Cycling the East Maui Loop (Expert)

106 miles, 10,500’ elevation gain

The East Maui Loop covers 106 miles, climbs more than 10,000 feet, and includes 617 hairpin turns and 59 one-lane bridges. Together, these make a full circumnavigation of the imposing Haleakalā volcano.

World-class in every sense, the East Maui Loop should only be attempted by highly experienced road cyclists. The climbs are steep and frequent, the roads are narrow and winding, and traffic can be heavy, particularly along the north side of the loop. However, the ride is also one of the most spectacularly beautiful routes we’ve experienced—not just on Maui, but anywhere. So, if you’re an experienced road cyclist looking for a ride of a lifetime, put this one at the top of your list.

The RideWithGPS route below follows the loop counterclockwise. Accordingly, the route description that follows is based on riding in that direction.

For a clockwise RideWithGPS route, scroll to the end of this blog post!

East Maui Loop: Warm Up Your Climbing Legs

We like to start this route near our shop in Paia. Right away, you’ll face a 3,000-foot climb toward Kula. After about seven miles, you’ll pass through the cowboy town of Makawao. At the T intersection, turn right. Then enjoy a brief break from the uphill as you follow Makawao Avenue to Kula Highway. Turn left there to continue climbing.

You can stay on Kula Highway or, at mile 11.5, turn left onto Lower Kula Road for a steeper but quieter, more scenic two-mile stretch that runs parallel to the highway. After those two miles, Lower Kula Road reconnects with the highway. If you’d like to continue on the quieter route, turn left onto Lower Kula Road again at mile 13.7. As before, it leads back to Kula Highway at Harold W. Rice Memorial Park, an excellent place to stop for a snack and photos. Since the park marks the top of your longest climb of the day, take a moment to enjoy the island views.

Enjoy a Well-Earned Descent

Continue along Kula Highway for a long, rolling descent toward sea level. During the first eight miles, you’ll pass Grandma’s Coffeehouse and the Ulupalakua Ranch Store. These are your last chances to refuel before Hana, around mile 62, so check their hours and plan ahead.

After passing Maui Wine and the Ulupalakua Ranch Store near mile 25, the road begins to narrow. However, traffic drops off dramatically, and the centerline disappears. Now the real adventure begins: you’re entering the vast, dry backside of Haleakalā. The road is mostly smooth, the views are epic and seemingly endless, and the turns are tight. You’ll reach sea level around mile 40; from there, expect rolling terrain for about 20 miles until Hana.

East Maui Loop Pavement Quality Degrades (Miles 45–50)

The pitches are steep, the road is bumpy, potholes are frequent, and the turns are tight. In addition, this is the most remote stretch of the ride, with food, water, and medical help far away. So stay alert and ride within your limits. Although the terrain is rough, confident riders can manage it on road bikes.

Once the pavement improves, you’ll be on the final stretch toward Hana. Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of fruit stands and the turnoff to Charles Lindbergh’s grave, around mile 51. The road continues to roll alongside the ocean; then, as you reach Maui’s easternmost point, it turns due north. Be sure to stop for food in Hana, where you’ll find a general store, a couple of restaurants, and food trucks.

Fuel Up in Hana and Prep for Part Two

Once you’ve refueled, saddle up and continue along the Hana Highway. From here, it’s about 44 miles and 4,200 feet of climbing back to Paia. However, stay alert: traffic can be busy, with lines of cars backed up along the narrow road.

If the twists, turns, and rolling terrain on Haleakalā’s backside felt challenging, get ready for the second half. Although the road remains similar, the scenery changes dramatically. In contrast to the volcano’s dry south side, Haleakalā’s north side is green, lush, and densely vegetated.

Finishing the East Maui Loop

First, you’ll climb out of Hana from sea level to about 1,200 feet over the next 11 or 12 miles. Along the way, you’ll pass several roadside options for food and drinks, so be sure to try some banana bread. Hana Farms is our favorite. Then, around mile 75, you’ll begin a descent that’s steep in places and lasts four or five miles before the rolling terrain returns.

As you ride west, watch to your left for waterfalls cascading down the volcano toward the Pacific. In addition, a couple of swimming holes are close enough to the road for a quick dip.

By the time you reach Twin Falls around mile 95, you’ll feel like you’re returning to civilization. The road continues to roll for a few more miles; after that, it’s a net descent back to Paia along the Hana Highway. Congratulations on completing a ride for the ages!

Which Direction Should I Ride?

We recommend riding this loop counterclockwise for three reasons: