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.
by Maui Sunriders | Sep 18, 2014 | Blog
As part of your Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, you’ll enjoy a land tour of Haleakalā National Park’s Summit area as well as Haleakalā Crater with unbelievable views at 10,023 feet along with the unique cinder landscape and flora found only on this Maui volcano. In fact, the National Park Service (NPS) noted that if the weather is favorable when you visit the Summit, you can see 5 other Hawaiian islands from the top of Haleakalā.
But there’s so much to see at Haleakalā National Park that the land tour around the Summit and Crater that comes with your Haleakalā bike tour may just make you want to come back later and explore more of this amazing volcanic park. This park is so full of national wonders and breathtaking beauty that you’ll definitely need more than one day to see all that this volcano has to offer. The National Park Service must have thought that too because admission to Haleakalā National Park is actually valid for 3 days.
So now, what will you see in your 3 days? Well, we’ve taken note of some interesting things to do in Haleakala National Park while you’re exploring.
A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES IN HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
The NPS generally divides Haleakalā National Park into 3 different areas: the Summit Area, the Wilderness Area, and the Kipahulu Area. Of course, you’ll see part of the Summit on your Haleakalā sunrise bike tour, but you can also hike through this “high-elevation ecosystem” along more than 30 miles of hiking trails. See native Hawaii here with its “rare and endemic species” like Hawaiian honeycreepers or the Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel. Haleakalā National Park staff members are on-hand each day in the Summit area to provide education talks and answer questions about this interesting ecosystem. Or come back to the Summit at sunset and be amazed at the number of stars you can see in this brilliantly clear sky, viewed at 10,000 feet!
THE WILDERNESS OF HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK
With numerous microclimates and the diverse landscape of the Haleakalā volcano, the Wilderness Area offers a world of adventure. “Your steps will take you from brown and red cinder cones, towering hundreds of feet tall in dry, cold desert air to cloudforests dripping with red and green native ferns,” the NPS wrote. If you enjoy camping, there are two Wilderness campgrounds where you can enjoy the wilderness in a tent. And for those who want a little more of the comforts of home, you can reserve one of three historic cabins along the trails. Overnight camping at Haleakala will require a permit and a reservation is required for the cabins. You could also just simply take a day hike through this beautiful terrain. Be careful hiking at these high altitudes, however, and be sure to bring food and water along with you.
Equally beautiful but visually very different, the coastal area of Kipahulu offers visitors a different angle and view of the mountain. Lush rainforests lead visitors to gorgeous waterfalls and the famous freshwater pools of Ohe’o Gulch. Visitors can swim in this area of Kipahulu, but only when conditions allow as dangerous flash flooding can occur. Several hiking trails lead through this tropical rainforest region of Haleakalā National Park, and a drive-up campground is available. The breathtaking coastline of the Kipahulu area has several nice overlooks where you might see dolphins, monk seals, or sea turtles playing along the ocean coastline. Much Hawaiian culture can also be found in the hills of the Kipahulu area as cultural demonstrations and archaeological sites give you a glimpse into the native culture of Hawaii. You can access the Kipahulu area by driving 12 miles past the town of Hana on Hana Highway on the northeast coast. Your admission ticket to the Haleakalā National Park will also allow you access to the Kipahulu entrance as well.
EXPERIENCE THE OFFERINGS OF HALEAKALA FROM A DOWNHILL BIKE ADVENTURE
So after you’ve enjoyed the amazing views, restaurants, and shops along your self-paced Haleakalā bike tour down the volcano, the next day you could camp out in the wilderness or hike through the rainforest. The Haleakalā National Park offers a world of adventure and beauty. Why not explore all the wonders that can be found at the Haleakalā volcano?
“Seven Pools of Oheo” by Eric Chan from Hollywood, United States – Kipahulu: The Seven Pools of O’heoUploaded by PDTillman. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seven_Pools_of_Oheo.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Seven_Pools_of_Oheo.jpg
