Guided Haleakalā Downhill Day Bike Tour with Makawao Stop

Ride Haleakalā & Explore Makawao by Bike!

Trade the early-morning alarm for a full day exploring one of Maui's most famous adventures. This guided Haleakalā bike tour combines an unforgettable downhill ride with time to experience Maui's charming Upcountry communities, making it as much an island sightseeing experience as it is a cycling adventure.

Your day begins with a scenic drive through Upcountry Maui as your guide shares stories about Haleakalā's volcanic history, unique ecosystems, paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage, and the communities that call these mountain slopes home. After arriving at approximately 6,500 feet (1,981 m), you'll begin your descent through the famous 29 Haleakalā switchbacks, surrounded by cool mountain air, sweeping views across Central Maui, and rolling ranchlands stretching toward the Pacific Ocean.

As the ride continues, you'll pass through the agricultural community of Kula before stopping in the historic town of Makawao, where you'll have time to browse local boutiques, enjoy lunch or coffee, and soak up the atmosphere of one of Maui's most beloved Upcountry towns. The final miles carry you past pineapple fields, towering rainbow shower trees, and scenic countryside before arriving in the North Shore town of Pāʻia, completing an approximately 26-mile (42 km) journey from the slopes of Haleakalā nearly to the sea.

Although the ride is almost entirely downhill, riders will be traveling on public roads shared with vehicle traffic while descending grades averaging 5–6% through winding mountain roads. Confident bike handling and comfort using hand brakes are recommended. The combination of guided interpretation, scenic riding, and time to experience Upcountry Maui makes this much more than just a downhill bike ride—it's one of the island's classic day adventures.

Good to Know: Where the Ride Begins

Itinerary

1. CHECK-IN: Check in at our local office in the morning!
   
2. NARRATED RIDE TO LAUNCH POINT (45 min): The van ride will start at the check-in location. And will include narration of history and focal points such as historic churches, the historic cowboy town of Makawao, agricultural town of Kula, and upcountry area being driven through. The ride will end at the launch point of 6500 feet (1981 m).
   
3. FIRST BIKE RIDE (20 min): At 6500 feet, you are fitted with gear and begin your first downhill ride through 29 sweeping turns of Haleakala Ranch, surrounded by incredible island views.
   
4. RIDE BACK TO LAUNCH POINT (10 min)
   
5. REPEATED BIKE RIDE (20 min): The fabulous 29 switchbacks will be repeated for a more exhilarating ride the second time.
   
6. VAN TOUR THROUGH KULA (15 min): Followed by a van tour through Kula to the town of Makawao.
   
7. EXPLORE MAKAWAO (30 min): Next, relax on a short drive through Kula to Makawao, where you will have time to explore, grab coffee or breakfast, and browse local shops.
   
8. FINAL BIKE RIDE (20 min): Finish with a final bike ride from Makawao back down to Paia, ending where your tour began. More riding, more views, more Maui
   

Duration

1. 4 Hours Total
   

Location / Where to Meet

1. Check In / Departure Address: 497 Baldwin Avenue, Paia, HI 96779
   
2. Check-in takes place at your guides' office! The tour also ends back at this same location.
   

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 15 years old. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
   
2. Minimum height: 4'10" (147 cm)
   
3. Maximum weight: 280 lbs (127 kg), due to bike manufacturer limitations.
   
4. Riders must not be pregnant.
   
5. Participants must be competent, experienced, and confident bike riders. They should be able to get on and off the bike safely, keep it under complete control at all times, and be able to maneuver the bike through 180-degree turns, as well as at speeds of 18-25mph.
   
6. Riders must wear closed-toed shoes only. No exceptions.
   
7. Riders must be capable of engaging in activity at higher elevations.
   
8. Riders cannot be taking medication that may cause drowsiness or fatigue.
   
9. All riders must understand all risks involved in this tour, and must sign an acknowledgement of risk form.
   

What's Included

1. Van transportation from Paia to the launch point, with narrated commentary along the way
   
2. Volcano Chrome Cruiser bikes that are designed with drum brakes to handle the downhill ride.
   
3. Full Face Helmet
   
4. Safety briefing and bike fitting
   

1. Guided downhill ride down the 29 switchbacks (two runs)
   
2. Granola bars and bottled water
   

Not Included

1. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your drivers & guides!
   
2. Meals or beverages purchased during the Makawao stop.
   
3. Personal transportation to and from the Paia check-in office.
   
4. The tour starts at 6500' (1981 m), NOT at the summit. There is no summit visit on this tour.
   
5. There is a small gas surcharge at checkout per person.
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Closed-toed shoes (required — no exceptions)
   
2. Pants (no dresses or baggy pants)
   
3. Layered clothing — temperatures vary between the upper elevations and the coast
   
4. Sunglasses and/or prescription glasses
   
5. Sunscreen
   
6. Camera (your guides are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items)