If you want a real road bike on Maui, not a cruiser or a hybrid, Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents carbon road bikes and e-road bikes at three shops: Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua. We’re a locally owned bike company, and the same team that rents you the bike also repairs, fits, and sells them. The fleet is a little different at each location, so this guide covers which bikes are where, what comes with a rental, how to get the right size, and the routes worth riding from each shop.

Quick Answers About Renting a Road Bike on Maui

Where Is the Best Place to Rent a Road Bike on Maui?

Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents carbon road bikes and e-road bikes at three shops, in Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua. The best one depends on where you’re staying and what you want to ride: Paia for Haleakalā and the Upcountry roads, Kihei for the south shore, and Kapalua for the West Maui Loop. Most serious road riders end up starting from Paia.

Where Can I Rent a Carbon Road Bike on Maui?

Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents the Trek Domane SL 6 carbon road bike at its Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua shops. The lighter, race-oriented Giant TCR Advanced Pro-1 is available at Kihei and Kapalua, and the Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro carbon e-road bike is at all three.

What’s the Best Bike Shop for Road Cycling on Maui?

We’re biased, but here’s what we’d look for: a shop that rents the bikes, repairs them, and can fit you to one, because road trips rarely go perfectly. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. has operated a full-service shop in Paia since 2001, and the same team that rents you the bike handles repairs, gear, and professional bike fitting.

Where Should I Rent a Bike to Climb Haleakalā?

Rent from our Paia shop, at the base of the climb. Baldwin Avenue is the road that carries you up to Makawao, so you’re climbing within minutes of leaving the shop, and Paia has the Trek Domane SL 6 and the Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro e-road bike. For the full route, timing, and what to pack, see our roadie’s guide to climbing Haleakalā.

Can I Rent a Road Bike in Paia, Kihei, or Kapalua?

Yes. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents road bikes at all three: Paia at 71 Baldwin Avenue, Kihei at 1847 S. Kihei Road, and Kapalua at 800 Office Road. The Trek Domane SL 6 and Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro e-road bike are at every shop, and the sections below cover what else is where.

Maui Trek Road Bike Domane SL 6

The Road Bike Fleet at Each Shop

Here’s what we rent and where:

• Trek Domane SL 6 (Paia, Kihei, Kapalua): A carbon endurance road bike with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting. The geometry suits long days in the saddle better than an aggressive race position. The gearing is a 50/34 front with an 11/34 rear, and that low gear is the reason it’s a good fit for Haleakalā.
• Giant TCR Advanced Pro-1 (Kihei, Kapalua): A lighter, race-oriented carbon bike for riders who want a more responsive ride and are comfortable in a racier position. The Kihei TCR has mechanical Shimano 105, and the Kapalua TCR has 105 Di2.
• Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro e-road (Paia, Kihei, Kapalua): A carbon e-road bike with the same Di2 setup as the Domane SL 6.
• Liv Avail Advanced E+ Elite AR e-road (Kapalua only): A smaller-frame e-road bike with SRAM Rival eTap AXS. Check the rental page for the current size note before you plan around it.

Both e-road bikes are Class 3, with assist up to 28 mph. We list a range of roughly 25 to 75 miles depending on how you ride, and range extenders are available as an add-on. An e-road bike is a good fit if you’re riding with a partner who’s fitter than you, or if you want a big climb like Haleakalā without the all-day suffering.

You can see every current option on our road bike rentals page, and the e-road bikes have their own e-road rentals page with more detail.

Which Shop Is Right for Your Ride

• Paia (in the back of the Paia Plaza building, past Mana Foods): Trek Domane SL 6 and Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro. Best for Haleakalā, Makawao, Kula, Haiku, and the roads toward Hana.
• Kihei (across from Kalama Park, between Starbucks and Foodland): Trek Domane SL 6, Giant TCR Advanced Pro-1 with mechanical 105, and Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro. Best for riding the south shore through Wailea and Makena out to La Perouse.
• Kapalua (next to Kapalua Ziplines, across from Taverna and Kapalua Golf): Trek Domane SL 6, Giant TCR Advanced Pro-1 with Di2, Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro, and the Liv Avail Advanced E+ Elite AR. Best for the West Maui Loop, which runs right past the shop.

Why Paia Works for Most Road Riders

The Haleakalā climb, the Makawao Figure 8, Olinda, and Tour of Haiku all start from the edge of Paia, and our shop is the only bike shop in Paia now. We’ve operated a full-service shop here since 2001, so if something goes wrong with a derailleur or you get a flat before a big day, you can walk back in. We also sell clothing, accessories, and parts at the shop and online, and our bike service and repair team can work on bikes you bring in.

What Comes with a Maui Road Bike Rental

Every road rental includes a saddle bag with a spare tube, tire lever, and multi-tool, a frame-mount pump, two bottle cages, a helmet, a wind and rain jacket, full-finger gloves, and a lightweight backpack with a bike lock. The jacket matters more than it sounds if you’re heading up Haleakalā.

Pedals are the one thing to plan ahead on. Bikes come with flat pedals. We have a limited number of clip-in pedals, but we always recommend bringing your own pedals and shoes, since that avoids any problems getting your cleats to work with ours. Bring them to the shop and we’ll put them on for you, or we’ll install them at delivery. If you’re traveling without cycling shoes, mountain bike SPD shoes with pedals are available as an add-on.

Two rules to know. Our road bikes are not allowed off-road on any trails, and they need to stay out of the ocean. Salt water, sand, and mud can mean an excessive cleaning fee.

If you’re driving to a start point somewhere else on the island, we rent bike racks, and every shop has them. You can also have bikes delivered or transferred between shops, with a minimum rental period for deliveries. Call the shop to add either one to your reservation.

Getting the Right Size and Fit

We carry a full road fleet at each shop, but size availability changes day to day. The easiest way to check is to start a reservation for your dates on our site. If the system lets you book the bike, it’s available in your size.

If you ride a bike with a precise fit at home, tell us before you arrive. Know your saddle height, your usual frame size, and your cleat setup. It saves time at pickup and makes the first ten miles a lot more comfortable.

If you’re buying a bike, dealing with a recurring pain, or just want your position dialed in for a big trip, we also offer professional bike fitting. Our fitters have trained through Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, Retul, Trek Precision Fit, and BG Fit. Fittings come in basic, advanced, and tri/time-trial levels. Call the shop to ask about scheduling.

west maui bike rides

Road Routes from Each Shop

Our Maui road bike routes page, built by Conor O’Brian, our route builder and road cycling guide, has maps and turn-by-turn details for every route below. From the Paia shop:

• Sea to Summit: 36 miles and about 10,023 feet. The climb from the beach to the top of Haleakalā. Expert.
• Olinda Forest: 31 miles and 4,300 feet. A steep climb from the beach into a pine forest near 4,000 feet, then a steep, winding descent. Advanced.
• Makawao Figure 8: 40 miles and 4,500 feet. A long climb up Baldwin Avenue, through Makawao and up toward Kula, then a long scenic descent. Advanced.
• Tour of Haiku (Intermediate): 30 miles and 3,000 feet. Climb to Makawao, descend through Haiku, and return along the coast. A good shakedown ride before something bigger.
• Iao Valley: 28 miles and 1,800 feet. An out-and-back from Paia to the lush jungle of Iao Valley, with an optional bonus climb.
• East Maui Loop: 106 miles and 10,500 feet, with 617 hairpin turns and 59 one-lane bridges around the whole volcano. This is a serious, all-day, self-sufficient ride with no bike shops along the way and spotty cell service. Expert only.

If you’re staying on the south side and want an easy first day on the bike, start from our Kihei shop with the La Perouse ride. It’s a straightforward 22-mile out-and-back with about 1,200 feet of climbing, mostly gentle. You ride along the beach on South Kihei Road through Wailea and Makena, then across lava fields to La Perouse, some of the youngest land on Maui. The first stretch is high-traffic, so stay alert, though it thins out as you go. The last mile or so before La Perouse is rough, so on a road bike we suggest turning back where the pavement starts to break down. If you want more, there’s a longer 35-mile version back to the Kihei shop. Either way, it’s a good way to shake out your legs and check your setup before something bigger.

The West Maui Loop (60 miles, 4,400 feet) is the one to ride if you’re staying on the west side. We still recommend riding it clockwise. It’s a true loop, so you can start from anywhere on it, and our Kapalua shop sits right on the route if you want to roll out from there. If you start somewhere else and pass the shop, stop in during shop hours for water and energy gels, or if something goes wrong with your bike along the way. Kahakuloa is another good stop, with Lorraine’s Shave Ice and banana bread. The road is narrow through that stretch, so stay alert. For a wider look at what’s out there, see our guide to the best road bike routes on Maui.

Pickup Tips for Your Road Bike

• Reserve early for peak travel seasons, especially if you need a specific size.
• Ask about pre-day pickup if you want to roll out from the shop at first light. It’s only complimentary within a limited window before closing, so call and confirm the details.
• Pack arm warmers, gloves, and a windbreaker, even if you’ll only be at sea level. Weather changes fast here.
• Start early. Traffic is lighter, it’s cooler, and the afternoon trade winds haven’t picked up yet.

Ready to Reserve a Bike

You can reserve online for Paia, Kihei, or Kapalua. If you’re still working out which bike fits your plan, call 808-579-8970 and ask for the shop you want. We’ll tell you what’s in stock and what makes sense for what you want to ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Rent an E-Road Bike on Maui?

Yes. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents the Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro e-road bike at its Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua shops, and the Liv Avail Advanced E+ Elite AR at Kapalua. Both are Class 3 e-road bikes with assist up to 28 mph and a listed range of roughly 25 to 75 miles depending on how you ride.

Can I Use My Own Pedals on a Maui Sunriders Road Bike Rental?

Yes, and we recommend it. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. road rentals come with flat pedals, and we have a limited number of clip-in pedals. If you bring your own pedals and shoes, our shop team will install them on the bike.

Can I Get a Road Bike Delivered or Moved Between Shops on Maui?

Yes. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. can deliver bikes or transfer them between its Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua shops, with a minimum rental period for deliveries. Every shop also rents bike racks, and you can call the shop to add delivery, a transfer, or a rack to your reservation.

If you’re planning to climb Haleakalā, here’s how long the climb really takes at different fitness levels. If you’re deciding whether to rent or bring your own bike, here’s a comparison of renting, flying with, or buying a bike for your Maui trip. And if you’re wondering what else to pack for a Maui cycling trip, we put together a guide on how to pack for vacationing and biking in Maui.

Ready to Book?

Choose your pickup shop — Paia, Kihei, or Kapalua — and come ride Maui on a carbon road bike with us.

Haleakalā Climb, and Where to Start in Paia

The Sea to Summit climb is the ride that brings most road cyclists to Maui: 36 miles and about 10,023 feet of climbing, from the beach in Paia to the summit of Haleakalā. It’s a long day more than a brutal one, and the riders who enjoy it are the ones who start early, pace themselves, and pack for the cold on the way down. We’re Maui Sunriders Bike Co., and our Paia shop sits right at the base of the climb. This guide covers how hard the ride is, how long it takes, where it starts, what to bring, and what to know about the descent.

How Difficult Is It to Bike Up Haleakalā?

It’s a serious day, even for strong riders, but the difficulty comes from distance and altitude more than steepness. The Sea to Summit route is 36 miles with about 10,023 feet of climbing, and the grade stays mostly steady at around 5 to 6 percent, with steeper pitches through the hairpins. There’s no single wall to survive. It’s hours of steady climbing.

Altitude and weather add the rest:

• Temperature drops with elevation. A good rule of thumb is roughly 3°F for every 1,000 feet, so the summit often runs 25 to 30 degrees cooler than Paia before you account for wind.
• The air thins out. At 10,000 feet there’s noticeably less oxygen, and even strong riders slow down. Pace yourself early.
• Weather changes by side of the island. Paia and the windward side tend to be wetter and cloudier. It can be sunny at the summit and misty or raining once you drop back below the cloud line.
• Wind picks up in the afternoon. The trade winds are strongest in the afternoon, especially on the north and east shores, so a morning start is almost always the better call.

You can start in shorts in warm, humid air at sea level and finish in near-freezing wind a few hours later, on the same road. If you want more detail on conditions up top, we’ve written about how cold it gets on top of Haleakalā.

If you haven’t done much sustained climbing, you have two good ways in. You can rent an e-road bike, or you can ride a shorter climb first. Tour of Haiku (Intermediate) starts from the same shop and is 30 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing, which makes it a good shakedown ride before something bigger.

How Long Does It Take to Bike Up Haleakalā?

It depends mostly on how much climbing you’ve done before. From what we’ve seen, riders who’ve done a few 5,000-foot climbs often need 5 to 8 hours. Riders with 7,000 to 8,000 feet or more under their belts tend to take 4 to 6. Pro-level riders are typically in the 3 to 4.5 hour range. Pacing and nutrition matter more than raw fitness, and we have a longer breakdown in how long it takes to bike up Haleakalā.

Plan extra time on top of that for stops, photos at the top, and the descent, and start at first light. If you want to roll out from the shop early, ask about pre-day pickup. It’s only complimentary within a limited window before closing, so call and confirm the details.

Where Does the Haleakalā Bike Climb Start?

Our Sea to Summit route page starts at the Lower Paia Park parking area, by the beach. Baldwin Avenue, where our Paia shop sits at number 71, is the road that carries you up to Makawao, so you’re climbing within minutes of leaving town. Here’s the route in order:

• The first segment is about 7 miles and 1,800 feet up to Makawao.
• At the T-intersection, go straight up the steep pitch on Olinda Road. After about a mile, turn right onto Hanamu Road. Do not keep going up Olinda, or you’ll add six miles of climbing you didn’t need.
• Bear left at two forks onto Haleakalā Highway and ride through Kula. Kula Marketplace, just before the turn for the park, is a handy stop for restrooms and food, but check its hours if you’re riding early.
• Turn left at the sign for the national park. From there it’s about 22 more miles to the summit.
• You enter the park at around 7,000 feet, and cyclists pay an entrance fee, so bring a credit card or your park pass. The National Park Service keeps the current details on its fees and passes page.
• Make sure you finish the last half mile to the true summit. The first parking lot you reach isn’t quite 10,000 feet, and that last stretch is one of the steepest of the day.

If you’re driving to Paia, there’s a free lot near the Shell station on the way into town, and some free street parking above the post office, though it’s inconsistent. There’s also a small paid lot in front of the shop that we don’t operate. Story Maui, the coffee shop up from us, is a good spot for breakfast before a long ride, and Paia Fish Market is the classic post-ride lunch.

What Is the Best Road Bike for Climbing Haleakalā?

The Trek Domane SL 6 is a good fit for this climb. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents it at all three shops (Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua) as a carbon endurance road bike with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting. The geometry is built for long days in the saddle rather than an aggressive race position, and the gearing is a 50/34 front with an 11/34 rear. That 34-34 low gear is the reason it works well on Haleakalā. Plenty of riders who’ve never climbed 10,000 feet in one go are glad to have it by mile 25.

There are two other options worth knowing about:

• Giant TCR Advanced Pro-1: A lighter, more responsive carbon bike for riders who are comfortable in a racier position. It’s at our Kihei and Kapalua shops rather than Paia, so call us if you want one for a climb that starts in Paia and we’ll tell you what’s possible.
• Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro e-road: A carbon e-road bike with Class 3 assist up to 28 mph. We list a range of roughly 25 to 75 miles depending on how you ride it, and range extenders are available as an add-on. It’s a good fit if you’re riding with a partner who’s fitter than you, or if you want to attempt the climb without the all-day suffering. A climb this long is a lot to ask of a battery, so ask about range extenders when you reserve.

You can see every current option on our road bike rentals page, and the e-road bikes have their own e-road rentals page.

What Should You Bring When Cycling Up Haleakalā?

Every Maui Sunriders road rental includes a saddle bag with a spare tube, tire lever, and multi-tool, a frame-mount pump, two bottle cages, a helmet, a wind and rain jacket, full-finger gloves, and a lightweight backpack with a bike lock. On top of that, bring:

• Arm and leg warmers and a windbreaker. Our rental jacket helps, but don’t rely on it alone for a summit descent.
• A buff or thin cap for under your helmet.
• Extra food and water. The park lists water and restrooms at both visitor centers, but services can vary, so don’t count on them.
• A credit card or your park pass for the entrance station.
• Your own pedals and shoes, if you ride clip-ins. Our bikes come with flat pedals and we have a limited number of clip-ins, but bringing your own avoids any trouble with cleat compatibility. Bring them to the shop and we’ll put them on for you. If you’re traveling without cycling shoes, mountain bike SPD shoes with pedals are available as an add-on.

Is It Safe to Bike Down Haleakalā?

It can be, if you respect the cold. The National Park Service is blunt about the biggest risk: hypothermia is common among cyclists at Haleakalā, especially on the descent, and it doesn’t need to be winter for it to happen. You’ve been working hard for hours, and then you’re moving fast downhill at altitude through wind and mist.

The other thing to know is the road itself. There’s no bike path. You share a narrow, winding mountain road with cars and buses, and the shoulder is narrow or missing in places. The park’s bicycling information page covers both points.

Before you roll out, check the park weather forecast and the crater webcam. Carry your warm layers with you from the start instead of leaving them in a car, and make sure someone knows your plan and has a way to reach you. The park also suggests having a plan for getting down if you can’t finish. If the weather turns ugly, turning around early is a good decision.

Can You Take a Guided Bike Tour Up Haleakalā?

Only part of the way. The National Park Service doesn’t allow commercial guided tours inside Haleakalā National Park, so we can provide a ride guide up to the park entrance at 7,000 feet, and you’d ride the rest on your own. For a private ride, we can also arrange a support vehicle, though it can’t enter the park either. Call us to talk through what makes sense for your group. Our guided road bike tours page has the details, including our other guided road rides.

Where Can You Rent a Road Bike for the Haleakalā Climb?

Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents carbon road bikes and carbon e-road bikes at our Paia shop, at the base of the climb. We’re at 71 Baldwin Avenue, in the back of the Paia Plaza building past Mana Foods, and ours is the only bike shop in Paia now. We’ve operated a full-service shop here since 2001, so if something goes wrong with a derailleur or you get a flat before a big day, you can walk back in. Reserve early for peak travel seasons, especially if you need a specific size. You can reserve a road bike at our Paia shop online, or call 808-579-8970 and ask for the Paia shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Climb Haleakalā from Paia?

The Sea to Summit climb from Paia is 36 miles with about 10,023 feet of elevation gain. Maui Sunriders Bike Co. sees pro-level riders finish in roughly 3 to 4.5 hours, and riders with less big-climb experience take 5 to 8 hours, depending on pacing, nutrition, and altitude tolerance.

Can You Take a Guided Bike Tour to the Top of Haleakalā?

Not all the way to the top. Commercial guided tours aren’t allowed inside Haleakalā National Park, so Maui Sunriders Bike Co. can guide road riders from Paia only as far as the park entrance at 7,000 feet. Riders continue to the 10,023-foot summit on their own, and a support vehicle arranged for a private ride can’t enter the park either.

What Is the Best Road Bike to Rent for Climbing Haleakalā?

Maui Sunriders Bike Co. rents the Trek Domane SL 6 carbon road bike at its Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua shops, and its 50/34 front and 11/34 rear gearing makes it a good fit for the 10,000-foot climb. Riders who want pedal assist can rent the Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro carbon e-road bike, which is available at all three shops.

If you’re still deciding where to pick up a bike, we’ve put together a guide to where to rent a road bike on Maui, including what’s at our Paia, Kihei, and Kapalua shops. If you’re not sure the full climb is the right ride for you, our Maui road bike routes page has shorter and easier options. And if you’re weighing renting against bringing your own, here’s a comparison of renting, flying with, or buying a bike for your Maui trip.

Ready to Book?

Choose your road bike and click here too book! 

If you’re planning a bike ride down Haleakalā, you’ve probably noticed there’s more than one way to do it. At Maui Sunriders, we now offer both a guided downhill tour and a self-guided downhill tour, and honestly, there isn’t a “better” option between the two — there’s a better option for you. It depends on how you like to travel, who you’re riding with, and what kind of experience you’re after.

Both tours start at the same place: our shop at 71 Baldwin Ave in Paia. From there, the only real difference is what happens once you’re on the bike. Here’s an honest breakdown of both, so you can pick the one that actually fits your trip.

How Both Tours Start

Every ride, guided or self-guided, begins the same way. You check in at our Paia shop, get fitted with your bike, helmet, and gear, and then load into the van for a narrated 45-minute drive up to the staging area at 6,500 feet, just outside Haleakalā National Park. On the way up, your guide points out the landmarks, restaurants, and roadside stops you’ll pass on the way down — including Waikulu Distillery, a small agave spirits distillery in Makawao that’s worth a look if you’re into tequila.

This is also where the guided and self-guided experiences start to diverge. On the guided tour, you’ll get more time and detail from your guide on the drive up — more in-depth stories about the landmarks, the history of Upcountry Maui, and the flora and fauna you’re passing, since your guide is with you for the whole ride and can build on that narration as you go. On the self-guided tour, you get the same solid rundown on the way up, but once you’re on the bike, you’re relying on what you picked up during that drive and your own pace to decide where to stop.

The Guided Haleakalā Downhill Tour

On our guided tour, you ride behind one of our local guides the entire way down. They set the pace, lead the group to the best photo stops, and keep sharing stories about the towns, plantations, and history you’re riding through as you go — so the narration doesn’t stop once you’re out of the van.

This is the tour for people who want the full, in-depth experience without having to think about navigation, timing, or where to stop. Your guide handles the logistics and keeps the local knowledge coming the whole way down.

A guided tour is a good fit if you:

• Want a local guide with you the whole ride, not just on the drive up
• Are newer to road biking and feel more comfortable riding with a leader
• Are traveling with people of different biking experience levels and want the group to stay together
• Prefer not to make decisions about where to stop or how long to linger
• Want the reassurance of a guide riding with you from top to bottom

Pricing is higher than the self-guided tour to reflect the added guide support for the full ride — current rates are on the guided tour page.

The Self-Guided Haleakalā Downhill Tour

Our self-guided tour is the one we’re best known for, and it’s still a great option if you’d rather set your own rhythm. You get the same narrated drive up and the same rundown of local history and points of interest. Then, once you’re on the bike, you ride down on your own timetable, not a group’s, stopping wherever and whenever you want.

You’re not dropped off with a map and left to figure it out. You get the guided knowledge on the way up; you just get to use it on your own terms on the way down.

One thing people often worry about with the self-guided tour: getting lost. You won’t. The route down the mountain is essentially one road — there’s no maze of turns to remember or decisions to make about which way to go. You just follow the road down and ride at your own pace.

A self-guided tour is a good fit if you:

• Want to stop for photos, coffee, or a longer breakfast without holding up a group
• Are traveling with family and want to ride at a pace that works for your kids or your slowest rider
• Like the idea of a more relaxed, unhurried ride through Upcountry Maui
• Have some biking experience and feel comfortable riding without someone in front of you
• Want flexibility to duck into the shops and galleries in the small towns along the route

It’s priced lower than the guided option since you’re riding without a dedicated guide alongside you the whole way — current rates are on the self-guided tour page.

What the Ride Actually Looks Like

Both tours follow the same route. You’ll start at 6,500 feet and cruise down about 6.5 miles of ranch land with sweeping views of Upcountry Maui, the West Maui Mountains, and the neighbor islands on a clear day. From there, a short van shuttle bypasses a stretch of highway that’s too narrow and high-traffic for cyclists, and drops you back on the bikes for the final stretch into Makawao.

Makawao is a good spot to slow down, whether you’re on the guided or self-guided tour. If you have time to explore, we always point people to the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center — it’s free to visit and has some genuinely cool art and history if you want a break from biking. And if you’re a cookie person, grab something from the Maui Cookie Lady while you’re in town; it’s one of our team’s favorite stops on the route.

From Makawao, the ride continues about 7 miles back down to our shop in Paia, where the tour ends. The whole route runs about 5-6% average grade with switchbacks and winding roads, so you’ll be cruising in the 25-30 mph range for most of the descent without much pedaling required.

Who Can Do This Ride

This applies to both tours. Riders need to be confident and comfortable on a bike, since you’ll be sharing the road with cars and most of the route doesn’t have a shoulder or bike lane. A few specifics:

• Minimum age 15
• Minimum height 4’11”
• Maximum rider weight 280 lbs
• Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Not recommended for pregnant riders

It’s not a physically demanding ride since it’s almost entirely downhill, but it does require real bike handling skills at the speeds you’ll be moving.

Safety Either Way

Whichever tour you choose, safety works the same. All riders get a safety briefing and gear check before heading out — helmet, rain/wind jacket and pants, gloves, and a backpack are included either way — and support is available along the route if you need anything. The guided tour simply has that support riding alongside you the whole way, while the self-guided tour has it a phone call away.

So Which One Should You Book?

A simple way to think about it: if you’d enjoy having someone lead the way and keep the stories coming the entire ride down, book the guided tour. If you’d rather set your own pace, stop at the distillery or the art center on your own schedule, and explore Upcountry Maui without anyone waiting on you, book the self-guided tour. Either way, you’re getting the same incredible descent from the summit down through ranch land, small upcountry towns, and back to the sea.

If you’re still not sure, feel free to call the shop before you book. We’ll ask about your group, your comfort level on a bike, and what you want out of the morning, and tell you honestly which tour we think you’ll enjoy more. 

Ready to Book?

Choose your Haleakalā downhill experience — guided or self-guided — and come ride down the volcano with us.

“We poured our hearts & souls, blood, sweat & tears into remodeling & building our Lahaina Bike Shop in the center of Historic Downtown. For 1 ½ years my husband and i both worked 7 days a week to make our dream a reality. A Big Thank you to all of our employees that worked endlessly to Help us build such a beautiful space. This shop is sentimental to them as well. they poured their love into the building. We couldn’t have built these shops without them. thank you!” –Crystal

We had the below virtual tour made just a few weeks before the fire:

“What brought me the most pleasure from all of our hard work…was hearing locals thank us for cleaning up the neighborhood and making it safer. Parents thanking us for keeping their kids active and inspired to bike. If you were able to visit us in the 8 months that we were open, many visitors said this bike shop rivaled their mainland shops. Visitors from around the world even shared this was the coolest bike shop they had ever been in. There’s a lot of sentimental value that I will hold in my heart forever. Hearing customers thank us and reach out to us truly makes me proud to have delivered above expectation what we set out to offer the community.”

“I had a private dream I didn’t share with anyone, as an interior design major, I was hoping one day I could get this bike shop published in a Top 10 list of Best Bike Shops in America. It’s gone now and to look at all the pictures of us remodeling and building such a rad space is very heartbreaking. Extremely heartbreaking. If I could volunteer our shop to burn to save the rest… I would do so in a heartbeat. What makes this that much incredibly harder to bare is to see the complete devastation of the entire community, the loss of life, the historic architecture, character & culture, all Gone. We’re crushed right now.” 

Crystal, Co-Owner