Iao Valley Cycling Route – Intermediate
28 miles, 1,800’ elevation gain
Ride a 28-mile out and back from our shop in Paia to the lush jungle of Iao Valley. Climb into the heart of the West Maui Mountains in Iao Valley. Tack on a bonus climb through a beautiful neighborhood next to Iao Valley to find sweeping views of the east side of the island.
What bike will I ride on Maui?
Planning a cycling trip to Maui? The island is an excellent destination for cyclists, with world-class road routes and several mountain bike trail networks. First, check out how to bring your bike with you. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from us.
At Maui Sunriders, we offer a fleet of rental bikes on Maui. For example, choose from high-end road bikes, full-suspension bikes, hardtails, e-bikes, 3-speeds, and single-speeds. Plus, our knowledgeable staff of cycling enthusiasts can help you find the right bike for your adventure. Visit us in Paia, Kihei, or Lahaina!
Ride into the heart of the West Maui Mountains.
Start by following the Paia bike path westward. Six miles in, when the road ends, take a left onto Hobron Ave, followed by a quick right onto E Kaahumanu Ave. Take the next right onto Kahului Beach road and continue oceanside for a mile or so, turning left onto Kuhio Pl. As you head inland, the gradient turns slightly uphill!
Turn left onto Makaala Dr to connect onto the Kahekili Hwy. If your only goal is Iao Valley, continue straight until you take W Vineyard street on your right. Follow W Vineyard uphill and around the corner until you connect onto Iao Valley Road.
If you’d like to tack on the bonus climb into the neighborhood next to the Valley, take your first right (Kamaile St). You’ll climb for a mile and a half or so on a quiet street. Before you continue onwards and descend, be sure to soak in the stellar view of Haleakala!
The Iao Valley climb ends in the parking area of the Iao Valley State Monument. Take a minute to look back down the valley toward the ocean. Be sure to pop your head over the side to catch a glimpse of the sacred Iao River. If you’re the adventurous type, there are a few spots where one can hop into the river to refresh!
When you’re ready to descend, just follow the same road all the way out of the valley and through Kahului. If you’re hungry, stop downtown along Main St, where there are a number of good eats, before heading back toward Paia along the bike path. Hopefully, those notorious easterly headwinds aren’t too strong for your return journey!
Conor O'Brian
Maui Sunriders contributing writer, photographer, route builder, & road cycling guide.
Conor is an avid bike rider, racer, adventurer, photographer, and graphic artist who spends his winters working for MSBC
Follow his rides on Strava!
Need a bike?
We have a full rental fleet of carbon and aluminum road bikes, as well as e-road bikes!