Haleakala Bike Tours: Ride Down a Volcano on Maui

Imagine coasting down the slopes of a 10,000-foot volcano, past cattle ranches, eucalyptus groves and lavender farms, with views over the clouds to the ocean below. A Haleakala bike tour is one of Maui’s most memorable adventures, and you barely have to pedal.

How Haleakala bike tours work

A van shuttles you and your bike up the mountain. Today’s tours begin outside Haleakalā National Park, at around 6,500 feet, because commercial bike tours no longer ride from the summit inside the park. From there you descend through the winding switchbacks of Upcountry Maui, passing through ranchland and small towns like Makawao and Kula on many routes.

Sunrise vs. daytime tours

Sunrise tours

Sunrise packages start very early so you can see dawn from the summit before riding down. The view above the clouds is unforgettable, but it’s cold and you’ll need a sunrise reservation for the national park. Try the Mountain Riders Sunrise Bike Tour or the Haleakala Bike Company Sunrise tour.

Daytime tours

No 2 AM wake-up call. Daytime tours enjoy warmer temperatures and often add a summit visit or a breakfast or lunch stop. Options include the Mountain Riders Day Bike the Volcano tour, the Maui Mountain Cruisers mid-day tour on comfortable cruiser bikes, and the Maui Sunriders Haleakala Express.

Guided or self-guided?

• Guided tours ride in a group behind a guide, with a support van behind. They are great for first-timers.
• Self-guided tours let you ride at your own pace with route maps, stopping wherever you like.

Requirements

Requirements vary by company, but typically include:

• A minimum age, often around 12 for guided tours
• A minimum height so riders fit the bikes safely
• A maximum rider weight
• Confident bike-riding skills; this is not the place to learn
• Not recommended during pregnancy

Check each tour’s requirements before booking.

What to wear

• Warm layers: it can be cold at elevation, especially at sunrise, and rain gear is provided by many companies
• Closed-toe shoes with rubber soles
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: the sun is strong at altitude
• Comfortable clothes that won’t catch in the bike chain

Safety tips

• Ride single file and keep a safe gap from the rider ahead.
• Use both brakes gently and early on the switchbacks.
• Follow your guide’s instructions and stay alert for cars.
• Skip the ride if you’re feeling unwell or tired after a sunrise start.

Compare all Haleakala bike tours at discounted prices, or call (808) 856-3500.