hiking trips you may want to plan after your Haleakalā volcano tour adventure. Maui has so much to see and do, even beyond the beaches and ocean activities. Explore all that this island has to offer, starting with an exciting Haleakalā sunrise volcano bike tour!
(First photo by Anna Hirsch)
(Second crater photo by Frank Kovalchek)
(Pīpīwai Trail photo by daveynin)
(Iao Needle photo by Curt Smith)
by Maui Sunriders | Dec 18, 2014 | Blog
Most people just think of Maui as miles of golden beaches filled with palm trees, surfers, and beach bums basking in the sun, and that would be a correct snapshot of the Valley Isle, but there is another totally different, but equally as beautiful side of the island – Upcountry Maui. Here, on the slopes of the Haleakalā volcano is a gorgeous countryside of rolling hills, crisp clean air, beautiful scenic views, and interesting communities brimming with character. As for things to do, there are plenty of activities for the Maui vacationer to try . . .
Paia Fish Market
Paia Town
Most would say the drive into Upcountry generally begins in the small town of Paia on the North Shore of Maui. In our quaint little town, there’s still plenty to do, especially for the avid shopper. In Paia, there are a number of little shops, boutiques, art galleries, and great restaurants in this former Hawaiian plantation village. Nearby are some awesome beaches, including the “windsurfing capital of the world,” Ho’okipa Beach. Maui’s little Paia is also where you can rent bikes to ride for the day or take a bike tour of Haleakalā volcano.
Haleakalā Sunrise Bike Tour.
Haleakalā Crater
A favorite Maui activity for many visitors is the Haleakalā sunrise bike tour. Although you don’t have to go at sunrise, most would say it’s definitely worth getting up early for and one of the most amazing sights they’ve ever seen. On our self-paced Haleakalā sunrise bike tours, guests are driven up to the summit of Haleakalā (at 10,023-ft) to watch this incredible sunrise above the clouds and see the spectacular cinder landscape that is Haleakalā Crater. Then guests are taken to the staging area at 6,500 feet where they get ready to bike down the volcano! Because our Haleakalā bike rides are self-paced, guests have the freedom to stop along the way back down at the many towns, restaurants, scenic areas, shops, and farms on the route all the way to Paia. So really, our Haleakalā bike tours allow guests to enjoy, not just one, but numerous Maui activities, all in one day – all at your own pace.
Kula Lodge & Restaurant
Kula Lodge & Restaurant
For instance, on the Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, you could stop to have lunch at the Kula Lodge. This “romantic hideaway” is the perfect spot to have gourmet pizza from their wood-burning pizza oven or take a picture amid a backdrop of blossoming protea, carnations, and other tropical flora as well as gorgeous views of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Makawao – Paniolo Country, Ziplines & Pineapple Tours
Another little town you’ll visit along the Haleakalā sunrise bike tour is Makawao in what’s known here as Paniolo Country. Paniolo is the term for the “Hawaiian cowboy” and Makawao is a town where the cowboys still herd cattle on ranches and compete in real rodeos. But Makawao is also filled with interesting boutiques and is a top art destination with numerous local artists and art galleries. In Makawao, there are also zipline tours available at the Piiholo Ranch or you can take a guided Maui Pineapple Tour at the Hali’imaile Pineapple Plantation.
Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm
Kula Botanical Gardens
If you’re staying in Upcountry after your Haleakalā bike tour or want to see more in Upcountry, you might head back up to Kula for a visit to the beautiful and fragrant Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm. You can take a guided tour of the lavender farm, have a gourmet picnic, or purchase some lavender bath and body products in their shop.
Kula Botanical Garden
If you would like to see more of the tropical flora found on this dormant volcano, check out the botanical garden in Kula. You can take a self-guided tour or a guided group tour of this beautiful tropical oasis.
Maui Wine
Maui Wine & Ulupalakua Ranch
Nestled on the slopes of Haleakalā in an area known as Ulupalakua is Maui Wine, the only commercial winery on the island. On the historic site of the celebrated Rose Ranch, you can enjoy a tour and tasting of this beautiful estate and vineyard. Try some of their unique, flavorful pineapple wines like Hula O’Maui, made from locally grown Maui pineapples, as well as their grape and sparkling wines. Then, you can grab a bite to eat at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store that features fresh Maui Cattle Company beef and Ulupalakua elk burgers.
There’s so much to see and do in Upcountry that you may want to stay a few days enjoying the fresh mountain air and the variety of exciting Maui activities available here in beautiful Upcountry Maui.
by Maui Sunriders | Dec 11, 2014 | Blog
Our self-paced Maui volcano tours offer an exceptional chance to see the summit of Haleakalā and the beauty of Upcountry Maui. If you crave even more adventure though after your Maui bike tour, then why not stay in this amazing countryside? There are a number of great camping spots in the Haleakalā National Park area. Some of these camping areas you can drive to and others require a bit of a hike. Several cabins are available for reservation and there are areas where you can camp in a tent. So if you’re wanting to explore more of the Haleakalā Crater after your Maui volcano tour, here’s some information about the campsites to help plan your stay.
MAUI Camping in Haleakala National Park
In Haleakalā National Park, there are two car accessible campgrounds. Hosmer Grove is in the summit area just below the 7,000-foot level in the cloud belt. There is a self-guided nature trail that begins and ends at the campground if you want to venture further into this beautiful landscape. As the National Park Service (NPS) notes, the weather can be cold and rainy here, even dropping to near freezing at night and get to around 50-65 degrees during the day. Hosmer Grove only has picnic tables, barbecue grills, pit toilets, and drinking water. Kīpahulu campground is closer to Hana about 1/8 mile south of the Kīpahulu Visitor Center and just a short walk from ʻOheʻo Gulch on the east side of the island. This campground overlooks ocean cliffs. Although the campground has picnic tables, grills, and pit toilets, there is no water available here. The NPS has drinking water available at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center.
StarGaze When Camping In Maui
Although you may have seen the incredible sunrise of Haleakalā on your bike tour, camping out in the summit district of Haleakalā National Park will give you the opportunity to also see the amazing night sky atop this volcano. The summit of Haleakalā is known as one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
In addition to biking, many who take the Maui volcano tour also love to hike. So, for those who enjoy backpacking and really want to explore the various volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā up close, there are cabins and campsites that require a hike through the Wilderness Area of Haleakalā. Three cabins are available in the Haleakalā Wilderness – Hōlua, Kapalaoa, and Palikū. The closest of the three, Hōlua Cabin, is accessed by a 3.7 mile hike on the Halemauʻu Trail. These quaint historic cabins have limited amenities like a propane stove, dishes, 12 padded bunks, pit toilets, and water that requires filtering before use, but no electricity. These cabins do go fast, so you will need to make a reservation, possibly a few months in advance. At Hōlua and Palikū, there are also campsites available. As the NPS noted, the Wilderness Area has unpredictable weather, at times steep hiking trails, and loose cinder or rock terrain, so caution and experience is needed when hiking or staying in these areas. Please see the NPS website for more information about the cabins and campsites and any permit requirements.
Camp Grounds Or Cabins In Maui
The Hawaii State Parks association also offers two camping and cabin areas on Maui. On the slopes of Haleakalā, Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area is home to a single cabin available for rent as well as tent camping sites. Polipoli Spring is about 10 miles upland from Kula on Waipoli Road. (A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for getting here.) This camping area is in the “fog belt” of the Kula Forest Reserve at an elevation of 6,200 feet with views of Central and West Maui, Kaho’olawe, Moloka’i and Lana’i in clear weather. There are restrooms and trash cans at the campsite, but no drinking water or campground showers. Along the “volcanic coastline” of Hana, the Wai‘anapanapa State Park offers camping and cabin lodging with outdoor showers, drinking water, trash receptacles, and restrooms. Visit the Hawaii State Parks website for more information about these camping areas.
So what do you think? Are you up for a little more adventure, off the beaten path? If you love the outdoors and want to experience even more of Haleakalā’s wilderness after your Maui volcano tour, these great camping and lodging areas can give you, as Hawaii State Parks noted, “solitude and respite from urban life.”
(First photo “Stars Above Haleakalā” Photo by thedaintyheart via Flickr)
(Cabin photos via NPS)
by Maui Sunriders | Sep 24, 2014 | Blog
Planning a trip to our lovely Maui? If you’re thinking of vacationing on the Valley Isle, one of the first things you’ll want to plan is where to stay in Maui. There are two main areas or “sections” of the island where most vacationers stay – West Maui and South Maui. Both areas have a number of great hotels and condominiums to stay at, so which area you choose may depend mostly on what you want to do while you’re in Maui and the atmosphere you favor. So we did a little comparison of West Maui vs South Maui to give you an idea of what to look for.
Staying In West Maui
The west side of Maui comprises areas like Ka’anapali, Lahaina, Napili, and Kapalua. It is more developed but can also be more crowded. This area of the island is very green and picturesque with lush mountains and tropical scenery wherever you look.
Ka’anapali
Ka’anapali is the main resort area of West Maui with a number of luxury resort hotels and luxury vacation rentals located along its beautiful beach. Along Ka’anapali Beach, there is a paved walking path that connects all of the major hotels along with various restaurants, golf courses, the Whaler’s Village shopping mall, and a number of Maui beach activities like snorkeling.
Lahaina
A short shuttle ride from Ka’anapali is the historic whaling town of Lahaina. This charming town boasts the famous shopping and dining area known as Front Street, full of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and souvenir stores. There are also numerous historic sites and buildings to visit in this old whaling village. Here, you can catch a boat to go whale watching, have a dinner cruise, go snorkeling, or experience numerous other boat tours from the Lahaina Harbor. Lahaina has a small number of older, restored hotels as well as bed and breakfasts and condos.
Napili and Kapalua
Up the coast a little, just north of Ka’anapali is Napili and Kapalua. These areas offer a number of less expensive condominium vacation rentals, many right on the beach. This residential area may be a little quieter than the hustle and bustle of the Ka’anapali resorts and offer some great bargain spots while still being close enough to all the action.
However, if you’re planning to spend a lot of time exploring Haleakalā National Park, taking a Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, or traveling the famous Road to Hana, staying in West Maui will make the drive to Haleakalā and Hana much farther.
Staying in South Maui
Wailea
The southern coast of Maui features the communities of Wailea and Kihei. With its luxury resorts and vacation rentals, Wailea offers what Frommer’s called a “Beverly Hills by the sea” resort experience with great shopping and dining amid the picture perfect tropical area. This Maui resort area is a little quieter than the Ka’anapali resorts because the hotels are a little further apart, but Ka’anapali offers the convenience of easy walkability to area shopping and dining.
South Maui will be a little drier and sunnier than the western coast, so if you’re primary activity is sunbathing, South Maui may be the place for you. But almost everywhere you go in Maui will have plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
Kihei
North of Wailea is the little community of Kihei. This area has been called “Maui’s best kept secret for budget/affordable accommodations.” Here you’ll find a plethora of nice and often more reasonable vacation condo rentals, but some may not have air conditioning or a daily maid service, so be sure to check. Most of these condos are also across the street from the beach, but there is less traffic in this part of Maui than in the resort areas. Because of its great beaches, the numerous Maui ocean sports available, abundant sunshine, and affordability, Kihei is a favorite spot for vacationers on a budget who still want a great Maui paradise experience.
Staying at South Maui’s Wailea or Kihei will also put you a little closer to Haleakalā, our Haleakalā volcano bike tours, and the Road to Hana.
West Maui vs South Maui: Don’t Forget to Visit Maui’s Upcountry
Wherever you stay on the beautiful island of Maui will give you a memorable Hawaiian experience. Everywhere you go will be a fun and exciting tropical adventure. Whether you stay in West Maui or South Maui, be sure to visit Maui’s Upcountry and the wonders that surround you in beautiful Haleakalā. Take a Maui bike ride down this amazing volcano and explore all that Maui has to offer.
